Nissan Philippines’ display was one of the more exciting booths at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show. The carmaker’s theme was “The Art of Daring,” and on display were different models befitting varying customer lifestyles.

The four-car display inside World Trade Center highlighted the brand’s strategic pivot to electrification and what it is about to offer to our market soon. And this is the most daring move yet for the automaker in recent years.

First was the new Kicks compact crossover, launched in Thailand last March. Outside, it modernizes the look of the city SUV, with a three-dimensional V-motion grille.

The new two-tiered front lighting features a slim headlamp cluster and a lower three-arrow daytime running lights. At the back, a new tailgate is flanked by two hexagon-shaped taillamp clusters.

A huge Nissan logo is at the center, and under it is an equally big Kicks emblem, spanning almost three-quarters of the rear’s width.

Should this be specced similarly with those sold in Thailand, it will feature a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. The front and center consoles and the door panels have also been redesigned.

But underneath all these is the same fuel-efficient e-Power powertrain. Meaning, it will have a front electric motor driving the front wheels, making 135hp and 280Nm of torque, paired with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder generator—similar to what the current Kicks has.

Next was a familiar car with an equally familiar name. The Primera, sold in Europe in the 1990s and with a successful run in the British Touring Car Championship, made a comeback—this time as a midsize battery-electric sedan. This is the same N7 sedan sold in China.

Sexy and futuristic-looking, the car has a clean design and full LED lighting, including front and rear lightbars. The one at the front has an illuminated Nissan logo, while the back has an illuminated Nissan badge beneath it.

The stylish and aerodynamic car uses an electric motor driving the front wheels. While not many details about a local-spec version have been shared, it should have a ton of creature comforts and modern features.

The powertrain consists of a single electric motor driving the front wheels, with output of either 215hp or 268hp and 305Nm of torque. Juice can come from either a 58kWh or 78kWh battery pack, good for up to 510km or 635km of driving range.

One of the most anticipated models was the modernization of the brand’s pickup. The Navara Pro is a plug-in hybrid truck, totally unrelated to the upcoming model sold in other territories.

Called the Frontier Pro in China, this is a revival of a very popular nameplate. Not to be confused with the midsize pickup sold in the US, the Navara Pro rides on an all-new platform but is a modern nod to Nissan pickups of old.

The exterior is boxy, exuding ruggedness with a future-forward look. The front lightbar features three slots, taking inspiration from the D21 Hardbody from the ’80s.

The interior is modern yet minimalist, loaded with features you’d expect from electrified vehicles today. It will also come with a suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

Powering the Navara Pro is a familiar plug-in hybrid setup. Under the hood are a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that acts as a generator, and a transmission-mounted electric motor producing 402hp and 800Nm of torque.

A 33kWh battery pack provides up to 131km of pure-electric driving range, while a fully charged battery and a full tank of fuel can yield up to 1,050km of range.

True to its name, the Navara Pro is a capable off-roader featuring an intelligent all-wheel-drive system with available drive modes and a rear differential lock. All of these fuse the brand’s proven 4×4 DNA with new tech.

But the star of the booth was the return of the X-Trail compact crossover, this time with Nissan’s popular e-Power system. The X-Trail is set to become the brand’s flagship electrified model.

The front end looks tough, imposing, yet stylish with a glossy blacked-out grille and a satin silver-finished lower bumper. The sides feature a flowing design with chrome accents, with flared fenders and black plastic accents.

There are two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels. There would be four exterior finishes available:

• Cardinal Red Metallic
• Everest White
• Stealth Pearl Gray
• Sahara Dune Metallic

The interior features a D-shaped steering wheel, dual 12-inch displays, ambient lighting, soft-touch materials, a tri-zone automatic climate control system, rear window sunshades, and a panoramic sunroof.

The X-Trail also comes with a suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced driver-assist systems, like a 3D around-view monitor, intelligent rearview mirror, intelligent emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and high beam assist.

The most important bits can be found under the hood. Pop it open and you’d find a 1.5-liter Variable Compression Turbo generator. Paired with an electric motor, this produces 237hp and 330Nm of torque.

Nissan claims that the X-Trail can do up to 18.9km/L and has a total driving range of up to 1,039km on a full tank of gas. The all-new X-Trail e-Power will sell for P2,290,000, pricing it competitively against its rivals.

Special launch edition of the X-Trail will be available in:

• Everest White
• Stealth Pearl Gray
• Sahara Dune Metallic

A black-painted roof will be yours for an additional P30,000.

Now that the dust has settled, it would be good to see how Nissan Philippines’ product planning comes to fruition. Hopefully, we’ll see all of these models sooner rather than later.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Nissan Philippines.