First there was one. The Honda CR-V has been “the people’s SUV” for close to two decades now, its de facto status in Malaysia cemented by archrival Toyota’s strange lack of interest in the segment. No, the truck-based Fortuner and Avanza-based Rush don’t count.
It’s no longer a free ride for Honda though, as the CR-V is facing a strong challenger in the Mazda CX-5. It may have started off as the alternative, but the CX-5 outnumbers the incumbent in trendier Klang Valley neighbourhoods these days, winning the visibility battle. I’m no cowboy, but I can tell you that carbuyers tend to stick with the herd – so many others cannot possibly be wrong, right?
Nissan knows the game because they’ve been in it before. One decade and two generations ago, when people still liked their SUVs rugged, the X-Trail was the CR-V’s sparring partner. The second-gen car, arriving here from Indonesia a few years late, used the same formula but didn’t catch on. It could have been that tastes have changed (or softened) while Nissan’s box stood still.
No sharp edges in sight now, as the third-generation X-Trail arrives in Malaysia just months after major markets Thailand and Indonesia, and in CKD form no less (it takes much longer to prep for local assembly as opposed to just ordering off the shelf). It looks throughly modern, is priced to match the two leading SUVs, and has some unique party tricks up its sleeve; so will it be a case of third time lucky for the X-Trail?
Featured here is the top-spec 2.5 litre variant with Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4X4-i system. The QR25DE-k2 mill, which pumps out 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,000 rpm, is mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission. If all that sounds a bit too familiar, the 2015 Nissan X-Trail features an Active Chassis Control platform that includes Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control and Active Engine Brake.
The first feature is designed to limit torque output and braking to maintain a smooth ride over undulations while Active Trace Control works to reduce understeer by automatically braking individual wheels. Active Engine Brake, on the other hand, introduces the notion of engine braking to the CVT gearbox – a world’s first for such a transmission, according to Nissan.
So all this adds up to quite a car, on paper at least. Now join us as we put the 2015 Nissan X-Trail through its paces to see whether all the fancy tech really do add up to a proper competitor to the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. If you like what you see, give us a thumbs up and be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel.
With the 2015 Nissan X-Trail still basking in the hype of its recent launch, we can bet that most of you out there are eagerly awaiting a rundown of Nissan’s new seven-seater SUV. In the latest episode of our walk-around series, we delve into what makes the new car tick and what kind of hardware (and software) it’s packing in order to go up against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Santa Fe.
The new X-Trail comes in two flavours – a 2.0 litre 2WD variant and a 2.5 litre 4WD version with Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4×4-i system. Featured in today’s episode is the range-topper, which possesses a power output of 171 PS and 233 Nm of torque, coupled to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission.
Want to know more, then? Sit back, relax and click on as we explore the new features found on the 2015 X-Trail, inside and out – from its funky Around View monitoring system to whether or not the car really qualifies as a seven-seater per se. As for driving dynamics, stay tuned for our video review coming up soon.
For those who prefer to do the research themselves, be sure to head on over Carbase.my for a comprehensive analysis of its tech specs and equipment. Or better yet, stack it up against its rivals in a side-by-side comparison and decide for yourself which one comes out on top. If you like (or don’t) the video, drop us a comment and subscribe to our Youtube channel!
Previewed back in December, the new Nissan X-Trail has officially gone on sale – the third-gen iteration of the mid-size SUV was launched a while ago at Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s (ETCM) new Nissan 3S centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.
The X-Trail – which premiered in Frankfurt in 2013 – makes its local debut in 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre forms, both CKD locally-assembled. The vehicle sits on Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family (CMF) platform, and from a design perspective, is a marked step away from its predecessors’ boxy and conservative shapes.
The base X-Trail is powered by a 2.0 litre mill, and the new Twin CVTC MR20DD direct injection unit is good for 144 PS at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. As for the 2.5 litre, the QR25DE-k2 lump has 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,000 rpm for output numbers.
The engines are paired with the automaker’s latest Xtronic CVT gearbox with ECO mode and a seven-speed manual mode, a feature absent in both B17 Sylphy and L33 Teana CVT sedans. As for drive configurations, the 2.0 is 2WD or front-wheel drive, while the 2.5 litre model is shod with Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4X4-i system.
