February 4, 2015

2015 Nissan NP300 Navara Ushers In the Philippine Pick-Up Wars (w/ Brochure)


“Let the truck war begin,” stated a visually gleaming Antonio ‘Toti’ Zara, Nissan Philippines’s President and Managing Director. He has every reason to be ecstatic. Just a few seconds before marching up the stage, he literally pulled it, band and all, using the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara. The rock concert theatrics isn’t new (Ford pulled the same feat with the Ranger back in 2002), but Mr. Zara’s warning shot against the competition is well-founded: Nissan is bring its big guns to the fight.

With over 80 years of experience in the pick-up truck genre, the all-new NP300 Navara (yes, that’s the full and formal name) is the twelfth generation model that comes to war with a tougher body and smarter features than ever before.

“Every day at Nissan, we challenge ourselves with possibility to make good products, even better. Trucks are definitely tough, that is a given, but what sets us apart, is that we redefined Tough and we equipped it with innovation that makes it Smart. The All-New NP300 Navara is the truck that will make you proud no matter what the situation, be it a rough road drive or a relaxed cruise in the city,” proclaims Mr. Zara.


From the company that pioneered segment-first technologies such as a 3.0-liter diesel (3.2-liter to be exact) and a 6-speed manual, the all-new NP300 Navara carries that innovative tradition. Under the hood comes the next-generation 2.5-liter YD25 DDTi 4-cylinder engine. Packing a variable-geometry turbo across the line, the NP300 Navara produces muscular numbers: 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque or 163 horsepower and 403 Nm of torque depending on the model. The burlier engine, reserved for 4x4 variants, has the most power and torque output per liter of displacement in its class. Mated to either engine is a choice between a manual or automatic transmission. Customers opting for three pedals get standard 6-speed boxes while those who prefer the convenience of an automatic get the benefit of 7 forward gears with manual override.

The engine forms just a part of the NP300 Navara power formula. Underneath, it rides on a full-length, fully-boxed frame that adds torsional rigidity adding to its toughness and durability. At the back, it swaps the traditional leaf spring suspension for a more sophisticated five-link with coil spring and stabilizer bar set-up. This makes for a smooth and effortless performance whatever the condition, whatever the terrain. Indeed, this is one pick-up that will impress even your mother-in-law. And don’t worry. According to Nissan, the swap to the more sophisticated suspension has no detriments to the NP300 Navara’s payload and towing capacity: 1,000-kg and 3,500-kg respectively.


Enveloping this tough and smart drivetrain is a sportier and more developed body. Carrying the distinctive Nissan styling DNA on its shoulder, the NP300 Navara carries motifs such as the “V-motion” grille successfully. The angular lines carry to the headlights that now come with LED daytime running lights with the segment’s first LED headlights (for VL models). At the side, the high beltline and blacked B-pillar accentuates the prominent and towering stance (overall height is 1,840-mm) while two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60R18 tires create a truly tasty look. At the back, a rear camera peeks through near the black tailgate handle (VL models) while the standard rear spoiler cuts aerodynamic drag making this one slippery truck (0.375 co-efficient of drag).

Inside, the NP300 Navara eschews all forms of angularity for one that’s organic and comfort-centric. In certain instances, you can actually mistake it for a passenger car. The all-black color scheme is dominated by three-dimensional surfaces which lends a feeling of space. Front and center to the driver is a new instrument cluster panel using Nissan’s Fine Vision technology. This enables the driver to read through a multitude of information and menus in an easy-to-read and concise manner. The front passengers are treated to NASA-inspired Zero Gravity Seats (standard on the Altima executive sedan and X-Trail crossover) that reduce fatigue by distributing body pressure evenly across the seating surface. There’s excellent comfort on the go as well with blower vents for the rear passengers. There’s also a ton of infotainment functions including CD, MP3, USB, and even Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free telephony. The sound is channeled through a 6-speaker system.


The go-anywhere, do-anything attitude of the NP300 Navara may sound like an adrenaline junkies’ dream, but thankfully, it comes loaded with all sorts of features to keep you safe without sacrificing performance. Aside from the aforementioned rear camera, it comes with dual SRS airbags, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), TCS (Traction Control System), ABLS (Active Brake Limited Slip), HSA (Hill Start Assist), and HDC (Hill Descent Control). Tough, smart, and indeed, safe as well.

