In 2014, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI), the exclusive local distributor of Nissan, introduced the 3rd generation X-Trail. Fast-forward to present time, the Japanese carmaker saw the opportunity to give the compact crossover a mid-cycle refresh. And it did just that with the recent introduction of the updated X-Trail for 2017.
Aesthetically speaking, the refreshed X-Trail’s overall styling didn’t depart too much from the outgoing version, albeit some key changes inside and out. But nonetheless, these small changes further added a dash of aggressiveness and refinement to its sporty vibe.
First on the list is its redesigned front end. Accenting the new look bumper is a larger grille with Nissan’s trademark V-Motion design. This is flanked with a set of restyled dual-projector LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL). The neat thing about the headlights is that they automatically beam toward where the vehicle is turning, thus increasing the cornering visibility for both the driver and pedestrians/approaching motorists.
Its profile, on the other hand, showcases a set of 19-inch alloy wheels (the largest in its class) and side skirt trims that distinguish its 4x4 variant from the 4x2 kind. Meanwhile, the tail end presents sharper-looking boomerang-shaped LED tail lights that give a more robust look.
Inside, Nissan gave the X-Trail some improvements on its door and instrument panel fit and finish. It’s got a redesigned steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear shift boost, leather-appointed seats, and a newly integrated panoramic sunroof.
But the best enhancement of the refreshed X-Trail is the addition of what the Japanese carmaker refers to as its Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.
In review, the Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies are features that improve driving experience and safety. These include the Around View Monitor that provides a 360-degree camera view of the X-Trail’s parameters, a big help when parking in tight spaces. Working with this feature is the Moving Object Detection that warns the driver of movements (i.e. approaching vehicles or people) around the X-Trail. For better maneuverability on or off the road, the can count on the 4x4-I system (available in the 4x4 variant).
Moreover, there’s the Blind Spot Warning system that alerts the driver of vehicles in his/her blind spots, the Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Emergency Braking that warns the driver of a potential head-on collision (then automatically triggers the brakes, should the driver fail to react on time), and the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert which warns the driver of approaching vehicles or people on both sides when backing up.
Under the hood resides a choice between a 2.0L and a 2.5L gasoline engine mated to a CVT gearbox. The former, which belongs to the 4x2 variant, gives 142 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The latter, meanwhile, runs the 4x4 kind and produces 168 hp with 233 Nm of torque on tap.
Of note, the updated Nissan X-Trail comes with a pallet of colors that include Premium Corona Orange, Marine Blue, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, and Diamond Black. According to NPI’s General Manager for Sales, Rollie Navarro, the refreshed Nissan X-Trail’s 4x2 variant sells for P1,399,000 while its 4x4 variant is priced at P1,728,000. He added that the new X-Trail will be available starting within this September.