The latter offers three drive modes – two-wheel drive, Auto Mode (which automatically changes torque distribution between front and rear wheels when driving on paved or slippery roads) and 4WD Lock Mode (50:50) for permanent four-wheel drive. Operation is selectable via a knob on the centre console.
The SUV features an Active Chassis Control package that includes Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Active Trace Control functions. Active Ride Control controls engine torque as well as braking to moderate pitching motion on bumpy roads, while Active Engine Brake tells the Xtronic CVT to add a degree of engine braking when cornering or coming to a stop.
As for Active Trace Control, that automatically applies small amounts of braking to the individual wheels during cornering to reduce understeer – the system engages at any point in the corner, whether at entry, mid-corner or exit. Both variants feature Hill Start Assist (for slopes above 5%), and the 2.5 litre 4WD variant gets Hill Descent Control (only in 4WD Lock mode, speed locked between 4-15 km/h).
The new X-Trail features a 5+2 seating configuration, and the small, contingency third-row seats – which come with three-point seat belts – can of course be flat folded 50:50 into the floor. Folded as such, boot space is 550 litres, and with both third and second-row 60:40 split seats folded flat, cargo carrying space increases to 1,520 litres. A compartment under the boot floor keeps the tonneau cover in place when needed.
In terms of equipment, the 2.0 2WD gets daytime running lights, automatic (halogen) headlamps, keyless entry with push start ignition and dual-zone climate control (with rear vents). There’s also an Advance Drive Assist Display (five-inch colour display, between the dials), steering buttons, leather steering/shift knob, cruise control as well as Nissan’s Around View Monitor and a reverse camera.
The 2.5 4WD has all the above, and adds on LED headlamps, leather seats, a 10-way powered driver’s seat and four-way powered passenger seat as well as auto wipers. The variant also features a different panel finishing (in fake carbon fibre, while the 2.0 2WD has silver/grey trim).
As for safety kit, both variants are equipped with dual-airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Hill Start Assist and Isofix on top of the Active Chassis Control components mentioned above. Both X-Trail versions get identical 17-inch wheels and 225/65 rubber, meaning that the only way to differentiate them externally is via the headlamps (halogen vs LED).
Five colours are available, these being Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Graphite Blue, Brilliant White and Diamond Black. Finally, pricing – the new Nissan X-Trail is priced at RM142,800 for the 2.0L 2WD and RM165,800 for the 2.5L 4WD (on-the-road, with insurance). An optional TCAT Multimedia Navigation unit can be had for RM3,800. The X-Trail comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) as well as free three-year maintenance service.
We now have the first revealing photos of the Malaysian-spec 2015 Nissan X-Trail. This base 2.0 litre, 2WD model was spotted at JPJ Putrajaya by reader Akmal Azmi, giving us an early peek at what we’ll be getting soon, both inside and out.
First up, it looks like the more affordable 2.0 litre variant will lose out on the LED projector headlamps we’ve seen on international models, but other than that, it looks very fine indeed. Foglamps, LED daytime running lights (or positioning lamps), 17-inch wheels plus chrome door handles and silver roof rails are all there.
A closer look also reveals that it will get keyless entry (button on the front door handles), fabric seats, cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air-con vents. You can tell that it’s a 2WD model by the lack of a 4×4 rotary selector on the centre console.
The Nissan X-Trail debuts in Thailand today, making it the fourth country in the ASEAN region to get it after Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore. It is built at Nissan’s Thai Bangna-Trad plant.
This isn’t the X-Trail as you remember it – gone are the boxy looks that Nissan stuck to for two generations, and in comes Nissan’s latest design language, with its “V-Motion” grille, slim headlights, D-pillar kink, C-shaped tail lights and assortment of sweeps and curves.
Like Indonesia, the X-Trail will be available with the 7-seater body, with the third row of seats being more suitable to ferry kids, making it more of a 5+2 than a true 7-seater. Nevertheless, the option will come handy for those who have the occasional need.
