Nissan Philippines has finally debuted its series hybrid technology in our market with the arrival of the Kicks e-Power crossover. But the Kicks is only one of five Nissan models worldwide that come with such a powertrain, as the automaker recently unveiled the new X-Trail with e-Power for the European market.
New Nissan X-Trail: Digital Premiere
This follows the model’s global premiere at the 2021 Auto Shanghai and its subsequent debuts in Australia and Japan this year, the latter available with three seating rows. The Japanese formula will be adopted for customers in Europe, with their version of the X-Trail also sold in either five- or seven-seat configurations.
“Replacing an icon like the X-Trail is a huge responsibility. It has established itself as a vehicle for families to share adventures in, so we know what our customers appreciate,” said Francois Bailly, Senior Vice President & Chief Planning Officer for Nissan’s AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania) Region.
The Nissan V-motion grille frames the new corporate emblem
The fourth-generation X-Trail’s exterior still prominently features the V-motion grille, now flanked by streamlined LED headlamps with the daytime running lights and indicators combined on the hood’s leading edge. Hidden underneath the new Nissan corporate sigil is an active grille shutter system that regulates airflow into the engine bay. Other aero tweaks include underbody covers and an air curtain diverting air to the sides.
But what really sets the new X-Trail apart in the segment is its use of e-Power for propulsion, making it the fifth Nissan model to do so after the Note, Serena, Qashqai, and Kicks. A 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with variable compression ratio is rated at 201 horsepower. However, this power unit only serves as an onboard generator, charging the 2.1 kWh battery that an electric motor uses to actually spin the drive wheels.
Three-row seating is an available option on the compact crossover
The new X-Trail also features the e-Pedal Step system that controls vehicle acceleration and deceleration with just one pedal. Apart from the convenience it brings, e-Pedal Step also provides an easier way to engage the X-Trail’s brake regeneration technology to keep the battery topped-up.
Another feature that will likely make the X-Trail stand out even more is the introduction of the e-4ORCE all-wheel drivetrain. Using twin onboard electric motors, this not only delivers traction and confident acceleration, but also precisely regulates output to minimize pitch and dive, resulting in optimum ride comfort.
Prepare to be amazed by anything on four wheels bearing this badge
It does sound like the new Nisan X-Trail is tailor-fit for the Philippine market, especially since it ticks all the right boxes: a spacious and versatile interior that can fit up to seven occupants, an efficient powertrain to beat rising fuel prices, and a one-pedal operation technology that’s perfect for traffic-riddled thoroughfares. Do you think that Nissan Philippines should consider bringing back this compact crossover in our market in e-Power guise?
See more new models that could be perfect for our roads at Philkotse.com.