New Nissan Navara Sport Edition launched

NISSAN PH’s new president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhan (right) and general for marketing SJ Huh present the Navara Sport Edition. Photos by Ardie O. Lopez

What does the king of the hill do when he’s got nothing left to prove? For one thing, he can dress the part.

Unveiled recently by Nissan Philippines Inc.’s new president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhan is the latest iteration of Nissan’s 2015 Truck of the Year, the Nissan NP300 Navara Sport Edition.

The award-winning pickup has certainly proven its mettle when faced with stiff competition in last year’s closely watched “pickup wars,” emerging victorious, having been chosen by a group of motoring journalists after passing a rigorous series of tests with flying colors.

Since then, Nissan had subjected the Navara to more real-world testing, like a no-holds-barred drive to Ilocos Norte that was capped off with an afternoon of extreme off-roading on the sand dunes of Paoay.

Earlier this year, the Navara was put through a test of comfort and extreme distance drivability when it scaled the high altitudes of Sagada, Mountain Province, impressing another group of well-experienced motoring journalists.

HONEYCOMB grille and aerodynamic front skirt enhance Navara’s rough look.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it

Despite already bearing rugged and athletic looks, Nissan’s product development department felt the very capable Navara had more than earned its badge of honor, and decided to give it a special edition worthy of its accomplishments and accolades.

A striking honeycomb grille now bedecks its front end, complemented by an aerodynamic front skirt and dark chrome-rimmed fog lamps, thus further toughening that Navara gaze.

More dark chrome was used to accentuate the Navara Sport Edition’s side steps and rear bumper.

Giving a boost to functional aesthetics are a new sport roll bar with an LED lamp, a durable under rail bed liner to keep the Navara’s deck and sidings well protected, and a new set of alloy wheels that were bumped-up to an 18-inch rim size.

Everything about the new Navara Sport Edition now speaks of toughness, from its brutish power to its ready-for-anything looks.

The goodies don’t end with the outside though, for a new premium leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, armrest and door trims won’t make you forget that this edition is special indeed.

Of course, the Navara Sport Edition still comes equipped with Nissan’s iconic air-conditioning system, premium entertainment system, and unique zero-gravity inspired seats that considerably enhance comfort especially during long and arduous drives.

MORE dark chrome for side steps and rear bumper

Same heart pumps within

Still powering the Navara with abundant torque and ample horsepower is its 2.5-liter dual overhead camshafts, 16-valve in-line four-cylinder diesel engine with variable turbocharger and intercooler, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Adding to an already extensive line of variants of the Nissan Navara is the Sport Edition, available in Aspen White and Riptide Blue, from all Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Prices range from P1.275 million (for the 2.5-L 4×2 EL 7AT caliber) to P1.656 million (for the top-end 2.5L 4×4 VL 7AT). The new Nissan NP300 Navara Sport Edition is now suited up for any mission.

How much more extreme you want go from here is entirely up to you.

EVERYTHING about the new Navara Sport Edition now speaks of toughness, from its brutish power to its ready-for-anything looks.