Two four-cylinder petrol engine choices are available – a Serena S-Hybrid-derived MR20DD 2.0 litre direct-injected mill developing 144 PS and 200 Nm, as well as a QR25DE 2.5 litre MPI motor from the Teana that produces 171 PS and 233 Nm. Gear shifts are automatic thanks to Nissan’s smooth X-Tronic CVT gearbox.
Thailand specs include Around View Monitor, Active Engine Brake and Active Ride Control, a 5-inch colour display meter, and first in class LED projector headlamps. Some of these will be options limited to the higher end variants, of course.
Nissan expects to sell about 8,000 units of the X-Trail a year. Six colours are available – Radiant Red, Storm White, Black Star, Brilliant Silver, Deep Iris Gray and Midnight Jade – with prices starting from 1.1 million baht (RM112k). Comparatively, Indonesian prices start at Rp. 383 million (RM103,300) for the 2.0 manual, rising to Rp. 413 million (RM111,300) for the 2.0 CVT and Rp. 431.5 million (RM116,900) for the 2.5 CVT.
We’re expecting the Malaysian launch to happen very early next year, with enterprising Nissan Malaysia sales advisors having put up pre-booking ads on Malaysian car classifieds website oto.my already. The ads list two variants – a front wheel drive 2.0 litre going for “below RM150k”, and a four-wheel drive 2.5 litre going for “below RM170k”.
The outgoing X-Trail is only sold here in 2.0 litre 2WD form, currently retailing at RM148,815 on the road without insurance, so expect the base model of the new car to have a similar price tag.
This is interesting – we spotted an ad for the 2015 Nissan X-Trail on our sister classifieds site oto.my. The third-generation SUV, which made its ASEAN debut in Indonesia in September, was advertised to arrive in early January, less than two months from now.
According to the description, the locally-assembled X-Trail will come in two variants – a sub-RM150k front-wheel drive 2.0 litre model and a sub-RM170k four-wheel drive 2.5 litre. The outgoing X-Trail is only sold here in 2.0 litre 2WD form, currently retailing at RM148,815 on the road without insurance, so expect the base model of the new car to have a similar price tag.
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Standard equipment, at least on the top-spec model, is said to include keyless entry and start, a navigation system, cruise control and leather seats. At the moment, it is unclear if these variants are five- or seven-seater models (the current X-Trail is only sold here in a five-seater format).
The two powertrains available will be a Serena S-Hybrid-derived MR20DD 2.0 litre direct-injected mill developing 144 PS and 200 Nm, as well as a QR25DE 2.5 litre MPI motor from the Teana that produces 171 PS and 233 Nm. Unlike in Indonesia – where the 2.0 litre model was available with a six-speed manual – we’re expecting the X-Trail to arrive with an Xtronic CVT as standard.
Pics of a mystery SUV with a taped up rear end is making the rounds on social media, and we can tell you that it’s a third-generation Nissan X-Trail. Clues include the shape of the black “diffuser” area (middle section protrudes slightly) and the positioning/shape of the tail lamps, which resemble the second-gen Toyota Harrier’s.
Two engines are available there – a Serena S-Hybrid-derived MR20DD 2.0 litre direct-injected mill (144 PS, 200 Nm) and a QR25DE 2.5 litre MPI motor from the Teana with 171 PS and 233 Nm. The former is available with either a six-speed manual or an Xtronic CVT, the latter only available with the automatic. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels. Prices range from Rp. 383 juta (RM103,300) to Rp. 431.5 juta (RM116,900).
Will the Malaysian X-Trail mirror those specs? Check out our IIMS report and gallery for a preview of sorts.
Malaysian Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor announced at its Raya open house this year that the new Nissan X-Trail would be coming to Malaysia by the end of 2014 as a CKD model.
It appears that Tan Chong could be right on track with the SUV’s launch date, as multiple units of the Nissan X-Trail have been spotted being transported together with other Nissan cars on trailers yesterday. We don’t know if these are CBU or CKD units though. Thanks to reader Khen Yong for the spy pix.
