Monday 29 September 2014

Tokyo 2013: Nissan X-Trail, Japan-spec third-gen


The third-gen Nissan X-Trail, which broke cover at the Frankfurt show in September, turned up at the ongoing Tokyo show. It’s set to go on sale in Japan next month, and an MR20DD engine is mentioned, along with a revised Xtronic CVT with Eco mode, plus start/stop.

Although Nissan hasn’t officially revealed output figures, we know the MR20DD engine as a direct-injected 2.0 litre four-cylinder featuring twin C-VTC that produces 147 hp and 210 Nm of torque in the Serena S-Hybrid. Underpinning the X-Trail is the Common Module Family (CMF) platform.

Known variants include 20S, 20X, 20X Emergency Brake Package, 20X X-TREMER X and 20X Emergency Brake Package X-TREMER X. Five- and Seven-seat versions are available. The X-TREMER X variants are produced by Nissan tuner Autech, and feature contrasting-coloured skid plates, a more prominent lower intake and fog lamp housings, as well as sportier-looking alloys.


The Emergency Brake Package variants get Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication, Emergency Brake, Do-not-enter Sign Detection. Blind Spot Warning, Driver Attention Alert, plus Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Park Assist are offered as options.

LED headlamps are also optional, as are side and curtain airbags (dual front airbags are standard). Standard safety equipment includes VDC with TCS and Brake LSD, plus 2-stage load-limiting front seat belts with pretensioners. Seven body colours are offered.

5-seat versions get 60:40-split second row seats; on 7-seat versions they’re split 40:20:40, and can slide as well as recline. A panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof with electric retractable shade is optional, and front seat heaters are available on select variants.
There are more storage spaces and cupholders, and Spinal Support Front Seats claim to reduce fatigue through articulated seat back pads. The seats and floor are water-repellent. You can open the powered tailgate by waving your hand near the sensor (provided you have your Intelligent Key with you) to reveal a boot that can take up to 550 litres of luggage.

Some variants are 2WD, but Nissan’s All-Mode 4x4i electronic 4WD system is also offered, along with Advance Hill Descent Control and Yaw Moment Control. Hill Start Assist, Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Cornering Stability Assist are standard across the range.