NISSAN X-TRAIL 2.0L & 2.5L CVT

NISSAN X-TRAIL 2.0L & 2.5L CVT

  Nissan X-Trail Impul edition launched

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially launched the Nissan X-Trail Tuned by Impul, a new offering for those who desire something a little sportier than the standard seven-seater SUV. The Impul X-Trail package is offered for both the 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L 2WD models.
The Impul makeover includes an aerokit made up of newly designed front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, door visors, and LED stainless steel kick plates. The 17-inch wheels have also been swapped out for 18-inch Impul Aura SX-50 alloys that get a chrome bronze and gloss black finish. The wheels are wrapped with Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres as well. Additionally, the Impul X-Trail rides 30 mm lower than before thanks to Impul sport springs.

Prices start at RM149,715.05 (OTR with insurance) for the Nissan X-Trail 2.0L 2WD Impul, a premium of RM8,648.04 over the standard 2.0L model (RM141,067.01). The 2.5L 4WD Impul meanwhile, will set you back RM172,516.42 (OTR with insurance), RM8,620.48 more than the standard 2.5L model (RM163,895.94).
However, if you’re looking to purchase the Impul parts individually, the total cost for the whole Impul makeover will amount to RM15,900. The full list of parts and their respective prices are as follows:

• Aerokit (including front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts) – RM5,300.
• Impul sport springs – RM1,060
• 18-inch Impul Aura SX-50 alloy wheels (set of four) – RM 5,830
• Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres (set of four) – RM2,756
• Door visors – RM424
• LED stainless steel kick plates – RM530

Keep in mind that the Impul package doesn’t involve any mechanical changes under the hood of both X-Trail models. Therefore, the 2.0 litre MR20DD direct injection mill is still good for 144 PS at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. As for the 2.5 litre, the QR25DE-k2 engine provides 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,000 rpm for output numbers. Both engines are paired to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox.

2015 Nissan X-Trail launched in Malaysia

 

Previewed back in December, the new Nissan X-Trail has officially gone on sale – the third-gen iteration of the mid-size SUV was launched a while ago at Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s (ETCM) new Nissan 3S centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.
The X-Trail – which premiered in Frankfurt in 2013 – makes its local debut in 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre forms, both CKD locally-assembled. The vehicle sits on Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family (CMF) platform, and from a design perspective, is a marked step away from its predecessors’ boxy and conservative shapes.
The base X-Trail is powered by a 2.0 litre mill, and the new Twin CVTC MR20DD direct injection unit is good for 144 PS at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. As for the 2.5 litre, the QR25DE-k2 lump has 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,000 rpm for output numbers.
The engines are paired with the automaker’s latest Xtronic CVT gearbox with ECO mode and a seven-speed manual mode, a feature absent in both B17 Sylphy and L33 Teana CVT sedans. As for drive configurations, the 2.0 is 2WD or front-wheel drive, while the 2.5 litre model is shod with Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4X4-i system.

The latter offers three drive modes – two-wheel drive, Auto Mode (which automatically changes torque distribution between front and rear wheels when driving on paved or slippery roads) and 4WD Lock Mode (50:50) for permanent four-wheel drive. Operation is selectable via a knob on the centre console.

The SUV features an Active Chassis Control package that includes Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Active Trace Control functions. Active Ride Control controls engine torque as well as braking to moderate pitching motion on bumpy roads, while Active Engine Brake tells the Xtronic CVT to add a degree of engine braking when cornering or coming to a stop.
As for Active Trace Control, that automatically applies small amounts of braking to the individual wheels during cornering to reduce understeer – the system engages at any point in the corner, whether at entry, mid-corner or exit. Both variants feature Hill Start Assist (for slopes above 5%), and the 2.5 litre 4WD variant gets Hill Descent Control (only in 4WD Lock mode, speed locked between 4-15 km/h).
The new X-Trail features a 5+2 seating configuration, and the small, contingency third-row seats – which come with three-point seat belts – can of course be flat folded 50:50 into the floor. Folded as such, boot space is 550 litres, and with both third and second-row 60:40 split seats folded flat, cargo carrying space increases to 1,520 litres. A compartment under the boot floor keeps the tonneau cover in place when needed.