The 2014 Nissan X-Trail made its global debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Indonesia and the Philippines were the first ASEAN countries to get the car – it was launched in September 2014 in the two countries, so the fact that Malaysia will be getting it this year is very fast indeed.
The new Nissan X-trail is available as both a five-seater and seven-seater, with the latter having more of a 5+2 arrangement than a full seven-seater, with the third row being mostly for children. You can’t really expect full seven-seat capability from a C-segment vehicle. Prices in Indonesia start at Rp. 383 million (RM103,300) for the 2.0 litre manual, rising to Rp. 413 million (RM111,300) for the CVT-equipped 2.0 litre and Rp. 431.5 million (RM116,900) for the 2.5 litre model.
Two four-cylinder petrol engine choices are available – a Serena S-Hybrid-derived MR20DD 2.0 litre direct-injected mill developing 144 PS and 200 Nm, as well as a QR25DE 2.5 litre MPI motor from the Teana that produces 171 PS and 233 Nm. Not sure which engines Malaysia will get, but we know for sure we’ll get the automatic gearbox, which is an Xtronic CVT. Other regions like Europe gets diesel engines too of course.
As for safety, EuroNCAP announced today that the European-spec Nissan X-trail has scored five stars in their crash test. It also scored well for child protection – based on dummy readings in the dynamic tests, the new X-Trail scored maximum points for its protection of an 18-month-old infant.
The new Nissan X-Trail will be coming to Malaysia by the end of the year, Malaysian Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor revealed to the media at its Raya open house today. The SUV will be locally-assembled by ETCM.
The 2014 Nissan X-Trail made its global debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with a more sophisticated design compared to its boxy predecessors. It is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s new Common Module Family (CMF) platform, with a 2,705 mm wheelbase.
Aesthetic details include Nissan’s new V-Motion face, C-shaped tail lamps, LED daytime running lights, rear doors that open to almost 90 degrees to ease entry, and a stylish D-pillar kink. Nissan will also offer LED headlamps on higher trim levels.
Top: X-Trail 5-seater, bottom: X-Trail 7-seater
Unlike the previous generations that were strictly five seaters, the new X-Trail is available in both five-seater and seven-seater variants, with no increase in wheelbase for the three-row version. We don’t know for now which variant will be available in Malaysia, but in markets like Australia, both seating configurations are available.
Since the X-Trail isn’t available in ASEAN yet, we can only look Down Under for reference. Two engine options are on offer in Australia – a 2.0 litre MR20DD and a 2.5 litre QR25DE, both four-cylinder units. The latter is also found in our Nissan Teana 2.5 but with slightly different output numbers – 169 hp at 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
The 2.0 litre is not the same engine as the one in the Teana 2.0. It has direct-injection, so it has more in common to the unit found in the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid. Output is 142 hp at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4,400 rpm. A six-speed manual is available for the 2.0 2WD, but every other Aussie variant uses an Xtronic CVT gearbox with a six-speed manual mode.
Other features include a five-inch colour TFT MID positioned in the middle of the instrument cluster, a NissanConnect seven-inch colour touchscreen navigation and infotainment system, a powered tailgate, and a two-tier cargo area that can hold up to 10 kg top and 75 kg bottom.
Tech features include Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Active Trace Control. Active Ride Control detects extreme road surface undulations and alters the damping to compensate. Active Engine Brake tells the Xtronic CVT to add a degree of engine braking when cornering or coming to a stop. Active Trace Control (also found on the new Teana) brakes individual wheels during hard cornering to minimise understeer.
On 4WD variants, the electronic four-wheel drive system offers 2WD, Auto or Lock modes, selectable through a dial on the centre console. Uphill Start Support and Advance Hill Descent Control are also on the menu.
We’ll be back with more info on the Malaysian spec X-Trail as soon as we have it. See the videos and pics below and tell us what you think. Good alternative to the popular Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 duo?
Although Nissan hasn’t officially revealed output figures, we know the MR20DD engine as a direct-injected 2.0 litre four-cylinder featuring twin C-VTC that produces 147 hp and 210 Nm of torque in the Serena S-Hybrid. Underpinning the X-Trail is the Common Module Family (CMF) platform.
Known variants include 20S, 20X, 20X Emergency Brake Package, 20X X-TREMER X and 20X Emergency Brake Package X-TREMER X. Five- and seven-seat versions are available. The X-TREMER X variants are produced by Nissan tuner Autech, and feature contrasting-coloured skid plates, a more prominent lower intake and fog lamp housings, as well as sportier-looking alloys.
The Emergency Brake Package variants get Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication, Emergency Brake, Do-not-enter Sign Detection. Blind Spot Warning, Driver Attention Alert, plus Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Park Assist are offered as options.
LED headlamps are also optional, as are side and curtain airbags (dual front airbags are standard). Standard safety equipment includes VDC with TCS and Brake LSD, plus two-stage load-limiting front seat belts with pretensioners. Seven body colours are offered.
Five-seat versions get 60:40-split second row seats; on seven-seat versions they’re split 40:20:40, and can slide as well as recline. A panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof with electric retractable shade is optional, and front seat heaters are available on select variants.
There are more storage spaces and cupholders, and Spinal Support Front Seats claim to reduce fatigue through articulated seat back pads. The seats and floor are water-repellent. You can open the powered tailgate by waving your hand near the sensor (provided you have your Intelligent Key with you) to reveal a boot that can take up to 550 litres of luggage.
Some variants are 2WD, but Nissan’s All-Mode 4x4i electronic 4WD system is also offered, along with Advance Hill Descent Control and Yaw Moment Control. Hill Start Assist, Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Cornering Stability Assist are standard across the range.
Interesting aesthetic details include C-shaped tail lamps, LED DRLs and a stylish D-pillar kink. LED headlamps are offered on higher trims, and 19-inch alloys lend an imposing look. Underpinning the vehicle is the Common Module Family (CMF) platform.
The new cabin boasts chrome, geometric metallic and piano black finishes. Options include a cloth fabric covering and a full leather offering with contrasting stitch accents, and if five seats aren’t enough, you can specify two more.
The rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, and a longer wheelbase (Nissan hasn’t yet revealed by how much), plus more sculpted seat backs, give the middle row seats (which slide and recline) more knee room.
A five-inch colour TFT screen sits between the rev counter and speedometer, packing no fewer than 12 graphic displays to jog through. Information displayed includes average and actual speeds, navigation turn-by-turn instructions, audio content, traffic sign recognition, eco driving advice and torque distribution settings in 4WD mode.
Access the boot via a remote power tailgate and you’ll find a double load floor that divides the cargo area into upper and lower areas. This allows it to hold up to 10 kg of luggage in its topmost position and 75 kg in its bottom position.
On to tech – the new Nissan X-Trail gets the latest-gen NissanConnect seven-inch colour touchscreen in-car navigation and infotainment system, plus the Nissan Safety Shield suite of driving aids. NissanConnect now offers smartphone connectivity, in addition to a range of apps covering music, social networking, entertainment and travel.
Navigation relies on Google to provide information from weather forecasts to the location of fuel stations, hotels, restaurants and the like. The send-to-car function allows drivers to plan a trip at home and send it to their car at the push of a button. Needless to say, there’s Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and AUX compatibility.
The third-gen Nissan X-Trail also gets Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Active Trace Control. Active Ride Control detects extreme road surface undulations and alters the damping to compensate. Active Engine Brake tells the Xtronic CVT to add a degree of engine braking when cornering or coming to a stop. Active Trace Control (previously only found on the Infiniti M) brakes individual wheels during hard cornering to cut understeer.
The electronic four-wheel drive system, Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4i, offers 2WD, Auto or Lock modes, selectable through a centre console-mounted dial. Uphill Start Support and Advance Hill Descent Control are also on the menu.
Although the new Nissan X-Trail has a larger surface area than the outgoing car, Nissan says weight has been reduced wherever possible. A mostly plastic tailgate saves 7 kg, for instance. Aerodynamics have also benefited from carefully shaped door mirrors as well as a spoiler that covers the exhaust box and rear panel.
Nissan will release powertrain and trim details closer to the start of European sales next July.
