2014 Nissan X-Trail first drive: coming to Philippines soon

By Aida Sevilla-Mendoza July 15,2014

THE NEW X-Trail features All Mode 4X4-i, advanced chassis control technologies and waterproof seats with Spinal Support. Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

The third-generation Nissan X-Trail that selected Asia-Pacific motoring journalists test drove in Kyushu, Japan, last month not only looks very different from the outgoing model, it also has a raft of new, advanced technological features that Nissan Motor Co. claims are the first in the world.

 

Sold in 190 countries worldwide, the X-Trail is being pushed by Nissan as its Global Growth Model in key markets, especially in North America where it seeks a wider customer base among family car buyers and young outdoor sport types. The 2014 X-Trail, which was launched in Japan last December, is built on the all-new Renault-Nissan common module platform.

 

In Kyushu, the first thing we noticed was the new look. Nissan’s design team, led by its internationally acclaimed chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura, shed the boxy, upright stance of the previous model in favor of the softer, curvy, more contemporary design idiom of the Murano, Pathfinder and Juke. The silhouette of the 2014 X-Trail resembles that of a powerful, loping panther, although it is not a sports car but a compact crossover/SUV like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5.

 

MAJOR RESTYLING. The X-Trail’s interior matches the exterior in terms of major restyling. It is more spacious, and the utilitarian format of the old model has been replaced with an

SOLD in 190 countries worldwide, Nissan is launching the all-new 2014 X-Trail in the Philippines soon.

ergonomically sensible layout with soft-touch surfaces, brushed metallic accents, piano black plastics, a smart instrument binnacle and 5-inch LCD monitor. The cockpit is well-equipped with kit including a new multifunction steering wheel, reversing camera, intelligent key with push button start, cruise control, AM/FM radio with MP3, USB, AUX, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. The result of all these is a more premium feel and look.

 

Nissan produces the X-Trail with a range of gasoline and diesel engine displacements and two-row or three-row seat models. Chances are that the 2-liter gasoline engine 4WD, five-seater variant will be initially brought to Manila by Nissan. Mated to the latest XTronic CVT, the MR20DD powerplant delivers 106 kW and 200-Nm peak torque. It has electronic power steering, independent MacPherson strut front suspension, multilink rear and ventilated disc brakes front and rear, aside from Nissan’s All Mode 4×4-i.

 

WORLD-FIRSTS. With all of the above, the X-Trail would be just like any other compact SUV. The advanced chassis control technologies—Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake, Cornering Stability Assist—are what sets the X-Trail apart and gives Nissan bragging rights to proclaim these as world-firsts. Active Ride Control monitors the road surface and effectively alters the suspension damping to control the vehicle’s pitch, thus managing body roll during high-speed cornering. Fine control of engine torque and the brake reduces vibrations and vehicle swaying on rough roads to improve riding comfort and the sense of safety.

A LONGER wheelbase, shorter overhang and hands-free remote-controlled tailgate

 

Active Engine Brake assists in speed adjustments when cornering, thereby reducing the number of times the driver steps on the brake pedal when cornering. This helps to lessen driver fatigue. Cornering Stability Assist, on the other hand, controls the brake to allow for stress-free cornering and minimal steering effort for smooth and safe driving.

 

EMERGENCY BRAKE. In addition, a new Emergency Brake Package with Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication is offered either as standard equipment or as an option, depending on the dealer. Cameras mounted behind the rear view mirror detect the car in front and lane markers while eight sonar sensors—four in front and four at the rear—help to detect obstacles.

 

For motorists who have problems parking the car, the X-Trail offers its Around View Monitor with Intelligent Parking Assist and Advanced Driving Display. The system automatically operates the steering wheel for parking in garages or parallel parking, and conveys up to 13 different digital displays via the steering switches. However, this option is a Japan spec that may not be made available in the Philippines.

 

IN THE COCKPIT, user-friendly controls for advanced driver-assist technologies

For two-row seat models, a new waterproof luggage board is provided to facilitate changing the cargo area layout (flat seat mode, three-level storage mode, vertical mode) to suit the size and type of cargo, whether these be long, flat objects such as surfboards, dirty objects such as outdoor accessories or damp wet suits. Meanwhile, the X-Trail’s seats and floor are waterproof as before. A newly developed feature for the seats is Spinal Support to reduce fatigue caused by long-distance driving.

 

FUEL EFFICIENCY. In Kyushu, we were unable to check out all of these new technologies, except for the Intelligent Parking Assist, which was demonstrated by a Nissan technical executive. We were also unable to verify its fuel efficiency. In Japan, Nissan claims that the Japan-spec 4WD X-Trail with Idling Stop achieves best fuel efficiency of 16 kilometers per liter.

 

The new X-Trail certainly looks good with an aura of quality and a level of refinement you would expect in a larger, premium SUV. It is robust and well-built, with approach and departure angles, 4WD lock and a 210-millimeter ground clearance that gives it more offroad versatility than rival crossover soft-roaders.

 

THE DIRECT-INJECTED MR20DD gasoline engine mated to the new XTronic CVT achieves 16.4 kilometers per liter.

The new X-Trail offers a comfortable, quiet ride, its CVT stepping through its seven ratios seamlessly and without notice. Its electric steering is light, making the vehicle nimble and easy to maneuver. Unpaved roads and broken tarmac hardly ruffle it while its roomy interior, long legs, onroad comfort and flexible waterproof cargo storage system make it ideal for long trips. Its safety features include six airbags (probably two only for the Philippines), ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill descent control, hill start assist, limited slip differential and reversing camera.

 

As for the retail price, your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it starts at P1.5 million?

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