Nissan’s No-Apologies X-Trail

Somewhere in Nissan Motor Philippines’ new SUV lies the backbone of the high performance Skyline GT. An out-and-out Sport Utility Vehicle with some high performance DNA, it features the electronically controlled "All Mode" four-wheel drive system for all-wheel drive stability under all conditions at any speed. In the "Auto" setting, a 4WD controller monitors engine speed and acceleration characteristics, distributing the required torque to the rear wheels when necessary via an electronically controlled coupling device. In tight cornering situations, it also reduces torque for stability. The all-wheel drivetrain also automatically engages the moment the accelerator is pressed for stable, "no-slip start ups".

There is no Low range with "All Mode", but a "Lock" setting engages the center differential for full-time 4WD operation with a front-rear torque distribution of 57:43. Two-wheel drive can also be selected for light on-road performance and enhanced fuel economy.

Two engine choices propel the X-Trail: the 2.0-liter QR20DE with 150 PS at 6000 rpm and 200 Newton-meters of torque at 4000 rpm; and the 2.5-liter QR25DE with no less than 180 PS at 6000 rpm and 245 Newton-meters of torque at 4000 rpm. Both engines benefit from Double Overhead Camshafts, 16-valves, Continuously Variable Valve Timing, multi-point fuel injection, and twin balance shafts. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available. A dedicated front-wheel drive variant with the 2.0-liter engine is available for those who don’t want the high-tech four-wheel drivetrain.

Underlining the performance-oriented credentials of the X-Trail are ventilated front and rear disk brakes; a 4-channel, 5-sensor Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist system, 215/65R16 tires on five-spoke alloy rims; and a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts and aluminum transverse links up front and a parallel-link strut system at the back.

In addition, Nissan claims body torsion stiffness for the X-Trail (it’s a unibody) comparable to that of a passenger sedan, with body roll during cornering on par with the BMW 328i. The steering rack housing is mounted directly on the suspension for enhanced straight-line stability claimed to be equal to an Audi A4’s. The front suspension’s race car-inspired aluminum transverse links reduce weight and provide excellent stiffness. The rear suspension’s linkage geometry allows for an angled trajectory of the rear wheels to minimize shock from road obstacles. The steering also has a minimum turning radius of just 5.3 meters.

Style-wise, it seems to be a mix of conservative truck and SUV cues with space-age efficiency. The front fasciaís ìegg crateî grille, ìfrog eyeî fog lamps, and large multireflector headlamps remind somewhat of a racier Frontier pickup truck. The X-Trail in profile also has some similarities with the Subaru Forester and Suzuki Vitara, but the sharply defined wheel arches and smoothly flowing greenhouse area give it some personality. The front fenders are also made of space age polymers to absorb most impacts and return to their original form without cracking or discoloration.

The cockpit design lacks some panache. With its centrally mounted meter cluster and modular-looking dashboard, it seems to have been designed less for style than for function and cost-efficient left- and right-hand drive construction. The left and right sections are almost mirror images of each other; replace a panel here and there, re-orient the instruments, move the steering column to the other side and it looks like a global vehicle that’s easier to produce for left- and right-hand drive markets around the world. It has, by the way, already been doing quite well in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Australia.

Nevertheless, the X-Trail’s interior allows for a great deal of versatility and comfort. The center of the dashboard houses two drink cooler boxes large enough for regular-sized softdrink cans or 300 ml water bottles; these are powered by the air conditioning system. Cupholders also pop out of the corners of the dash, and the center console box has a sliding armrest that opens up to form a small table with integrated cupholders and pen and cardholders. An additional cupholder for two drinks can be attached to the back of the center console.

The cabin also features Nissan’s "Space-Free X-perience" (SFX) concept with claimed top-of-class luggage space and extremely flexible rear configurations. With a variety of seating arrangements afforded by reclining rear seats that can be folded for a flat load floor, the X-Trail can swallow various cargo such as two full sized mountain bikes, long boards, skis, up to 6 golf bags, or a mid-size dog kennel. SFX also features a washable, removable luggage board thatís water and scratch resistant. When configured for passenger transport, the rear seats can be set in any of 5 positions while the front seats feature generous clearance for rear-foot space.

As befits an SUV expected to take the fight to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Ford Escape, the X-Trail comes loaded with an array of modcons to complement its performance-oriented credentials.

Priced at P1,199,000 for the 2.0-liter 4x2 and P1,333,000 for the 2.0-liter 4x4, standard items include power everything (the 4x4 also features power folding side mirrors), a 2 DIN sound system with 6 speakers, fabric upholstery, rear wiper, and keyless entry with engine immobilizer.

Dual SRS airbags and Emergency Locking Retractor front seatbelts are standard across the board, but the P1,495,000 2.5-liter 4x4 variant includes front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters. The 2.5-liter also comes with leather seats, a 2 DIN sound system with a 6-disc CD changer, fully automatic climate control, and front foglamps.