Nissan X-Trail

Introduction

X-Trail from Nissan is a premium hybrid SUV that has been recently showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo event in Delhi. This is said to be a revamped version, which is reported to have an electric motor along with a petrol engine. Its launch may fill in the gap left by its previous generation models, which were discontinued because of unsatisfactory sales. So, will this latest version be able to bring success to the Japanese automaker? Let us wait and watch until its launch. But before that, let’s dive into the knicks and knacks of this machine.

Pros

1. Generous proportions of the vehicle will not only ensure better interior space, but also add to its appearance.

2. CVT automatic gear box is likely to deliver excellent performance besides returning a decent mileage.

Cons

1. Interior design is looking a bit dull and conventional. The company could have restyled the cabin as well with a contemporary theme.

Stand Out Features

1. The infotainment system with a touchscreen display will be one of its key elements that will add to the entertainment quotient.

Overview

Nissan Motor India is hoping to enlarge its portfolio in the country with this huge machine, which is anticipated to go on sale later this year. The company has also roped in popular Bollywood actor, John Abraham as the brand's new ambassador. With this, India will become the fourth market in the world to get the hybrid version of X-Trail. It is said to enter the Indian market as a CBU and as a result, its price range can be expected to be between Rs. 32 to Rs. 35 lakhs approximately. As per sources, it is built on the CMF (Common Module Family) platform, which makes it lighter than previous generation models despite being huge. Also, it is said to be inspired by the company's new design language that makes it quite different from its predecessors. On the technical side, it may carry a 2.0-litre MR20 DD petrol engine under its hood, which will also be coupled with a 30kW electric motor. It might be available with an all wheel drive system, whereas the front wheel drive option can also be anticipated. This SUV is likely to be introduced in both five and seven seating options, which may carry a dual zone climate control, three spoke steering wheel and many other such sophisticated elements. On the safety front, it will probably get advanced assistance programs such as ABS with EBD along with vital attributes like seat belts, engine immobilizer and a few others. In terms of style and overall appearance, this machine looks striking with curvy edges all-round and quite different from its predecessor. Some of the highlights on the outside include the “V-Motion” front radiator grille, alloy wheels on the sides and wraparound tail lamps in the rear end to name a few. Once launched, the new Nissan X-Trail will compete with the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V in this segment.

Background & Evolution

This is not the first time for Nissan to introduce the X-Trail SUV to the Indian car enthusiasts. The previous generation is said to be the first vehicle offered by this automaker in the Indian market. This was eventually discontinued in the year 2014 because of poor sales. This third generation model, which was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, was first unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. This latest model has undergone some modifications in terms of exterior styling and looks sleeker than its predecessors.

Exterior

X-Trail did manage to grab a few eyeballs at the Auto Expo with its bold and muscular stance. As we can see in the pictures, it looks quite hefty with a typical SUV structure, while the creases and curves in all facets become its styling elements.

As per various sources over internet, its exterior dimensions are pretty huge and this might result in generous space inside as well. If the reports are true, it will be 95mm longer than the CR V, but 50mm shorter than the Santa Fe. This one will have the same width as the Honda CR V, but Hyundai Santa Fe is 60mm wider than both these vehicles. Compared to its rivals, Nissan will top the chart in terms of both height and wheelbase with greater measurements.

In the front, we can see the large V shaped chrome slat placed amidst the headlamps. The brand's logo is embossed in the center and behind it is a honeycomb radiator grille.

A trendy headlight cluster surrounds the grille and features LED projector headlamps along with daytime running lights as well as turn indicators.

The bonnet has got some curves unlike its predecessor, which carried a flat one. Furthermore, the visible character lines add to its appealing look.

Coming down, it has a well sculpted body coloured bumper that also houses an air dam. Also a couple of chrome tipped fog lamps sit on either side of the air intake thus, making its frontage more interesting to look at.

