NP300 Nissan Navara scoops the top honour at the International Pick-up Award 2016

• NP300 Navara scoops top honour at the International Pick-up Award 2016
• Production commenced at Nissan’s Barcelona plant this month and arrives in UK showrooms in January 2016
• Judges praised striking exterior and interior, new-to-sector technologies, 2.3-litre dCi engine and impressive payload and towing capabilities

The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara has won the coveted International Pick-up award 2016 at a ceremony in Lyon, France.

Nissan’s recently-launched pick-up fought off stiff competition from  the  Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger with judges praising its superior on-road and off-road capabilities, strong engine performance  and payload capacity.

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

The new NP300 Navara delivers new levels of 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  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 jurors 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”, addedPonz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles for Nissan Europe.

“It is truly an honour 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”.