Nissan has finally taken the wraps off its fourth-generation Nissan X-trail at the ongoing 2021 Shanghai Auto Expo. The new-gen SUV comes with advanced tech, turbocharged engines and an improved design. It will be first launched in China in the second half of this year, followed by a Europe launch in summer of 2022.
The next-gen flagship SUV from Nissan is built on the updated CMF-C platform that also underpins several Mitsubishi and Renault cars. The Japanese automaker claims that the new architecture provides a more responsive steering. The SUV got a rugged and aggressive look featuring a large V-motion grille, pronounced front and rear haunches, split LED headlamps, a floating roof and slim trapezoidal taillamps. The X-Trail also comes with a new updated front suspension and will be sold in both a 5- and a 7-seat layout.
Talking about the powertrain, the China-spec model will be powered by a new 1.5L, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine instead of the 2.5L naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder motor. It is capable of generating a power of 204bhp with 300Nm of torque. The new power source has been boosted with Nissan’s VC-Turbo (variable compression) technology ensuring low fuel consumption and high performance. The engine is mated with an improved Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox with a wider ratio range and a higher torque capacity. The SUV will come with Nissan’s 4×4 Intelligent AWD (all-wheel-drive) system and has a claimed mileage of 5.8-litres per 100km.
The European variant of the SUV will receive the e-Power range-extended electric powertrain but the Japanese automaker has not revealed the official details yet. However, we expect it to share the hybrid power system with the new Qashqai which comes with a 140kW (191bhp) electric motor and a 156bhp, 1.5L variable compression engine. Similar to the Nissan Leaf electric hatchback, it has ‘e-Pedal’one-pedal operational ability.
Inside the cabin, the China-spec new X-Trail gets a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, unlike the US model that has a 9-inch NissanConnect display. It also sports a 10.8-inch fully digital display as the driver screen. It is paired with an enhanced ProPilot semi-autonomous driving function. Nissan has also given triple-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats and active noise cancellation for a premium drive experience.
While the 2nd-gen Nissan X-Trail was sold in India before it got discontinued in 2014, the 3rd gen of the SUV never made it to our shores. Yet, the X-Trail had a decent fan base back when it was available in the Indian market. Although, it wasn’t enough for Nissan to consider a launch especially with its financial woes. So, there’s very little chance of the new-gen X-Trail going on sale in the Indian market although, Nissan could surprise us all because they’ve been on a spree ever since they re-sculpted their future. Nissan India’s current SUV line up includes the Kicks and the in-demand Magnite that just crossed the 50,000 bookings mark.
