Text and photos by Aries B. Espinosa
FOR a compact crossover that has employed the latest in automotive technologies to spot things a driver cannot while behind the wheel, only unforeseen forces would have effectively thwarted its grand coming-out party. On Sept. 12, an “act of God” (in the form of a “surprise” tropical depression) almost did.
But Nissan Motor Philippines’ (NPI) resolve was stronger. Coupled with the improving weather conditions as the day wore on, the launch of the enhanced version of the Nissan X-Trail pushed through as planned.
And for guests who braved the flooded streets of Metro Manila, the reveal was well worth it, as NPI greeted them with the hot-looking upgraded X-Trail that greatly improves upon the design DNA of the third-generation SUV launched locally three years ago (and face-lifted just this June), and now infused with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology for an even safer drive.
NPI displayed four variants of the new X-Trail, which come in 4×4 and 4×2 versions. But the one that literally took the center stage was the 2.5-liter 4×4 CVT variant painted in Premium Corona Orange, which boasts of a new front fascia with integrated fog lamps, bumper, the signature Nissan “V-Motion” grille, revised head lights with LED daytime running lamps, new 19-inch wheels, fin-type antenna, and a newly integrated sun roof to round off this compact crossover’s dynamic look.
In the spacious interior, more enhancements could be found, such as new door and instrument panel finishers, a redesigned shift knob, and a revised center console. Noticeable as well is the new D-shaped steering wheel with a modernized interface.
Guests also had a kick — quite literally — out of the motion-activated tailgate, which allows drivers who have their hands full to open the rear compartment by swinging a leg under the rear bumper to activate the hatch sensor.
What NPI intended to highlight in equal measure, however, was the Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies that have now been introduced in the country via this X-Trail launch. In the new X-Trail, the trademarks of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility include an around-view monitor that provides drivers with a 360-degree perspective; moving object detection that sends a visual and audible alert when there are movements around the vehicle; blind spot warning that detects objects in the driver’s blind spot; forward collision warning and intelligent emergency braking that send a visual and auditory warning and apply the emergency brake to avoid collisions; rear cross traffic alert that alerts the driver of unseen vehicles while reversing; and the 4×4-I System that automatically adjusts power distribution to give drivers full control of the vehicle as they take on challenging road conditions.
NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan remarked of the X-Trail: “With Nissan Intelligent Mobility, our customers can enjoy each adventure as they drive safe and sound. We want them to treat the new X-Trail as a partner that looks out for them so they can have a fun and hassle-free time on the road.”
Prices of the upgraded X-Trail start at P1.399 million, with the top-spec 2.5-liter 4×4 CVT costing P1.728 million.
