The all-new Nissan X-Trail was launched earlier today, being the third generation in Nissan’s SUV line. Available in either 2.0 2WD or 2.5 4WD flavours, this X-Trail is a marked step forward in terms of the SUV’s progression- even being classified at times as a crossover rather than a full on SUV.
First impressions of the all-new X-Trail are that it’s lower and wider than it’s predecessor, perhaps marking a general shift away from the tall and narrow body image of conventional SUVs. More important is that it comes heavily specified with higher end equipment- also an indication of how these SUVs have become more a lifestyle vehicle than proper bushwhacking machine. The X-Trail is also set up now as a 5+2 7-seater type car, with the extra two seats in the boot that can be dropped to increase loading area.
The two engines on offer come from very different families. Powering the 2.0 variant is the MR20DD, which sports direct injection and has been in production since 2010. It produces 144 PS at 6000 rpm, and 200 Nm of torque from 4400 rpm- a little low for a 2.0 litre mill, but hardy and efficient by most measures. The 2.5 variant runs a QR25DE-k2, which is a slightly older motor that’s been running since 2007. Power and torque sit at 171 PS and 233 Nm respectively, which is a proper bump over the 2.0 litre unit, though still not as powerful as one would expect.
Both models are paired with a CVT transmission, equipped with 7-speed manual override. The differences between the two is that the 2.0 remains front wheel drive, while the 2.5 delivers power to all four wheels via Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4×4 system. In a time when all-wheel drive SUVs are becoming scarce, Nissan’s system allows the user to select between front wheel drive, automatic locking, and full time locking via a rotary knob.
Standard across the range is Nissan’s Active Ride Control, Active Engine Braking, and Active Trace Control. All of these systems manipulate the engine output and braking in order to achieve their individual targets. In the case of ride control, the system applies brakes or cuts throttle in order to reduce forward and backwards oscillation while driving over undulations. Engine braking adjusts the power train to increase the amount of braking force via the CVT system, allowing you to slow down in a quicker and more controllable manner. Trace control is much like the brake-based torque vectoring systems found on higher end performance cars: it applies gentle brakes to the front wheels in order to cut understeer when cornering hard. The former two of these systems are new to the market, let alone the segment, while the latter has been seen on select models.
Equipment is generous between the two models. Both the 2.0 and 2.5 models get keyless entry, push start and dual-zone climate control. Nissan is really stepping up their game with the X-Trail, because along with steering mounted controls there is a standard five-inch colour display that sits behind the dials, termed as the Advanced Drive Assist Display. One new system we see in class is the Nissan Around View Monitor, something we’ve only seen on high end luxury cars so far. The system uses multiple cameras around the car and stitches together an overhead view to allow for easy parking in tight spaces. A reverse camera is also standard.
Specific to the 2.5 litre model are leather seats and powered front seats, as well as automatic windscreen wipers. In terms of more obvious differences, the trim varies slightly between the 2.0 and 2.5, and the 2.5 has LED headlights versus the halogen set in the 2.0. Safety kit is standard, with your regular electronic safety aids (ABS, EBD, BA), along with dual-airbags as passive safety.
Prices for the new X-Trail start at RM 142,800 for the 2.0 model and RM 165,800 for the 2.5 model, with an additional RM 3,800 should you opt for Tan Chong’s proprietary GPS navigation and entertainment system (TCAT).
