2019 Nissan X-Trail Hybrid Previewed And Our Short Driving Impression

Two days after the announcement of the new Nissan X-Trail by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the company held a preview session for members of the media at its Glenmarie 4S Centre earlier today.

There are now four variants, with a newly added 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid joining of the existing 2.0-litre 2WD and 2.5-litre AWD.

The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid model will be positioned as the flagship variant in Malaysia, with the price estimated at RM 169,900. It delivers a combined system output of 179 PS, better than the 2.5-litre and yet returns a fuel efficiency of 16.1 km/l (R101). 

Meanwhile, other variants of the new X-Trail are tentatively priced as below:

• 2.0L 2WD – RM 139,900
• 2.0L 2WD MID – RM 149,900
• 2.5L 4WD – RM 159,900

What Is New

The facelifted Nissan X-Trail gets the usual scope of styling updates that includes reprofiled bumpers, new V-Motion front grille, new lights, and new rim design.

It is under the sheet metal that Nissan has spent more resources on. Ride, handling, and cabin quietness have been set as targets for improvement and the new X-Trail has more insulation and noise suppressing materials placed at strategic locations.

Moving to the interior, the new X-Trail gets a new flat-bottom steering wheel, shift lever, and soft-touch dashboard panel. An electric parking brake with Auto-Hold function is also standard across the range. New piano black trim around the air-conditioning vents make the cabin darker. 

A new 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is also bundled in as standard.

The Hybrid and 2.5-litre variant also receive intelligent cruise control and autonomous emergency braking features. Lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert functions are available from the 2.0 MID variant.

We have covered a more detailed breakdown of specifications in our earlier article here.  

A total of five colours are available, with Imperial Umber (a dark maroon hue) being the latest addition. Black is the only interior colour available across all variants.

Engine And Transmission

The highlight of the new X-Trail is the Hybrid variant. The self-charging hybrid powertrain features the familiar 2.0-litre MR20 engine paired with Nissan’s innovative ‘one-motor-two-clutch hybrid system’.

Nissan has designed the 41 PS / 160 Nm electric motor to be ‘sandwiched’ by two clutches. This allows the X-Trail Hybrid to start-off in full electric (EV) mode, as well as blending engine output with electric motor output. A CVT-type transmission is used to provide drive to the front wheels.  

The 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located directly behind the non-sliding second-row seats, thus making the Hybrid a strict five-seater. The combined system output of this hybrid powertrain is 179 PS and fuel consumption is rated at 16.1 km/l, a 20% improvement versus the regular 2.0-litre non-hybrid X-Trail.

First Driving Impressions Of The X-Trail Hybrid

The X-Trail Hybrid felt livelier coming out of junctions and traffic lights compared to the 2.5-litre variant. Much of the credit goes to the quick ‘boost’ assistance by the 160 Nm electric motor.

Driving on poor road conditions around the vicinity of Glenmarie immediately highlighted the significantly quieter cabin. Engine sound is much better cancelled out, and the suspension also provided better comfort over the irregular road levels.

Under 40 km/h speed, the petrol engine turns off and the electric motor takes over until the battery ‘runs out of juice’. Having said that, the occurrences of electric-only propulsion are minimal during the short ‘drive around the block’.

Overall, first impressions of the new X-Trail Hybrid are very positive, with impressive power delivery from the hybrid system and a quieter cabin with better ride comfort.

Test drives are available from tomorrow onwards at selected ETCM dealerships in conjunction with the Test Drive Carnival. (Glenmarie, Butterworth, Kuantan, and Johor Jaya)

The new X-Trail range is backed by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and in the Hybrid variant, coverage also includes the specific electrified parts and lithium-ion battery.

In conjunction with the opening of the order books, the new Nissan X-Trail also comes with a free 2-year or 40,000 km (whichever occurs first) Periodic Maintenance Service package. Additionally, the first 500 registered vehicles will also receive an exclusive gift worth RM 488. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in April 2019.