The first-generation Nissan X-Trail was one of the earliest sports utility vehicles (SUV) introduced to
the Malaysian market.
In 2017, the Nissan X-Trail was the European market leader for the midsize SUV segment.
According to data supplied by research house JATO Dynamics Ltd, a survey done in 54 top markets with 86 million vehicles sold, the Nissan X-Trail was the fifth best-selling vehicle in the world last year, with 771,145 units registered.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the distributor for Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, organised a media drive to Belum Rainforest, Gerik, Perak, to test the facelifted X-Trail 2.5L 4WD and 2.0LHybrid SUV.
The media gathered at Edaran Tan Chong Service Centre Glenmarie for a briefing before the convoy was flagged off to Gerik.
There were 12 media X-Trails that consisted of six 2.5L 4WD variant and six units of 2.0L Hybrid. Three people were grouped in a SUV.
The facelifted Nissan X-Trail measured in at a length of 4,690mm, a width of 1,820mm, a height of 1,740mm and a wheel base of 2,705mm.
The 2.5L 4WD weighs 1,642 kg, while the 2.0L Hybrid stands at 1,634 kg. It has a 60-litre fuel tank capacity and up to 550 litres of boot space with all seats up.
The facelifted Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD is powered by the QR25DE 2.5-litre four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC with Twin CVTC engine, mated to the improved X-Tronic CVT with seven-speed manual mode.
The X-Trail has a maximum 169hp at 6,000rpm and 233Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. It has an fuel economy rating of 12.2km per litre (km/l).
The 5+2 seater SUV is equipped with Intelligent 4x4, 17-inch wheels, rain- sensing wiper, high-beam assist, LED auto levelling headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, power foldable side mirrors with LED turn signals, handsfree-powered tailgate, flat bottom multifunction leather steering wheel, dual-zone climatic air-condition system, rear vents, keyless entry with push-to-start button, powered adjusted zero gravity inspired leather seats, seven-inch touchscreen entertainment system and six-speaker sound system.
Safety features include forward collision warning with emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, 360˚ view with moving-object detection, ride control, engine brake, trace control, six airbags, active brake limited slip, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill descent control and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
The difference between the petrol variant and the Hybrid variant is that the latter is a five-seater and it comes with vehicle warning for pedestrians, an electric motor and cooperative regeneration braking system.
The difference between the Hybrid variant and the 2.5L 4WD variant is that the Hybrid variant doesn’t have the Intelligent 4x4 system hill descent control.
The X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid runs on a MR20DD 2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC with Twin CVTC engine, paired with the same X-Tronic CVT with seven-speed manual mode, which is available in the petrol variants.
Together with the electric motor,the Hybrid variant generates a total of 183 hp and 360Nm of torque. It has a fuel economy rating of 16.1 km/l.
The Hybrid variant shares most of equipment and safety features in the 2.5L 4WD variant.
The 2.5L 4WD variant is priced at RM153,888, while the Hybrid retails at RM159,888, excluding insurance.
The X-Trail has a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, including HEV components and Lithium-Ion HEV battery.
The Drive
After the flag-off, the convoy made its way to Ipoh in the 2.5L 4WD variant.
The cabin of the Nissan X-Trail 2.5L 4WD was quiet, spacious and comfortable. The SUV takes off quickly and smoothly.
The X-Tronic CVT switches gear seamlessly at normal driving conditions, but when the X-Trail 2.5L 4WD was driven aggressively, the X-Tronic CVT drags a little longer before switching gears.
On high-speed corners, the SUV sits firmly on the tarmac with little body roll. The X-Trail 2.5L 4WD absorbed most rough and damaged road conditions, providing occupants with a smooth ride.
After we arrived in Ipoh, we swapped vehicles to try the 2.0L Hybrid variant and proceeded to Belum Rainforest, Gerik, Perak.
The facelifted Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid variant was different from the start of the engine. The moment the ignition was turned on, it was so quiet that one of our driving partner restarted the SUV twice, before realising that the vehicle was on and running on the electric motor.
Occasionally, it has a slight lag when the engine restarts from the
auto-start stop mode.
If the engine stopped due to the auto-start stop function, it would take a second or two after the driver engages the throttle before the engine starts.
The X-Tronic CVT switches gear effortlessly, and it felt more lively when we were full throttling it. It easily dashes across the speed limit.
Just like the 2.5L 4WD variant, it gripped tightly on high-speed corners
with minimum body roll.
However, the 2.0L Hybrid variant felt more comfortable when it overcomes rough, damaged and uneven road conditions. Edaran Tan Chong Motor has confirmed that the Hybrid and the petrol variants have different suspension settings.
The 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid variants’ cabin is spacious, there’s generous headroom, legroom and shoulder room to carry four large-frame tall adults.
During high-speed driving, there was minimum wind noise, and tyre noise hardly got into the cabin. The engine noise was heard only at high revs.
Overall, the X-Trail is a wonderful SUV, but there are features that are missing. It would be more convenient for back-seat passengers to charge their gadgets if the X-Trail came with more USB or 12-volt power sockets.
It would also be nice if the SUV had an automatic door-lock function that locked the SUV when it moves.
