As a Nissan fan from the ’90s, it pains me to see the brand fade into irrelevance from where it was back then. The local launch of the GT-R and a couple of Z generations show a glimmer of light, but the brand’s display at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show had to be the most promising sign of a resurgence yet.

Not too many vehicles could be seen at the Japanese carmaker’s booth. But every one of these showed Nissan Philippines’ resolve to overhaul the brand’s image and slug it out with the industry giants again.

First was the preview of the Magnite mini crossover. The Indian-sourced small crossover is even smaller than the Kicks. It is set to compete against the Kia Sonet and the Toyota Raize, among others.

While no specs were shared, it is expected to come with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 71hp and 96Nm of torque. This will be paired with a CVT.

Next was a nameplate that suddenly went missing, the X-Trail e-Power. After silently discontinuing the last generation, NPI previewed its latest iteration fitted with an electrified powertrain.

No further information was provided, but this could come with an e-4orce all-wheel-drive system. This combines the e-Power technology with a unique all-wheel-drive setup.

The X-Trail e-Power could come with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, variable compression turbo gasoline engine coupled with front and rear electric motors. This is good for 210hp and 330Nm of torque, transferred to all four wheels via a CVT.

Also on display at the booth were the Z Nismo and a camouflaged SUV, which we thought was the all-new Patrol. However, NPI didn’t even talk about the latter; it’s just a matter of time before this beast of an SUV makes its way to Nissan’s showrooms.

Were you able to see these vehicles at the just-concluded PIMS?