The X-Trail: Generation story of Nissan’s first crossover SUV

Nissan, we don’t think the brand needs an introduction, and so, we are skipping this part. Thus, concentrating all our time and energy towards the protagonist in question, the X-Trail. Now, the Nissan X-Trail as can be seen by the looks of it is a seven-seater compact crossover SUV. And it has been in production since early 2000. What’s interesting is the fact that it was Nissan’s first crossover and came in as an answer to the likes of Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Honda CR-V, and others in the newly thriving crossover market.

Now, globally the Nissan X-Trail moniker has seen four-generations. However, the same is not the case with the Malaysian-spec model. So, here is a brief on the X-Trail generations -

• First generation - 2000 to 2007
• Second generation - 2007 to 2013
• Third generation - 2013 to 2017
• Fourth generation - 2017 to present

In Malaysia however, we got the second-generation X-Trail, then the third and that’s all. We are still awaiting the launch of the all-new model. The all-new Nissan X-Trail is currently on sale in the United Kingdom, and we feel it’ll come to Malaysia by mid or late 2019. However, it’s not like we have missed on a lot, as Nissan has time and again tried to keep it fun and active for Malaysian. How? Or rather Why? Well, that’s because Nissan Malaysia has treated us frequently with special editions of the X-Trail. These special editions though carried a slightly distinct design splash; the core remained the same. So, that’s the same old reliability and trust but with more attractive packaging.

Now, that we know the brief history of the Nissan X-Trail, let’s dig further deep and see what all information we can gather about the car. Believe us the task was a bit tedious but the process gave us great insight about this crossover SUV.

Let's get started on the X-Trail’s Malaysian timeline -

July 2010 - Nissan X-Trail launch (Second-gen model arrives)

The Nissan X-Trail was first launched in Malaysia in 2010, and it was the second-gen model that was introduced. It was imported from Indonesia as a completely built-up unit. Priced at RM 149,500 (including insurance), the SUV was made available in only one engine option. Powering the X-Trail back then was an MR20DE 2.0-litre engine that also powered the Sylphy. However, the unit fitted in the X-Trail was an all-aluminium CVTC mill making 139 PS and 198 Nm (more than Sylphy’s 133 PS/191 Nm). The engine was mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox that solely sends power to the front wheels. Inside there was a 2-DIN stereo with AUX/USB/Bluetooth and SD card capability. Though rear AC vents and the powered front seat was on offer, the air-con system was manual, and the steering had no controls. Safety specs included two-airbags, active head restraints, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, and pre-tension seatbelt.

April 2013 - Nissan X-Trail first facelift (Second-gen model)

Nearly three years after the local launch of the Nissan X-Trail, the company introduced the facelifted version. Like the original second-gen model, it too was powered solely by the 2.0-litre CVT 2WD engine. It generated 139 PS and 198 Nm of torque. Design updates were seen both on the inside and outside. On the exterior, it got a reprofiled bumper, new LED tail lamps, and 17-inch alloys. The cabin received a new dark tone, and a 6-inch touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and reverse camera. Leather upholstery was now added, other features included were Nissan’s Intelligent Key, retractable rear drink holder, powered front seat, and glovebox with cooling and heating function. Priced at around RM 148,00, it was 700 Ringgit cheaper than the original model.

January 2015 - Nissan X-Trail third-generation launched

 

The third-gen Nissan X-Trail was introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it was only in January 2015 that the SUV came to the Malaysian shores. This time around the X-Trail came in two variant options - 2.0L 2WD (144 PS/200 Nm) and 2.5L 4WD (171 PS/233 Nm). Both CKD locally assembled units. These mills were paired to a new Xtronic CVT gearbox with ECO mode, and a 7-speed manual unit guarded the transmission front.

Post the launch of the third-gen model; the Malaysian market has been graced by various special editions of the X-Trail. All these editions were/are sold side-by-side, the X-Trail and similar to it are offered in two engine configurations. First, to come was the Impul edition that was launched in January 2016. It included styling revisions like new front and rear bumper, side skirts, door visors, wheels, and springs.

Next, in May 2017, Nissan Malaysia introduced the X-Trail Aero Edition. It carried aero parts from Tomei Motors, a Japanese aftermarket specialist.

Latest to join the herd is the X-Tremer edition that was launched in February 2018. This one included the following addition above the standard offerings - dual-tone paint, and black inserts on roof rails, rear spoiler, ORVM, wheels, and more.

As for the current scenario, the Malaysian market is served by the 3rd-gen X-Trail, with the Aero and X-Tremer edition on sale too. The global market has already received the new X-Trail, and the same is yet to enter our market.