SPYSHOTS: Nissan X-Trail CKD testing in Malaysia

Pics of a mystery SUV with a taped up rear end is making the rounds on social media, and we can tell you that it’s a third-generation Nissan X-Trail. Clues include the shape of the black “diffuser” area (middle section protrudes slightly) and the positioning/shape of the tail lamps, which resemble the second-gen Toyota Harrier’s.
The new X-Trail is of course coming to Malaysia – very soon, in fact. Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) revealed in August that the SUV will be introduced by the end of this year, in locally-assembled CKD form. This means that Nissan will finally have a direct rival to the popular Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 duo. The original X-Trail was a success for ETCM, but the second-gen didn’t really catch on here.

The latest X-Trail was recently launched in Indonesia, and we got up close with the now curvy SUV at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show. Nissan’s mid-size SUV is available with seven seats for the first time, and that’s what our ASEAN neighbours get.
Two engines are available there – a Serena S-Hybrid-derived MR20DD 2.0 litre direct-injected mill (144 PS, 200 Nm) and a QR25DE 2.5 litre MPI motor from the Teana with 171 PS and 233 Nm. The former is available with either a six-speed manual or an Xtronic CVT, the latter only available with the automatic. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels. Prices range from Rp. 383 juta (RM103,300) to Rp. 431.5 juta (RM116,900).