In terms of equipment, the 2.0 2WD gets daytime running lights, automatic (halogen) headlamps, keyless entry with push start ignition and dual-zone climate control (with rear vents). There’s also an Advance Drive Assist Display (five-inch colour display, between the dials), steering buttons, leather steering/shift knob, cruise control as well as Nissan’s Around View Monitor and a reverse camera.
The 2.5 4WD has all the above, and adds on LED headlamps, leather seats, a 10-way powered driver’s seat and four-way powered passenger seat as well as auto wipers. The variant also features a different panel finishing (in fake carbon fibre, while the 2.0 2WD has silver/grey trim).
As for safety kit, both variants are equipped with dual-airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Hill Start Assist and Isofix on top of the Active Chassis Control components mentioned above. Both X-Trail versions get identical 17-inch wheels and 225/65 rubber, meaning that the only way to differentiate them externally is via the headlamps (halogen vs LED).

Five colours are available, these being Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Graphite Blue, Brilliant White and Diamond Black. Finally, pricing – the new Nissan X-Trail is priced at RM143,800 for the 2.0L 2WD and RM166,800 for the 2.5L 4WD (on-the-road, with insurance). An optional TCAT Multimedia Navigation unit can be had for RM3,800. The X-Trail comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) as well as free three-year maintenance service.

NISSAN NAVARA NP300 2.5L 4WD

NISSAN NAVARA NP300 2.5L 4WD

Nissan Navara VL Plus, which rolls in as the new range-topping variant in the local Navara line-up. As its name suggests, the VL Plus adds on new equipment and safety features.

The Plus version gets Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), which is also available on the X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid. The Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) system utilises four cameras to provide a 360° bird’s-eye view of the vehicle for easier navigation in tight spots and tricky parking situations.

A digital speedometer also finds its way on as part of the Advanced Driver-Assist Display instrument cluster. Safety equipment gets a boost with additional airbags, the VL PLus bringing the count to seven (dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as driver knee airbag).

Otherwise, no mechanical changes, with the 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine continuing to offer 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The mill is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system with on-the-fly mode switching.

The Navara 2.5L VL Plus is priced at RM119,869 on-the-road, zero-rated GST and without insurance. If the idea of a VL Plus in Black Series guise sounds tempting, then all you have to do is fork out a little more, in this case RM123,643, for one.

The package of blacked-out components in the package includes matte headlamp eyelids, front grille, front bumper, side mirror covers, fog lamp surrounds, front and rear overfenders as well as a sport bar.

