Nissan’s big bakkie takes top Euro award

• NP300 Navara takes top honour at International Pick-Up of Year
• Judges praise looks, cabin, technology – and payload

NISSAN BAKKIE SCORES BIG: The latest Nissan Navara has won Europe’s ‘best pick-up’ award. Image: Nissan Europe

LYON, France – The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara has been named as the 2016 European International Pick-Up of the Year award at a ceremony in here.

The bakkie (as we call light trucks in South Africa), already launched in several global markets, was praised by the judges praising for its on- and off-road abilities, strong engine performance and payload capacity.

The Navara (and all the other entrants) were tested for off-road ability, on-road performance, value for money, workhorse characteristics and towing strength.

The Navara’s CV, Nissan said, claimed “smart comfort and refinement while maintaining the acclaimed toughness with its off-road ability, durability and load capacity. Its robust chassis introduced a number of features, among them an all-new five-link rear suspension for the double-cab model and an impressive load bed, 67mm longer than the previous model”.

Philippe Guérin-Boutaud, VP for Nissan light commercials, said after the presentation: “This award celebrates Nissan’s 80 years of pick-up expertise. Rigorous testing by the judges illuminated the tough and innovative character of the all-new Navara.

“Nissan is best known as a maker of capable 4×4’s and breakthrough crossovers. This new Navara is a fusion of the two and delivers a truly breakthrough pick-up that combines rugged 4×4 toughness with the sophistication and efficiency of a crossover.”