The new Nissan X-Trail debuts in Japan

The new Nissan X-Trail debuts in Japan

Only available in an e-POWER hybrid version, the new Nissan X-Trail is expected to arrive in Europe in early 2023.

FOURTH GENERATION, IT IS CHANGED 

Official presentation of the new Nissan X-Trail, on sale from 25 July in Japan. If the aesthetic changes are visible at first glance, the mechanical ones are even more substantial since the powertrain adopts the hybrid e-POWER scheme already introduced on the Qashqai. 

The generous dimensions also allow the 7-seater version while the off-road vocation of the model is expressed in the four-wheel drive versions which, at least in Japan, are more than the 2WD ones. The aesthetics of the new Nissan x-Trail recalls that of the Rogue concept while the four-wheel drive scheme is the e-4ORCE, derived from that of the electric Arya.

ELECTRIC PETROL 

The mechanical scheme of the Nissan X-Trail hybrid follows that of the Qashqai: the wheels are driven by the electric motor (two for the 4x4 version ) and the electricity for their power supply comes from both a small battery (that of the Qashqai has 2.1 kWh) and the sophisticated 1.5-liter 3-cylinder already seen in other models of the group. 

This engine is defined by Nissan as “the world's first variable compression ratio engine mass-produced "and promises very high yields, both for this technological innovation and because it works at an almost constant speed, having to operate the generator and not the wheels. Its maximum power may not be very high - also with an eye to consumption - because if a lot of power is required, the battery will intervene; it is likely that the latter is more capable than that of the Qashqai, especially in the twin-engine version.

SECOND GENERATION E-POWER 

Nissan claims that "the combination of second-generation e -POWER and the VC-Turbo engine delivers a powerful driving experience and unprecedented quietness while maintaining high fuel efficiency." The driving experience is very similar to that of an electric car - smooth ride, fast throttle response, and quiet operation - but the battery never needs to be recharged. The overall energy efficiency is obviously less good, given the presence of the heat engine, but autonomy anxiety, in this case, is just an empty concept, given the refueling of petrol. The similarity with pure electric bikes continues with the e-Pedal Step, which reduces the need to apply the brakes because releasing the accelerator pedal triggers regenerative braking.

ALL E-4ORCE 

The Nissan X-Trail 4WD is equipped with e-4ORCE, which makes the electric propulsion work in synergy with two motors, one per axle, the Nissan experience in all-wheel drive and chassis control technology. The promised result is a substantial improvement in acceleration, cornering, and braking performance. The manufacturer declares that e-4ORCE is able to assess the conditions of the road surface and therefore precisely controls the drive and braking torque of the two electric motors to maximize tire grip. This promises easy and safe driving on slippery surfaces, greater comfort (the engines modulate energy recovery to stabilize the set-up and give greater fluidity), and acceleration that is always ready.

IN THE NAME OF SAFETY 

The new Nissan X-Trail features many technologies for driving safety, such as the Nissan Safety Assist 360 which uses cameras, radar, and sonar to monitor the surrounding environment, possibly pending safety measures in dangerous situations. There is also the automatic emergency call, adaptive LED headlights, and ProPILOT with Navi-link, which implements level 2 autonomous driving in motorways with separate carriageways for each direction of travel. It supports the driver both in speed variations in line with the road limits and when braking and entering corners. ProPILOT Park controls the steering, throttle, brakes, shifting, and parking brake for automatic parking in many situations.

DIGITAL LIFE AND COMFORT 

From a modern car like the Nissan X-Trailexpect, a good dose of electronics, connectivity, and services are not disappointed. The Advanced Drive-Assist display that implements the instrumentation has a generous 12.3-inch diagonal and two display modes. The NissanConnect navigation system also has a 12.3-inch display and there are voice recognition commands with natural language and the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, for greater convenience and the ability to control home automation applications as well. The head-up display projects 10.8-inch diagonal indications onto the windshield and display information instantly. Then there is the Bose Premium Sound System, optimized for the new Nissan X-Trail. Nice equipment (some components are optional), therefore, however, is defined for Japan: