2019 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 MID Spec CKD Review.

The compact SUV market is more crowded than ever with almost every single manufacturer is offering 1. For Nissan that comes in the form of the X-Trail. With so many competitions how does the X-Trail stands out from the rest in this ever-competitive market. After testing one for myself I would say comfort, flexibility and ease of use are the X-Trail best traits. The X-Trail facelift is now around 1 year since it was introduced to the market. There is a total of 4 trim level to choose from. There is the base 2.0L 2WD, 2.0L 2WD MID, 2.5L 4WD and the top of the range 2.0L Hybrid 2WD. As I was only able to test the 2.0L model during my time of visit to Nissan Miri, my review will be focusing on the 2 lower variant for now and safe judgement for the 2.5L and 2.0 Hybrid model later when I am able to test it for myself.

But from the outside however there is not much differentiating the X-Trail trim level. All X-trail gets 17-inch allow wheels, LED daytime running light, roof rails, chromes trims, front and rear fog lamps. Up front the V-motion grill is now bigger and bolder compare to the older model. There is also a slightly revise front bumper design as well. Moving to the side not much has change other than a new lower cladding design and the previously mention standard 17-inch wheels. Finally moving to the rear there is shark fin style antenna and a new rear bumper design.

Under the hood of the Nissan X-Trail there 3 engine option available. The first is 2.0L 4-cylinder Twin CVTC petrol engine that comes on the lower 2 variants. This engine produces 144 Ps and 200 Nm of torque and power is sent to the front wheels via the X-tronic CVT. Next is the 2.5L 4-cylinder Twin CVTC petrol engine that produces 171 Ps and 233 Nm of torque. This one on the other hand power is sent to all 4 wheels via the X-tronic CVT. The intelligent 4wd system has 3 modes which is are 2wd, auto and lock mode depending on the situation in hand. Lastly the most expensive Hybrid variant feature the same 2.0L engine of the 2 lower variants with and addition and electric motor that produces an extra 41 Ps and 160 Nm of torque as well as lithium ion battery pack under the rear floor. This model is also 2wd only.

Inside, the base X-Trail gets fabric seats while all other variant gets leather upholstery. All variants feature 5 plus 2 seating configurations except the most expensive Hybrid variant as the location of the 2 rear most seat is replaced with the lithium ion battery pack. Seating up front passenger enjoy good amount of head, shoulder and leg room. The Nasa inspired Zero gravity seat are comfortable and the driver has good visibility around thanks to big windows and thin pillars. The front centre cup holder has its own dedicated air con vents to keep your drinks chill. The second row of seat are also a comfortable place to be in. The seat is place slightly higher over the front seat giving the passenger a better view forward and a comfortable thigh support position. All models except the Hybrid also benefits from a sliding and reclining second row for added comfort and flexibility. There is also air con vents located behind the front centre console. The last and third row of seats however is best reserve for children or for emergency use only. They are extremely cramp for any adult to use and once you are back there are no amenities at all like vents or charging ports.

From behind the wheel of the X-Trail 2.0L variant, all is pretty much a fuss free affair. The 2.0L engine is not going to set your heart on fire but it is sufficient for everyday use. The X-tronic CVT still have that slight rubber band effect but it keeps the engine in its peak power band under full throttle. What surplice me the most is the character of this twin CVTC engine. It is almost like the older Vtec kick in from Honda. Below 3000 rpm the engine is rather gutless and calm. But as the rpm goes above that there is a sudden surge of power that when I first drove caught me by surprise. Talk about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide effect. But as much as the engine have dual personality the suspension and handling does not. The X-Trail is tune more towards comfort rather than dynamic. The steering is light with some amount of feel which make for good low to medium speed mobility. On top of that the large side mirror and standard 360-degree camera also make the X-Trail nimbler in tight situation than the size might actually suggest.

Standard equipment on all X-Trail list include automatic headlights, reverse parking sensors, a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, power folding side mirror, a flat bottom multifunction leather steering, cruise control, electronic parking brake, keyless entry, push start button and the previously mention 360 degree camera. Standard safety feature 4 airbags, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, auto brake hold, brake assist and ISOFIX child seat mounts. Moving up to the 2.0L MID spec gets you a lot more features like a power tail gate with foot activation, leather upholstery, LED headlamp with auto leveller, power front seats 4 way for the passenger and 8 way for driver seat. Safety kit has also gone up with the addition of 2 more airbags to 6 total, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Opting for the larger 2.5L variants adds on rain sensing wipers, navigation system, forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and high beam assist. The Hybrid features the same equipment as the 2.5L Variant with the absent of rain sensing wipers.

In term of prices, the base CKD (Complete Knock Down) Nissan X-Trail 2.0L in east Malaysia until the end of December 2020 starts at RM131,130.00. The 2.0 MID spec starts at RM 142,143.00 while the 2.5L 4WD variant is priced at RM149,231.00. Lastly the 2.0L Hybrid comes in at RM159,951.00. All X-Trail comes with 5-year unlimited mileage. Colour options are Tungsten Silver, Brilliant White, Diamond Black, Titanium Olive and Imperial Umber. The X-Trail also comes in various accessories options that comes in bundle packages which are the called the Impul Package, X-Tremer Package and Aero Edition pacakge. Be sure to get more information with your local Edaran Tan Chong Nissan dealership for more information.

Photos & review by Afiq Bazli Bin Busairi.

3/8/2020.