The new Navara is a handsome-looking thing – the muscled-up design is more aerodynamic than before (0.37 Cd vs 0.43 Cd) and hides the slightly longer, if lower dimensions. It measures 5,255 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,150 mm. The single cab model gets a longer bed with a built-in side step; the latter is said to be first-in-class and is rated up to 250 kg.
Inside, the pick-up carries an interior design that’s reminiscent of Nissan’s passenger cars, albeit trimmed in hard plastics. Still, all models get nifty touches such as a dash-top tray with its own 12 V power socket, along with a cup holder under the driver’s side air-con vent to keep beverages cool. Double cab models also get the fantastic zero gravity-inspired seats cribbed from the Teana, as well as rear air-con vents.
The single cab model is as basic as it gets, coming with halogen reflector headlights, fog lights, 16-inch steel wheels and black wing mirrors and door handles. Step inside and you’ll find just a double-DIN radio/CD/MP3 head unit with AUX-in, four speakers and vinyl upholstery as creature comforts. The double cab E doesn’t fare much better, but at least it gains a rear spoiler, side steps, fabric seats, a USB port and six speakers.
Stepping up to the SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and door handles and chrome power-folding wing mirrors with LED indicators. The V model receives i-Key keyless entry, push-button ignition, cruise control, a 5.0 inch central display, Bluetooth, multifunction steering wheel controls and a reverse camera. The manual air-con controls also go from plain dials to a push button array with fan and temperature knobs.
From there, the posh VL variant piles on LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, snazzy 18-inch dual-tone alloys, roof rails, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a digital compass display.
No matter which model you get, under the bonnet resides a revised version of the current Navara’s 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. However, only the mill in the top VL trim produces the full 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm; the other variants make do with 163 PS and 403 Nm.
Single cab and double cab E models come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while V and VL variants are offered solely with a seven-speed automatic with manual override; the SE gets a choice of both. All models come with all-wheel drive, switchable on-the-fly at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Double cab models are fitted with multi-link rear suspension with coil springs, while the single cab soldiers on with leaf springs.
Last but not least, safety – the NP300 Navara comes with dual airbags as standard but, sadly, not ABS. You’d have to punt for the SE to receive it, but at least you’d also get EBD, brake assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control, brake-based Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
The colour palette on double cab models consist of Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black and Brilliant White; the last colour is the only option for the single cab model.
Options include a TCAT Multimedia Navigation system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, combination leather seats and an Elegance Package consisting of sport pedals, stainless steel kick plates, door visors and chrome door handle finishers.

We have seen quite a bit of the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara already. In mid-October, the new ‘Mother Trucker’ was open for bookings with two body styles offered, with single and double cab models available. Now, Edaran Tan Chong Motor has provided the media a preview of the pick-up truck in selected variants.

Under the hood, all NP300 Navara variants adopt the same 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. However, only the mill in the double cab VL-spec churns out 190 PS/450 Nm, while the other variants make do with 163 PS/403 Nm.
Transmission-wise, the single cab model along with the double cab SE (MT) variants are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Moving up the range, the double cab SE (AT), V and VL variants receive a seven-speed automatic gearbox (with manual override). All NP300 Navara models come with an all-wheel drive system with on-the-fly switching up to 100 km/h.
Beginning with the double cab variants, the manual-only Navara E kicks thing off with automatic halogen headlights with matching (bulb-type) DRLs. Elsewhere on the pick-up, there are side steps, 16-inch steel rims, a rear spoiler, silver front grille and black painted door handles. As the entry-level model, the manual folding side mirrors are finished in black and can be adjusted electrically.

Inside, the Navara SE (MT and AT) introduces chrome elements to the exterior with the front grille and door handles finished in said material. Other additions include power foldable and adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators. Also, 16-inch alloys come into the picture.
Continuing on, the automatic-only Navara V packs on additional amenities with an i-Key keyless entry and push start, while the driver benefits from a Fine Vision Meter TFT colour display, a five-inch multimedia display screen linked to a rear view camera, cruise control and steering controls. The air-con is still manual, but is of the push-button variety instead.

At the top of the list is the Navara VL that comes with all the bells and whistles including first-in-class LED headlamps with LED DRLs, roof rails and 18-inch alloys.
The interior also receives a bump in luxury with an eight-way powered seat (plus two-way lumbar) for the driver. There’s leather on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Rounding off the VL’s kit list are a dual-zone automatic air-con and an auto dimming rear view mirror that features a compass that indicates the pick-up’s direction of travel.

Finally, the single cab variant, which is available for private registration as well. This workhorse gets a larger flatbed with the omission of the rear passenger cab. The interior is a little sparse by comparison but it does come with a double-DIN radio unit and the dash-top storage tray comes with a 12V power outlet, as per the double cabs.
Keep in mind that all double cab models feature rear multi-link suspension (live axle) setup but the single cab retains a leaf spring configuration instead. The EP300 also rides on a fully boxed ladder frame with 31 degree approach and 25.6 degree departure angles, with a ground clearance of 230 mm.

