Award-winning Nissan NP300 Navara wins international pickup crown

MANILA, Philippines – The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara has won the coveted International Pickup Award 2016 at a ceremony in Lyon, France.

Nissan’s freshly launched pickup fought off stiff competition from Mitsubishi L200 (Strada) and Ford Ranger with judges praising its superior on-road and off-road capabilities, strong engine performance and payload capacity.

The all-new NP300 Navara underwent the rigorous International Pick-up testing process, being judged for its off-road ability, on-road performance and its value for money. The pick-ups were also tested on their ability as a workhorse, which included comparing towing capabilities.

The new NP300 Navara delivers crossover-inspired comfort and refinement while maintaining the Navara’s acclaimed off-road ability, durability and load capacity.

Its robust chassis introduces a host of new features, including an all-new five-link rear suspension for the Double Cab model and an impressive load bed, which is 67mm longer than the previous model.

The wealth of innovative and affordable in-car technology such Around View Monitor (AVM) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), designed to further improve driveability and practicality, are also unique to the pick-up market.

Philippe Guérin-Boutaud, Corporate Vice President Nissan LCV BU, said: “This prestigious award celebrates Nissan’s 80 years of pick-up expertise. Rigorous testing by International Pick-up of the Year illuminated the tough and innovative character of the all-new Navara.”

“Nissan is best known by its customers in Europe as the maker of capable 4x4s and breakthrough crossovers.  This new Navara represents the fusion of those two realms of excellence to deliver a truly breakthrough pickup truck that combines rugged 4x4 toughness with the sophistication and efficiency of a Crossover”, added Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles for Nissan Europe.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the International Pickup of the Year by a panel of the most experienced commercial vehicle journalists across Europe. Thank you to the IPU jurors for this award and for this powerful endorsement of the new Nissan Navara’s product excellence”.

In the Philippine market, the Nissan NP300 Navara 4x2 was awarded the Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) 2015 by the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI), an award giving body comprised of veteran motoring journalists. The Nissan NP300 Navara bested other manufacturers during the testing process, resulting to it being awarded the Best 4x2 Pickup in addition to the TOTY-P 2015. CAGI also awarded the Best Compact Crossover Award to the New Nissan Juke, for its exciting drive and bold design.