Nissan launches supersized X-Trail CVT

MANILA, Philippines - Before the launch of the Nissan Sentra 200 a couple of months ago, Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) had been quietly sitting in the sidelines as its auto industry rivals launched model after model. This continued influx of new vehicle variants has buoyed industry interest, as evidenced by the almost 30% growth in sales over the first four months of 2010. As a result, Nissan fans have no doubt been itching to see new models. For them, the long, excruciating wait for is finally over – because just last Friday, NMPI followed up the introduction of its new passenger car with the launch of the all-new X-Trail CVT (with a promise of more to come, to boot). “Barely two months ago, we launched the Sentra 200. Tonight, we launch the new X-Trail CVT and very soon, we will have another new model in our line-up,” said NMPI CEO and president Allen Chen as he welcomed guests to the launch event.

NMPI officials have been understandably excited about the new model’s arrival for some time now – and they made sure that Philippine STAR readers would get the news about the new X-Trail as soon as it came out. On the day of the launch, we were already driving it in and around the city. The day after the launch, we already took it to the track for a photo shoot and a few rounds. And while we will hold off on passing initial judgment (and a full-on car review) until after we’ve taken it off the beaten track in a program put together by NMPI towards the middle of this week, we’ll gladly share our initial impressions on the vehicle right here, right now.

First off, the new Nissan X-Trail still looks very much like the variant it replaces – only, it’s supersized (it’s 120mm longer, 20mm wider and 10mm taller). NMPI stresses that this is a result of extensive research that proved that the first generation X-Trail’s design strengths are what made it popular to begin with. That being the case, they decided not to fix what isn’t broken – just improve it by giving what their customers have been asking for, which is more car for their money.

Second, the new X-Trail has one very positive new technological advancement that puts it head and shoulders above the variant it replaces – Nissan’s Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission (XCVT). Those familiar with Nissan parlance are probably experiencing heart palpitations by this time – rightfully so. Since the XCVT was introduced into the market, it’s garnered positive reviews from almost every angle. To put things in perspective, we’ll share this fact – it is this same much-praised system that is found in much more expensive and luxurious models like the Murano and the Teana. And yes, by eliminating shift shock, it does improve the X-Trail’s ride immensely even as it enhances the car’s fuel efficiency. The new Nissan X-Trail is thus differentiated even in nomenclature from its predecessor via the suffix “CVT”. Hence, from hereon, it will be called the Nissan X-Trail CVT.

Both variants of the Nissan X-Trail CVT (the P1.5M 4X4 and the P1.3M 2WD) are powered by Nissan’s QR25DE engine, whose 2.5-liter displacement puts some 170 horses and 230Nm of torque on the table. Said engine propels the X-Trail CVT forward with a reserved sense of urgency that makes us imagine that Nissan has developed the vehicle with comfort high in its list of priorities. The added length on its wheelbase adds to this improved level of comfort, we’d wager.

Speaking of comfort, the X-Trail CVT features a Cruise Control function that makes long trips that much easier for the driver. It also has other comfort functions like 6-way power seats up front and 40/20/40 fold down back seats and extended flat floors that allow for varying levels of cargo versatility. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (and roof lamps for the 4X4 variant) also add comfort by providing better intensity and longer illumination.

Finally, the Nissan X-Trail features six airbags – four more than what is considered standard – for added safety. Nissan’s Zone body concept was also incorporated into the X-Trail CVT for additional safety and protection in the event of a frontal crash.

Intrigued? Check out the all new Nissan X-Trail CVT at Nissan Dealerships nationwide where it is already on display for viewing.