Safety wise, all variants come with dual front airbags as standard. The SE (MT and AT), V and VL get an expanded safety suite that includes ABS with EBD and BA, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and traction control, Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).Four colour options – Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Brilliant White are available for the double cab variants. The single cab model can only be had in Brilliant White. All models are CBU fully imported from Thailand and come with a three-year/100,000 km warranty.

NISSAN ALMERA 1.5L AT

Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has introduced the Nissan Almera Black Series in Malaysia. The second model to receive the Black Series treatment after the NP300 Navara, the B-segment sedan gets a aerokit designed by Japanese tuner Tomei, as well as extra equipment for no extra cost.

This means that the Black Series, offered in 1.5E and 1.5VL Auto variants, are priced exactly the same as the standard models at RM72,388 and RM82,388 respectively, on-the-road without insurance. Included in the list price is a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, plus a three-year/150,000 km warranty for all the accessories.

These accessories include the aforementioned Tomei aerokit, consisting of an aggressive front spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser, all finished with Dark Titanium accents. Meanwhile, the existing front grille, door mirror covers and 15-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels have been painted gloss black, as has the new rear spoiler.

On the inside, buyers are treated to leather seats with the same Dark Titanium highlights as the exterior, plus a Clarion Advanced Display Audio infotainment system with a 6.75-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a reverse camera. Also fitted is a wide-angle Driving Video Recorder dashcam as well as Solar Gard window tint film.

All these go on top of the Almera’s standard equipment, which includes halogen reflector headlights, LED daytime running lights, door mirror indicators, a driver’s airbag and ABS with EBD and brake assist. The VL adds front fog lights, keyless entry, automatic air-conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, a Fine Vision instrument cluster and dual airbags.

The mechanicals remain unchanged, so the Black Series gets the same 1.5 litre HR15DE four-cylinder petrol engine, sending 102 PS and 139 Nm of torque to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

VIDEO: Nissan Leaf turns five, becomes a mind-reader

The Nissan Leaf turns five this year, and to commemorate the occasion, Nissan has produced a short video that shows everyone just how exciting driving an electric vehicle (EV) can be. Literally, whatever emotions you’re having while driving the Leaf will be shown to every bystander.
In the 1 minute 40 second-long video titled “The Electric CARtoon – Driving School at Night”, a specially-prepared Leaf is used. Wrapped in a manner befit of a manga comic, the Leaf’s other trick is a device inside the car that measures the brainwaves of 30 men and women as they are driving the EV.
The science here is, alpha waves are emitted when the brain relaxes and concentrates, while beta waves are produced when the brain feels tension or is excited. From starting the EV, to driving it down a straight road and taking corners, the machine records the information, and projects one of 33 patterns of language that reflects the current emotion felt by the driver onto the road.
It’s all very interesting this, and certainly worth a watch. Now, if only there’s a way the same brain device can be hooked up to a car’s indicator lights. Should make for an interesting experiment, wouldn’t you say?

VIDEO: Nissan and Manchester City – Dream Job Swap

A Nissan-commissioned study found that nearly a third of children aged 9 to 13 years, believe that footballers and racing drivers have the most exciting careers in the world. Well, with individuals like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton around, it’s easy to see why.
The study prompted Nissan to come up with make full use of their partnership with the Manchester City Football Club, bringing together football and driving in an event called ‘Dream Job Swap’.
Four first team players – David Silva, Bacary Sagna, Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala got behind the wheel of a Nissan Juke Nismo RS in a gymkhana-esque challenge. Tutoring them are professional motorsport drivers Jann Mardenborough, Miguel Faisca, Ricardo Sanchez, Lucas Ordonez.

In the time attack challenge, we get to see the players try to outdo one another, while watching their instructors cringe at every mistake and spinout that takes place. You’ll have to watch the full video to see who wins in the end.
“Being able to make some of the country’s most celebrated talent accessible to our fans through this activity is what makes this partnership so exciting. Seeing the reaction from the players and drivers experiencing the dream job swap has been fantastic and we hope to get a similar reaction from viewers,” said Nissan Motors GB Marketing Director Chris Marsh.