Nissan Philippines is aiming squarely at becoming a major player in the pick-up truck market, with a target set at no less than third in the segment (300-400 unit sales per month). With the Frontier now biting the dust (halleluiah), the NP300 Navara is now the company’s sole pick-up whether you’re a fleet or private customer. It comes in four shades: Savanna Orange, Galaxy Black, Brilliant Silver, and Alpine White. And in order to properly compete, the company is offering this pick-up with a huge price spread:
  • P 1,490,000 for the 4x4 VL 7-Speed, 
  • P 1,421,000 for 4x4 VL 6-speed M/T,
  • P 1,256,000 for 4x4 EL 6-speed M/T,
  • P 1,108,000 for 4x2 EL 7-speed A/T Calibre,
  • P 1,038,000 for 4x2 EL 6-speed M/T Calibre, 
  • P 938,000 for 4x2 6-speed M/T Calibre 
  • P 898,000 for the 4x2 6-Speed M/T.
With Nissan ready for the next-generation pick-up wars, it wants you to head to their showrooms and get drafted. With the NP300 Navara’s new, cutting-edge features and promised lower running/maintenance cost versus the competition, they’re sure to have a big hit on their hands. Dealers nationwide are now taking orders with customer delivers to commence by February 20.



45 comments:

  1. Still can't get over the fact that it looks like a Ford Ranger.

    Nissan's designers should be sued for this shameful act.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At least it looks better than the Ford Ranger.

      Delete
    2. it looks like a pick up. The truth is... all pick ups look almost the same. Ignorance spares no one.

      Delete
    3. @ Anon Feb 4, 10:52 PM:

      Ignorance didn't spare you, that's for sure.

      I don't recall the Strada being similar-looking to a Hilux nor a Mazda BT-50 to a Ford Ranger.

      Next time, you should follow your own advice and not be a simple-minded ignoramus.

      Delete
    4. i can see another mitsu fan boy over here, anyways, most of the pickup designs rarely varies because of the inherent body structure of pickups, you can basically design only the front end..

      Delete
    5. By following your flawed logic, all sedans look the same because they share similar stuctural designs. All hatchbacks also look the same because of their basic shape right?

      What are you, a 5 year old? Are you seriously having a hard time differentiating pick ups? You need to have your vision checked.

      Delete
    6. What i meant was the designs are limited by the body structure, do you think that having a highly curved body bed would let it's intended user (people who use it as a workhorse) be able to load heavy stuffs? they would dent the car wouldnt it?

      also, I already had my vision checked, unfortunately i needed to have eye glasses, maybe that is why i was not able to differentiate any kind of car (as per you).. oh maybe that also clouded my logical thinking..

      Delete
    7. Wow. Someone here is really dense.

      So you're saying the Strada, Ford Ranger and Hilux all look the same?
      Stationwagons are also limited by their structural design. Do they all look the same? Hell no.

      Really, my 12 year old nephew is better at identifying the difference between pick ups than you. I feel sorry for you man.

      I get it, you're trolling.

      Delete
    8. Let's stop being ignorant. This nissan is not a copy of the ford ranger. All pickups are almost the same from far apart. Only me and you are the OCs who would take every detail into consideration. In fairness, people are starting to dump their ford pickups lately. ang dami sa olx ngayon. You can get a good bargain or opt for the more reliable brands.

      Delete
    9. Man kahit ibang brand madami sa olx, way of selling yun man. think of it...

      Delete
    10. For the love of GOD,can somebody tell me where is the Auto transmition dipstick in this truck?..I bought one EL Calibre last friday and just can't find that thing.tnx guys.

      Delete
  2. Let see what's new additional features of NP300 Navara 4x4 and 4x2!
    Then if its quite good and upgraded the new features, probably we will have 4x2 by July 2015...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mr anonymous sir, why do u prefer the 4x2? Just to have an idea. I am also aiming for the 4x2 just because of budget constraints. Is it the same with you?

      Delete
    2. Ms Anonymous Ma'am, It is because of Money Constraints!!! :D

      Delete
  3. Hi,uly is 6 speed MT calibre?

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  4. great deal for the top of the line variant at 1.5m

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  5. Hyundai sta cruz pick up is just unveil in the europe country few weeks ago and imsure is coming in the phils. this year, and good looking the design is fantastic, with the cargo bed adjustable for more cargo to put and also has a roller lid.

