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8th August, 2010
KOTA KINABALU: Nissan/Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) simultaneously launched its all new Nissan X-Trail 2WD sports utility vehicle nationwide yesterday.
Claimed to be ultra versatile, it is more than a facelift but an all round improvement of the original X-Trail in luxury, comfort and seamless performance.
The New Sabah Times took the vehicle for a spin from ETCM showroom in Inanam to Kiansom.
Climbing uphill was effortless, smooth and the gear shifts with hardly a jolt.
This is because the new power-train which drives the front wheels, offers responsive performance, refinement while maintaining superior fuel economy at 14km per litre in Japan’s 10-15 test rating mode.
Powered by an all-aluminium MR20DE 2-0 litre four-cylinder engine (102kW/139ps at 5,200 rpm; 198 Nm at 4,400 rpm) mated to the Nissan’s latest generation Xtronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with 6-speed manual shift mode, it is adaptable to both urban and countryside terrain.
Thus, the all-new X-Trail appeals to the executives who appreciate power and leisure, said Robert Thai, senior branch manager of Kota Kinabalu.
“It retains the original name-plate ruggedness yet functional styling but is enhanced to give it a more muscular presence,” Thai said with pride.
Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, and every body panel is new, the reborn X-Trail is accentuated by elements that reflect the character ‘X’ which can be seen on the new balanced angled strut grille, D-pillar design and rear hatch door’s pressing.
The shape of the hood allows a clear view of the vehicle’s corners, while the vertical tail-lamp has an eye-catching three-dimensional look.
New 5-spoke 16-inch alloy rims with 215/65 R16 tyres completes the aesthetics.
The new interior of the X-Trail offers high levels of build quality with improved functionality.
New soft padding on the dashboard, door armrests and panels, and also the centre console gives a luxurious and comfortable experience from within.
Other luxury features include powered front seats, rear air con ventilation with front and rear cup holders with cooling function in ensuring every occupant is comfortable on a journey.
Its all-new Multi Information Display (MID) displays estimated fuel consumption status, estimated range based on fuel level, time on the road, two-trip meters and temperature reading.
The new X-Trail is rated six-star for crash safety by the Japanese New Car Assessment Programme. It comes with standard Bi-Xenon headlamps with auto leveling and jet washers, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist).
Passenger safety is enhanced by front-seat Active Head Restraints, high strength Zone Body construction and dual SRS air bag systems for the driver and front passengers.
“We believe the all-new X-Trail is the perfect example of evolutionary change: improvements in key areas which will appeal to existing owners and potential buyers who like a car with an SUV’s versatility,” Thai said to guests and the media present.
Its rear cargo area retains the removable and washable luggage board which was well received by original X-Trail owners.
New for the X-Trail is a luggage drawer with configurable slats to store loose items neatly.
Besides, the luggage area capacity can be expanded from 479 litres in double floor mode to 603 litres in single-floor mode by removing the drawer and under-trays.
To create more luggage space, the rear seats can be folded flat.
Nissan’s Intelligent Key (i-Key), a true keyless entry and start system combined with engine immobilizer and alarm system is also among the added features.
The all-new X-Trail also comes with MP3 playback, 6-virtual CDs memory, USB, AUX, SD Card inputs, Bluetooth function and Telephone Control Input.
The new model is fully imported from Nissan Motor Indonesia in the state-of-art plant utilising the Nissan Production Way (NPW).
The price tag on-the-road (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee) for Sabah and Sarawak is RM149,500.
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