The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid has been launched in Japan. This third-gen T32 gets a 2.0 litre MR20DD engine with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control – Nissan’s one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system.
The petrol engine has been optimised for the hybrid system by adopting a low-friction oil seal and ditching the auxiliary belt. Its output figures differ slightly from our MR20DD – 147 PS at 6,000 rpm and 207 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is slightly higher. The RM31 electric motor (that’s its code-name, not how much it costs!) joins in with 41 PS and 160 Nm of twist.
Allied to low-rolling resistance rubber, a 20.6 km per litre JC08 economy figure is claimed, as well as 75% lower NOx and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbon) emissions over 2005 standards and SU-LEV certification.
The two clutches mentioned in this system aren’t a dual-clutch transmission. The X-Trail uses an Xtronic CVT gearbox. The two clutches refer to the clutch between the engine and the electric motor, and the clutch between the electric motor and the Xtronic CVT.
Nissan claims the lithium-ion battery can quickly charge and discharge, allowing precise control of the electric motor and clutch operation. Because of the battery’s location, the boot swallows over 400 litres (our non-hybrid X-Trail can take 550 litres).
Available in an X-Trail for the first time is NissanConnect Navigation System with smartphone link (can display phone apps), while Forward Emergency Braking is standard across the range.
20X Hybrid 2WD, 20X Hybrid 4WD, 20X Hybrid Xtreamer-X 4WD and 20X Hybrid Black Xtreamer-X 4WD variants are offered in Japan, priced between 2.8 million and 3.2 million yen (RM85k-97k). All have five seats – our X-Trail is the seven-seat version.