    ReplyDelete
  6. If that's true, I would replace my Hyundai 4x4 Santa Fe DM for for this coming Hyundai Sta Cruz if 4x4 will available!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am curious how its 2.5 engine would fare against the 3.2 of its 4x4 competitors. Same with its 2.5 vs the 3.0 in the 4x2 category

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. displacement isn't everything

      Delete
  8. I am driving a Nissan Xtrail and it's great! I've tried the Navarra as well and it's better among the other in same category. Back in 2007 I had the worst experience in the Middle East with the Ford 150 that got me stuck in the sand and ended up calling for a rescue. Frightening experience for a lady driver.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hoo....F-150?stuck in sand? saan sa middle east ? never seen heard ,im working for 25 years in saudi desert -pipelines ,
      suadi aramco issued me 4x4 F-150...usually what we are doing for dessert assignment we are lowering tire pressure and you will never exeperience stuck in dessert.

      Delete
  9. Now a days... 2.5 engines is better than 3.0 or 3.2... Its fuel economy...it also depends on drivers...some have sports car then drive only on cities...then other have 1ltr engines on long drives...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's true, still the 5 cylinder outlives the 4 cylinder on same level of load and from same metal specification of manufacturer.

      Delete
  10. Had a bad experience with a 2010 manual 4x2 Navarra whose dual mass flywheel has been a major problem locally and worldwide...try typing dmf problem of Navara at Google and you would read sob stories..
    ..imagine the dmf failing before 50k or after 50k km...then to be told its part of
    "wear and tear". We also had 2002 manual Frontier and wala naman problema....hindi mura ang dmf nasa 60k ang isang piyesa...will think twice....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DMF problem has been resolved years ago.

      "Nissan has now installed a heavy duty clutch on models from mid 2012."

      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2016815

      Tip: Search din if latest paba yung nalalaman mo.

      Delete
  11. May problema Navara sa dual mass flywheel

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pag may nasira sa Nissan ninyo, good luck na lang. Pahirapan ang parts at kung meron man, sobrang mahal!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Looks nice, Toyota face with Chevrolet hood. Good pricing also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. walang leather seats, no bedliner ..... Good Pricing!!!!

      Delete
  14. Why is there no bedliner offered even in top of the line 4x4 and no leather seats either for the top of the line specs

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  15. what is the difference between the VL and EL variant? Also between the High, Mid and Low variants? Also what about the Calibre?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try mo kayang mag basa dun sa taas no...

      Delete
  16. Np300 or wildtrak? To the np300 and wildtrak owners, can you help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd wait for 6 more months for the new ranger

      Delete
  17. sir uly, how about this? "4x2 EL 6-speed M/T Calibre" mahal ba maintenance nito?coz im planning to own 1 this year..kailangan ko rin ng tips sir pano alagaan ang pickup na to...tnx..

    ReplyDelete
  18. mahal talaga yan. madali pang masira ung lumang model, ewan ko lang sa bagong NP300.... ndi pa tested yan eh.

    ReplyDelete
  19. ganon ba sir?tnx...papalitan ko kasi yung altis ko ng pickup..ano ba magandang brand sir?

    ReplyDelete
  20. 1. wag kang papaloko sa ford mahina un mahal pa, "hangang purma lang un".
    2. Sa Navara slow steering, "siguro dahil dun sa up and down lang ung adjustment dun sa steering wheel nyan".
    3. Ung Hilux Matibay.... kaso mahal ung presiyo nya( pag titignan mo ung accessory ) pero Safety naman maraming air bag ...
    4. Pag strada naman mura kaso ung design nya parang ba ulit ulit lang kaya maraming na disappoint (pangit daw), Un ung pick up na pinaka comfortable sa likod.

    in sum, pag 4x2 hilux 1.2M+ price
    pwede din navara EL 1.1M+ price
    last Strada 1M+ price

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. how about yun DMF ng navara sir?wala na bang problema yun?stering lang ba ang prob ng navara sir?kasi d pa ako naka decyd...tnx...

      Delete
  21. What is the top speed of np300 4x2 and 4x4 automatic transmission? What is the best of them in everyday use?

    ReplyDelete

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