Test drive of the fully redesigned Nissan X-Trail — How does the new model, which pursues superior quality, drive? | NISSAN
CAR / IMPRESSION
July 20, 2022

Test drive of the fully redesigned Nissan X-Trail — How does the new model, which pursues superior quality, drive? | NISSAN

A Triumph for "Technology Nissan"

Looking at the numbers, the engine with 250 Nm of maximum torque generates electricity to power two motors: one with 330 Nm and another with 195 Nm, and the 144 PS 3-cylinder turbo drives the 204 PS and 136 PS motors. While simply listing the maximum output and torque figures for each prime mover might seem like magic, the true brilliance of Nissan's e-POWER and e-4ORCE lies in the sophisticated control of this system comprising the engine, motors, and battery.
 
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
 
Even viewed as an engine alone, the VC Turbo is fascinating. According to the development team, the parallelogram linkage also acts as a balance shaft, achieving the same vibration characteristics as a 6-cylinder engine despite being a 3-cylinder. An inline-6 is perfectly balanced. Although it's solely for power generation and not involved in driving, the engine sound heard at full throttle is crisp and pleasing, with the rise in RPMs matching the acceleration. It has a gasoline engine-like feel during full acceleration.
Incidentally, the VC Turbo's wondrous mechanical linkage structure was born from an engineer, who apparently enjoys calculus, painstakingly performing complex and extensive calculations that computers cannot handle. Another surprise is that the main component of the multi-link structure, the parallelogram-shaped part, is forged and machined from a material stronger than a file, and is manufactured in-house by Nissan. Is this not a testament to "Technology Nissan," a manufacturing nation?
 
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
 
Models equipped with the VC Turbo as a drive engine are already sold overseas. Japan's market, however, has a policy of promoting electrification, so there are no plans for sales here. It feels like a missed opportunity, but it is also true that the refinement of the new X-TRAIL is brought about by the e-POWER powered by the VC Turbo, and without the VC Turbo, our surprise would not have been so great.
The new X-TRAIL is available in three grades: S, X, and G, with a special Autech specification. The Autech model is equipped with 20-inch Michelin tires.
 
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
 
Both front-wheel drive and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive are available. As mentioned, the e-4ORCE features a powerful rear motor for dedicated rear-wheel drive with 195 Nm. For comparison, the rear motor in the Toyota RAV4's E-FOUR system is 121 Nm, and the RAV4 drives the front wheels with the engine and motor. The e-4ORCE constantly calculates the grip limit of each wheel using the front and rear motors and individual wheel brakes, controlling the drive force for each wheel. Since motors can generate torque instantaneously, more precise control is possible. Nissan claims this provides "cornering at will" and "overwhelming confidence and enjoyment" on snow or off-road.
 
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
Test Drive: The Redesigned Nissan X-TRAIL – How Does the New Model Pursuing Refinement Drive? | NISSAN
 
It also features driver assistance systems such as "ProPILOT Park" and a conversational interface that responds to "Hello Nissan."
A 7-seater, 3-row configuration is also available. Prices range from 3,198,800 to 5,046,800 yen. The vehicle price and the increasing age of the target demographic are factors that drove the pursuit of refinement. The development team met their goals and, in my opinion, lived up to expectations.

Spec

Nissan X-TRAIL X e-4ORCE | NISSAN X-TRAIL X e-4ORCE

  • Overall Length x Width x Height | 4,660 x 1,840 x 1,720mm
  • Wheelbase | 2,705mm
  • Tread Front/Rear | 1,580 / 1,590mm
  • Drive System | 4WD
  • Vehicle Weight | 1,880kg
  • Seating Capacity | 5 people
  • Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut/Coil
  • Rear Suspension | Multi-link/Coil
  • Engine | 1,497cc Inline 3-cylinder DOHC (Bore x Stroke = 84.0 x 90.1mm) + Intercooled Twin Turbo
  • Maximum Output | 106kW / 4400-5000rpm
  • Maximum Torque | 250Nm / 2400-4000rpm
  • Motor (Front) | BM46 Synchronous AC Motor
  • Maximum Output | 150kW / 4739-5623rpm
  • Maximum Torque | 330Nm / 0-3505rpm
  • Propulsion Main Battery | Lithium-ion battery
  • Motor (Rear) | MM48 Synchronous AC Motor
  • Maximum Output | 100kW / 4897-9504rpm
  • Maximum Torque | 195Nm / 0-4897rpm
  • Propulsion Main Battery | Lithium-ion battery
  • Front/Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc
  • Front/Rear Tires | 235/60R18 103H
  • Price | 3,799,400 yen
Contact

Nissan Customer Service Center
Tel. 0120-315-232 (9:00-17:00, excluding Dec 31-Jan 2)
http://www.nissan.co.jp/

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