Most especially after Honeymae Limjap, assistant vice president for marketing and sales of Universal Motors Corp. (UMC), the country's largest and oldest 100-percent Filipino-owned assembler and distributor of Nissan light commercial vehicles, graciously allowed him a test-drive of the Nissan Navara Tech Xtreme recently.

As luck would have it, the unit turned out to be the very same vehicle that went on display at this year's Philippine International Motor Show-decked and outfitted in a unique orange and black motif that lured visitors to the Nissan-UMC booth at the World Trade Centre in Pasay City.

Out on the road, the one-off, special-edition Navara Tech Xtreme elicited second glances and longing stares because of its pleasingly "loud and clear" livery, which did justice to its inherently elegant and muscular stature.

Even the interior, notably the steering wheel, dashboard, centre console, seats and trim, matched the vehicle's interesting colour scheme.

Far from being a mere show car, the vehicle proved that it is indeed a functional and reliable piece of machinery.

And although it is as tough as it looks, it rewards its occupants with a firm yet comfortable ride while going over bumps and holes even with the rear bed devoid of cargo-much unlike the egg-beater-like harshness of its rivals.

Powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged CRDI diesel engine that has a maximum output of 171 hp and maximum torque of 403 Nm, the Navara Tech Xtreme is surely capable of tackling ascents and gradients.

With a drivetrain that can easily switch between 4x2 and 4x4 modes via an electronic switch on the centre console; the vehicle is surefooted on gravel or mud.

Another noteworthy feature that this writer liked about this pickup is the six-speed manual transmission that allows the driver greater control over gear selection.

The additional gear has the benefit of allowing the engine to stay within its torque band over a wider speed range-more flexibility during off-road situations-as well as better fuel economy on the highway.

These "combat ready" attributes of the Navara were proven during the habagat episode in August, when intrepid members of the Nissan Navara Club of the Philippines led by Richie Ojeda, driving their personal vehicles, braved treacherous floodwaters while engaging in relief operations in support of the Philippine Army's 15th Infantry Division (Ready Reserve) around Metro Manila.

It isn't difficult to understand where the confidence in the Navara was coming from. After all, it is equipped with ABS, a limited slip differential and, as an added bonus, a reverse sensor and rear view camera that displays graphics that aid the driver when backing into tight spots without hitting anything.

True to its name of "Tech Xtreme" as emblazoned on nifty decals, this version of the Navara has a touchscreen that controls the onboard entertainment-cum-navigation system that can run off an iPod and play CDs, DVDs, SD card or MP3 player through a USB port.

It also has Bluetooth connectivity as well as a router that will allow you to access the Internet while you're on the road. Just make sure that you don't surf while you drive, though. Even the rear passengers will have a jolly time on long road trips, thanks to the rearward-facing dual headrest-mounted monitors.

As of this writing, the test vehicle's price was not available. However, the production version of the Navara Tech Xtreme comes with a price tag of PHP 1.438 million (US$ 34,600), which is quite reasonable for what you're buying.

During a trip up north, this writer parked inside Clark Air Base where onlookers couldn't help but mill around the vehicle and even took pictures of it. Some of them even asked if this particular "variant" was available in showrooms.

The disappointment was obvious on their faces when I told them that this was a one-of-a-kind model. Apparently, the package seems like a potential hit and UMC should probably consider turning out a limited number of these for dyed-in-the-wool Navara enthusiasts.