What's not to miss in the side profile, is its pronounced wheel arches that are fitted with an elegant set of alloy rims, probably of 18 inches.

In the entire line-up, the top of the range models may get heated door mirrors with side turn indicators integrated to them.

Also noticeable on its sides are the black B-pillars, and chrome finished door handles. Further boosting its appeal is a set of roof rails, which get a neat aluminium coating.

Moving on to the rear end, it gets an integrated spoiler just above the windshield, which is wide and features a wiper and defogger as well.

The large tailgate looks interesting with the company's popular insignia engraved between the license plate and windscreen.

And here, we can also see the large taillight cluster, in the wraparound design thus, giving a complete look to its rear end.

The exact boot space of this vehicle is not yet revealed, however, it is being speculated to be around 479 liters. It will mostly get the rear foldable seat, resulting in an increased luggage storage capacity.

Interior

Interiors of Nissan X-Trail look quite roomy and it is likely to come in both five and seven seating options. The overall design looks a bit conventional, yet the fine quality materials and advanced equipments featured insid, gives a modernistic feel.

The manufacturer has come up with a mono tone colour scheme for the cabin, which looks rather decent. Design of the dashboard is good, and we can see the center console in black finish. Rectangular shaped air vents, and a glove box compartment are integrated to it.

The center console in specific might carry an automatic air conditioning unit with dual zone climate control. We can expect it to have air vents in the rear cabin as well. Also, fitted to this console is an advanced entertainment system, which will mostly come with a touchscreen display. This unit may also support functions such as Bluetooth connectivity, radio tuner and auxiliary input options.

The seating arrangement looks quite good with well cushioned seats that are integrated with headrests. The height adjustment facility is anticipated for the driver's seat, and the rear ones are probably foldable to bring in more luggage.

A three spoke steering wheel can be seen in the pictures that have surfaced online. This might come mounted with switches as well in the top end variants.

Exactly behind the steering wheel is a semi analogue instrument display that is seen with dual pods featuring speedometer and tachometer.

Besides these, the cabin will include cup holders, power outlet, door trim pockets, inside rear view mirror, speakers and center armrests as well for added convenience.

Performance

Petrol

This upcoming hybrid vehicle is said to come with a 2.0-litre MR20DD petrol engine and an electric motor as well. The petrol mill is likely to churn out a maximum power of about 145bhp in combination with torque output of 207Nm. It is rumoured to come paired with the X-tronic CVT automatic gear box and might be available with four wheel drive option. Meanwhile, the electric motor might generate around 40bhp power, whereas its torque output may come to around 160Nm. This might be offered with high output lithium-ion battery.

Ride and Handling

Nothing much has been out yet about its suspension system, but it is likely to get an independent strut on the front axle and a multi link system on the rear one. This system may also feature coil springs and stabilizer bar in addition that ensures you a comfortable driving experience. In terms of braking, all its four wheels might come fitted with ventilated disc brakes. It is also anticipated to have the advanced assistance systems such as the anti lock braking and electronic brake force distribution that further takes the braking performance to next level. Handling this SUV might not be a big task as you can expect it to have a power assisted steering column, which helps you to drive this huge machine effortlessly irrespective of road conditions.

Safety

We can expect some state-of-art safety features to be present in this utility vehicle that may ensure stress free driving experience. It is said to come with the active engine brake, active traction control and active ride control functions. Some reports state it to carry a total of four airbags, and three point seat belts with load limiting function. In addition to all these, aspects such as hill start and hill descent assist, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer and rear door child locks are also anticipated with this SUV.

Variants

As of now, there are no details about the number of variants available in this model series.

Verdict

We at CarDekho, would like to say that Nissan X-Trail hybrid is indeed looking promising and might impress the masses with its muscular looks and interesting features. Even, the engine is likely to perform well besides giving a decent mileage. However, its sales numbers may not be as good as its competitors considering the price tag it may come with, which is likely to be more than its rivals.