Nissan’s new NP300 Navara has won the coveted International Pick­up Award 2016 at a ceremony in Lyon, France.

Nissan’s freshly­launched pick­up fought off stiff competition from Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger with judge praising its superior on­road and off­road capabilities, strong engine performance and payload capacity.

All contestants underwent the rigorous International Pick­up testing process, being judged for their off-road ability, on­road performance and its value for money. The pick­ups were also tested on their ability as a workhorse, which included comparing towing capabilities.

Philippe Guérin­Boutaud, Corporate Vice President Nissan LCV BU, said: “This prestigious award celebrates Nissan’s 80 years of pick­up expertise. Rigorous testing by International Pick­up of the Year illuminated the tough and innovative character of the all­new 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”, added Ponz 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”.

Production of the all new NP300 Navara began in Barcelona this month. It goes on sale across Europe from January 2016. It will be available in four grades in Ireland – XE, SV, SVE, LE and available in the Double Cab model.