Story and photos by Randy S. Peregrino
SINCE its introduction last year, the latest generation of Nissan NP300 Navara had gained attention widely from the local market. With the manufacturer’s bold move to adapt a multilink rear suspension system, the first and only in its class proved that toughness and comfort can be achieved at the same time.
Moreover, its hauling capacity is fortified by a power train with the highest output per displacement. These notable elements, along with other significant enhancements, paved the way for this vehicle to earn prestigious accolades, such as the country’s Car Awards Group Inc. 2015 “Truck of the Year” and the coveted 2016 International Pickup Award in Lyon, France.
As a way to commemorate its first anniversary and achievements, Nissan Philippines Inc. recently invited select members of the motoring media for more than an 800-kilometer drive to Sagada in Mountain Province and back, subjecting the truck in a grueling test of endurance. At dawn, all participants assembled at the Nissan North Edsa dealership for a briefing on vehicle assignments, safety precautions and itineraries. Commissioned for the event were five stunning Navaras, together with two top-end X-Trails, acted as lead and sweep cars, respectively.
Teamed up with fellow scribes Aris Espinosa and Eggay Quesada, we boarded the striking Savanna Orange NP300 and took off second to the last from the group. The Navara has a tough-looking fascia with sleek hood, which complements the defined arches. As a rear passenger, it didn’t take long to notice the higher bench seats combined with generous legroom, which made it easy for a relatively taller guy to settle in. The entire freeway stretch became seamless and nothing but coziness, thanks to the soft ride, cool air-conditioning and soothing music from the audio system, minus the noise from the outside until we reached the outskirts of La Union.
As we began to encounter ascents in Kennon Road, this pick-up demonstrated effortless acceleration as if we were on a leveled road, and not even the zigzag path created any hurdles. Shortly, we reached Café by the Ruins in Baguio City and savored the delectable Filipino breakfast.
We then proceeded and started traversing Halsema Highway—dubbed as one of the world’s dangerous roads. But the Navara is not about to back down as it showcased outstanding behavior and conquered every changing terrains and tight turns.
Despite the challenging route, the entire convoy finally reached the highest point in the country’s highway system where we took several snapshots. Wasting no time, the group progressed with this writer behind the wheel and just when we thought that we’ve seen enough, descending twists with hairpin passages started to surface. Equipped with a manual mode, it became necessary to downshift and capitalize on engine braking in order to maintain control while rolling through constricted curves.
At random elevations, all it needed was the available 450 Nm of torque in the low-end range to maintain the force and soar smoothly. Opted to activate the 4X4 drivetrain’s on-the-fly switch to 4H for maximum tire tractions, constant maneuvering became manageable, which was aided by the gentle and reactive steering. Reaching the town wasn’t strenuous at all as we made a brief stopover at the Rock Inn Hotel to freshen up, immediately resumed, and made it to the camping site in Kiltepan Peak to conclude our extensive voyage.
Camping has never been so convenient, thanks to the sophisticated tents, airbeds, chairs, coolers and other gears provided by Coleman. Everybody enjoyed the mouth-watering grilled meats and sausages for dinner while watching schoolchildren performed their traditional Igorot dance and socials afterward.
The next day, everyone got to witness the beautiful sunrise from nearby plateau, had breakfast, packed up, and drove back to the town proper to see other famous tourist spots. While the others went on to see other places, some opted to rest during free time. Again, the entire unit capped the night with banquet, hotdog and marshmallow roasting.
On our last day, we left Sagada and took the same route via the treacherous thoroughfare only this time, accustomed and well-practiced, making the trip back to Baguio City stress-free and just in time for lunch in Cafe Vallejo. As we continued, taking the helm anew at the start of the expressway with one purpose in mind—to test the existing cruise control.
The function is not the conventional type that engages when you set while disengages upon stepping on the brake pedal.
When employed at any desired speed within the limits, you can increase or decrease the recorded pace based on your preference through the control button embedded on the steering wheel, while your feet rest freely on the floor.
That remarkable feature of the Navara made everything smooth until we all made it back to Nissan North Edsa safe and sound.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino