Nissan’s 4th-gen X-Trail revealed in UK

Nissan has launched in the United Kingdom the fourth-generation of the X-Trail — evolving from an internal combustion engine-powered vehicle to an electrified model offering.

According to the Japanese brand’s European arm, the newest iteration, which is available in five-and seven-seater configurations, provides a “rugged eye-catching design, comfort, on-board convenience, and an effortless, confident drive.”

“Replacing an icon like the X-Trail is a huge responsibility. It has established itself as a vehicle for families to share adventures in, so we know what our customers appreciate. For the fourth generation, we will give them the capacity for adventure, with an advanced electrified all-wheel drive powertrain, combined with intuitive and convenient technology,” Nissan AMEIO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania) Region and Senior Vice President Francois Bailly said.

Last year, Nissan presented the all-new X-Trail at the Auto Shanghai 2021.

On the outside, the all-new Nissan X-Trail is highlighted by signature Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille. “The frontal aspect is framed by striking headlights that appear molded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime running lights and indicators nestled along the shut-line of the hood,” Nissan shared.

The side profile of the all-new Nissan X-Trail comes with beefy wheel arches, inset at the base of the doors and the C-pillar that resembles a dolphin fin while its rear portion houses dagger-like taillamps and a silver panel under the bumper.

The newly-launched crossover also has aerodynamic features such as the "3D" tire deflectors in the lower front fascia, active grille shutter (to control air flow into the engine compartment), special A-pillar underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique air curtain that directs air flow from the front to the sides of the X-Trail.

Customers of the all-new Nissan X-Trail can choose among the 10 body colors with five two-tone combinations (15 variations all in all).

Engine options

The entire roster of the all-new Nissan X-Trail is electrified.

The first engine option for the all-new Nissan X-Trail is the e-Power drive system made up of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor.

The all-new Nissan X-Trail’s e-Power is a 1.5-liter variable compression ratio turbo gasoline engine, with a final system power output of 150 kilowatts (kw) or 201 horsepower (hp). Aside from power output efficiency, the e-Power system guarantees a quieter drive versus conventional vehicles.  

To note, the e-Power technology was unveiled in the Philippines through the introduction of the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

NPI General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido explained to Carmudi Philippines in an earlier interview that the e-Power’s ICE “does not directly propel the engine but acts as a generator to the electric motors that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.”

Apart from the e-Power-propelled version, the all-new Nissan X-Trail also comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter variable compression ratio that can deliver 120 kW (161 hp) and 300Nm of torque. The same power mill that is matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is equipped with a 12-volt mild hybrid technology that dishes out torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop.

Meanwhile, the all-new Nissan X-Trail features the e-Pedal step system that allows drivers to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator. Upon release of the accelerator, e-Pedal Step will gradually slow down the X-Trail at 0.2g, enough to illuminate the brake lights, and reduce the speed down to a “creeping” speed, not a complete stop.

Further, it also has the e-4ORCE technology that delivers reassuring traction and confident acceleration in any driving condition.

Nissan noted that its engineers have fine-tuned the precision control technology and twin electric motors of e-4ORCE to provide unparalleled ride comfort. “Vehicle pitch and dive are minimized by adding regenerative rear-motor braking to the usual front-motor regenerative braking employed by typical EV and hybrid systems today.”

The system, per Nissan, applies independent brake control at each wheel to maximize the cornering force generated by each one.

“The X-Trail with e-Power and e-4ORCE will occupy a unique corner of the segment, being the only 7-seater family crossover with an electrified powertrain. The X-Trail is precisely the type of vehicle modern adventurous families are looking for,” Nissan AMIEO Regional Vice President for Product Planning Cliodnha Lyons explained.

Interior

Inside the highly-ergonomic cabin of the all-new Nissan X-Trail are premium materials and smart features that offer practicality in every dimension.

The top level of the floating center console layout is fitted with the e-shifter, drive mode selector and twin cup holders, as well as the 15w wireless charge pad for smartphones. The charge pad actively charges the mobile device (as opposed to the similar features in the market that only ensures the battery of the phone does not die).

The compartments at the combined elbow rest for front-seat occupants and underneath the upper part of the floating console guarantee more storage space inside the all-new X-Trail. Providing illumination inside the vehicle is the new white ambient lighting system.

The SUV’s rear passenger doors open to almost 90 degrees while the second-row seats can split 60:40 or slide forward to maximize space at the back.

Passengers in the middle row have sun-blinds as well as dedicated controls for the air-conditioning system, and charging ports (USB type-A and a USB type-C).

Other features

Moreover, the Alliance CMF-C platform made the all-new Nissan X-Trail one of the models in its segment tthat give generous space. The space has been optimized to ensure that third-row passengers can put their feet under the second row of seats.

When the two rear seats are not in use, the all-new Nissan X-Trail can have as much as 585 liters of total luggage space.

The aforementioned platform, which is also found on the Nissan Qashqai, is created with lightweight materials and reinforced with advanced stamping and welding techniques to increase strength while trimming down heaviness.

The rear hatchback door on the X-Trail is created from a composite material while its front and rear doors, front wings and bonnet are all made of aluminum.

Furthermore, the vehicle’s tailgate can be operated hands free.

The all-new X-Trail wears updated Macpherson struts at the front and advanced multi-link set-up for the rear.

Sitting at the middle of the dashboard is the 12.3-inch NissanConnect infotainment display that is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired and wireless). A traditional “Kiriko” cut glass texture is also added to the TFT’s digital background – a nod to Nissan’s Japanese DNA.

Furthermore, a 10.8-inch windscreen type head-up display is also available in the vehicle (HUD) that provides the biggest-in-segment image size for key navigation, driver assistance and road information.

The all-new X-Trail is equipped with the next generation of ProPILOT Assist with Navi-Link to reduce fatigue and stress while driving.

The ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link can accelerate and stop the vehicle within a single-lane on a highway, accelerate the vehicle to cruise at a set speed and can stop the vehicle in heavy stop-start traffic. It also has the capability to automatically resume if the vehicle has been stationary for less than three seconds and the traffic in front of the car moves away.

Furthermore, the ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link communicates with the all-new Nissan X-Trail’s blind-spot radars to help intervene with a steering input correction to prevent a lane-change maneuver if there is a vehicle in the blind-spot zone.

Thanks to an upgraded Moving Object Detection alert, the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes to stop the car if a moving object is detected in front or if a moving car or a stationary object is detected while reversing.

Other security and safety technologies are the Nissan's Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with predictive function, advanced headlamp technology and the new central airbag.

“The all-new X-Trail is a tour de force of Nissan’s innovative technology. From e-POWER, the electrified powertrain which gives that unmistakably EV-drive feeling, with instant response and confidence from our electrified e-4ORCE system, to the advanced driver assistance systems available on all grades to the flexibility of the interior – the new X-Trail has been designed and engineered from the ground up to meet the very exacting needs of our customers. For more than 20 years, X-Trail has been synonymous with comfort, convenience, security and confidence. Add intuitive technology and rugged design, and we’re confident that the new X-Trail will emulate the success of previous generations,” Nissan AMIEO Regional Senior Vice President for Marketing and Sales Leon Dorssers said.

Nissan customers in the UK can already pre-order the vehicle and the deliveries are set to start next month. The pricing for the all-new Nissan X-Trail there starts at £32,030 (around P2.105 million). 

Since the e-Power technology is gaining steam in the country and the X-Trail  being absent in the local lineup for quite some time already, is it high time for Nissan Philippines Inc. to carry the nameplate again? 

Photos from Nissan UK

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