The non-boxy Nissan X-Trail has landed

The traditional boxy styling of the Nissan X-Trail has gone into the history book. Nissan knew it very well that the consumers have move on, and if one want a boxy SUV, they would look at the Range Rover.  With the Nissan Murano selling like hot cakes out of Naza World showroom, now you have the all new X-Trail, from the conservative Tan Chong group!  In no way sthe X-Trail could beat the Honda CRV sales volume, which is the favourite among Malaysian, but it could worth a try to make a come back, at least offering additional choice for those wanting a Japanese SUV, yet think the CRV is all too common on the road as the soccer mum runabout.  By the way, the X-Trail 4WD system is always superior when compare to the Honda CRV real time system as it could offer a a full 4WD lock mode when needed.

Two variants are available, with a 2WD version (RM143k) driven by a 2.0-litre all new Direct Injection engine, capable of 142hp/200Nm of power, mated to a 7-speed CVT.  Yes, you read correctly here, it is a direct injection engine, and it is from Nissan finally!  We knew Honda has it, Toyota has it, but these two manufacturers tend to keep their cost down by offering their older generation of engines here.  For the 4WD version (RM166k), it is equipped with a 2.5-litre QR engine, producing 169hp/233Nm of power, which is not an impressive figure for an engine with this displacement.  For most users, the 2WD is usually the default choice, as we seldom sees people bringing this car to the jungle or mountain.  Furthermore, the RM23k more might not worth it, as the 2WD version give you almost similar specifications in term of safety, getting Active Engine Braking (AEB), Active Ride Control (ARC), Active Trace Control (ATC),  Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA) as part of the standard package.  The 4WD get the additional Advanced Hill Descent Control (HDC).  4 Cameras from the X-Trail provide the 360-degree around view monitor, saving one even from hitting the road curb while performing parallel parking.  When we start praising Nissan for bringing a complete safety equipped SUV, the 2-airbag only is a real disappointment here.

The interior of the X-Trail is very refreshing this round, which bring in the luxury and technological advanced feel.  Good job to Nissan for saying goodbye to those boring dashboard and meter cluster design.  With the new X-Trail, the rest of the Nissan's models are now dated!  Build quality is always decent, but the paint surface is slightly rough and uneven.  The fabric seat is best when replaced with leather.   The 7-seater configuration of the SUV is a smart features, but the lack of any legroom at the rear most seats make it kind of useless, and might only fit children below 5-year-old.  

From the first glance, at the front bold "V" grille, the X-Trail give a sensation that it looks like the Nissan Navara pickup truck.  Nissan should have tone this down to give it an improve luxury feel instead.  However, the departure of the overall boxy X-Trail look is a plus point.  No more vertical tail light, thus another departure of the SUV-liked design.  Overall, the X-Trail is a very competitive SUV, but it still lack the sporty stance of others.

	X-Trail 2.0	CRV 2.0	X-Trail 2.5	CRV 2.4
Engine Power	142HP/200Nm	153HP/190Nm	169HP/233Nm	187HP/222Nm
Transmission	CVT	5-speed	CVT	5-speed
Seat Material	Fabric	Fabric	Leather	Leather
Traction Control	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags	2	4	2	6
Wheel	17"	17"	17"	18"
Price	143k	140k	166k	169k

By the way, Honda has just launched the facelifted CRV, so before making a decision, head toward the Honda showroom for a test drive also.  Some love the reliability of the Nissan, but some love the elegant feel of the Honda.