Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
THE country’s 2015 Car Awards Group Inc. (Cagi) Truck of the Year, Nissan Navara has leveled up anew to further fortify its reputation in the market for being tough and smart.
Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) recently introduced the new Sport Edition at their dealership in North Edsa, Quezon City. “We are proud and very excited to unveil the latest variant of our award-winning pickup. Continuing the legacy of Nissan’s long pickup history, the brand once again exhibits innovation that excites with the new Nissan Navara Sport Edition, answering to the call of the consumers who are looking for a pickup that offers riding comfort, first-in-class features and sportier look,” said Ramesh Narasimhan, NPI president and managing director.
For the most part, numerous aesthetic add-ons and refinements were installed to project a more athletic appearance to the pickup’s already robust exterior. The massive front-end now looks more striking, thanks to the fresh honeycomb front grille aligned to the keen-looking projector-type headlamps equipped with daylight running lights (DRL), along with the fog lamps and the new front chin, which provides a bolder impact. Also, the cargo bed now has a durable under rail liner to protect the metal surface from unwanted scratches. What makes it even better is the addition of a fiber-glass sport roll bar, which is not only stylish but provides an aerodynamic factor. Additionally, it is fitted with roof-levelled LED brake lamp. As for the polished parts, the front grille, fog lamps outer frame, sidestep board and rear bumper have gone into a more daring dark-chrome finish. And of course, completing the exterior upgrades are the two-toned 18-inch alloy wheels with wide 255/60 series tires.
Interior-wise, the three-spoke steering wheel, arm rest, door trims and shift knob are now wrapped with fine leather material for that premium touch. Snug driver and passenger seats remained enfolded with soft and durable fabric, and still carry the Zero-Gravity-inspired intended for spinal support to reduce fatigue during long drives. Those silver accents and borders are still there to harmonize with the dark-themed cabin. The dashboard’s modern layout highlights delineations that fashions an engaging aura for the occupants to appreciate aside from the manufacturer’s renowned air-conditioning system’s ability to distribute cold air evenly throughout the compartment with numerous vents even at the rear.
Powering the Navara Sport Edition is the same strong 2.5-liter inline, four-cylinder with variable geometry turbocharger (VGS) diesel engine with outputs depending on the drivetrain. The 4X4 variant’s motor is rated at 188 hp at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of maximum torque, while the Calibre 4X2 is detuned yet still potent with 161 hp and 403 Nm of maximum torque. Both are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. What is more, this award-winning truck is fitted with the first-in-class multilink rear suspension system, which provides an absolute comfortable ride.
Available standard safety features are driver and front passenger SRS air bags, antilock brake system with electronic brake force distribution, and vehicle stability control (exclusive to 4X4 VL version only), among others.
The Navara Sport Edition 2.5L 4X4 VL 7AT is priced at P1.656 million, while the 2.5L 4X2 EL 7AT Calibre at P1.275 million. Both models are exclusively available in Riptide Blue and Aspen White.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino