Showing posts with label nissan x-trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nissan x-trail. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Recall Alert - Nissan Philippines Recalls Frontier, X-Trail, Patrol, Teana

With Honda recalling nearly every vehicle in its line-up which were sold from 2003 to 2012, Nissan had followed suit but only involving four vehicles from 2003 to 2008. If there is a reason for this, it would be the defective airbags caused by the Takata fiasco. If you have a Nissan Frontier, Teana, X-Trail, or Patrol then read this one.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Nissan X-Trail - Generation 1.2 (2005-2014)

NISSAN X-TRAIL (2005-2014)

An update in 2005 gave the vehicle additional equipment including overhead lights for the 250X. A Tokyo Edition model added some exterior kit and had its price lowered but went up when that series is discontinued. While the second generation model was introduced that caused the discontinuation of the 200X and 250X variants, the 200 stayed as a low cost option until March 2014.



Nissan X-Trail - Generation 1.1 (2003-2004)

NISSAN X-TRAIL (2003-2004)

Although this SUV had been sold since 2001, it arrived two years later in the country. Two four wheel drive models (one with a 2.5 and a 2.0 engine) and a sole front wheeler is sold.


Friday, December 19, 2014

Car Features - 2014 Ultimate Car Guide Car of the Year

2014 was a year to remember, especially for the automotive industry. Lots of exciting introductions greeted consumers and enthusiasts alike. While some names went away (Sentra, Alterra, Teana), some got new bodies (Altis, Mazda 3, City, C Class, X-Trail), and some were new names (MU-X, Wigo, Ecosport, Ertiga), it was the year to be in since consumers have a lot of choices to pick. With the industry hitting the 200k mark, things are getting thrilling.

First of all, this Car of the Year award does not aim any manufacturer and the choices are the opinions of the writers/contributors here. Voting process is done individually to avoid any voting manipulation here.

The question here is "what car released in 2014 made a huge impact to the consumer and to the market while having some impact to the manufacturer itself." Every writer/contributor have to pick five cars and rank them from 5 with the highest to 1 being the lowest. Results will be published here for transparency, as well as the reason why the writers/contributors chose that car.

The nominees:
  • BMW 4 Series
  • BMW X4
  • BMW X5
  • Ford Ecosport
  • Honda Accord
  • Honda Brio and Brio Amaze
  • Honda City
  • Honda Jazz
  • Hyundai Grand i10
  • Hyundai Grand Santa Fe
  • Isuzu MU-X
  • Jeep Cherokee
  • Kia Soul
  • Lamborghini Hurracan
  • Lexus NX
  • Lexus RC
  • Mazda 3
  • Mercedes Benz C Class
  • Nissan Altima
  • Nissan Sylphy
  • Nissan X-Trail
  • Porsche Macan
  • Peugeot 208 GT
  • Peugeot Expert Tepee
  • Subaru WRX/WRX STi
  • Suzuki Ertiga
  • Tata cars
  • Toyota Corolla Altis
  • Toyota Wigo
  • Toyota Yaris
  • Volkswagen Beetle


Monday, November 10, 2014

Used Car Review - Nissan X-Trail (2010-2014)

Myk Belmonte discovers the secret why the X-Trail is a great buy, in spite of the new model.

2010-2014 Nissan X-Trail

History
When it comes to SUVs, the Japanese can't be beat. While Nissan had the Pathfinder that is based on a truck, there's also the X-Trail whose underpinnings are also utilized by the Primera/Almera/Sentra sedans. Before anything else, the 'Trail replaced the Nissan Rasheen which predated the benchmarks of the compact SUV race: the RAV4, CR-V, and Forester.

2007 marked the launch of the second generation X-Trail in Europe and Japan which had a slightly larger dimension than the model it replaced. Although it has the same silhouette when compared to the old one (more on this later), it retains the formula that made this one successful while adding new technologies.

Our market technically got the facelifted model, which was introduced in 2010 elsewhere. Unlike the previous generation model, it has a 2.5 engine as the base model. Interestingly enough, the previous one is sold together until Nissan's new management axed it in March 2014. On the other hand, this model was discontinued and replaced by the larger third generation. While there's only one trim model for two and four wheel drives, a Tough Rider model (it adds a front and rear bumper overrider, three dimensional headlamps, HID lamps, and a hyper roof rail for the 2WD) that was only made available in 2011 can be had in both drive trains.

Value and Costs
Since this car is a low volume seller plus not all owners are parting theirs, only a handful of these are advertised on the classified block or online selling sites so have lots of patience when finding one. If you want one, expect them to be priced between P750,000-P850,000 for a decently kept unit and also in the same range of same period rivals.

Despite being a not-so-decent-seller, maintenance and operating costs are similar to its Japanese and Korean rivals. Just do remember that following the regular maintenance intervals will give you a worry free ownership.

Exterior and Interior
While you may love or loathe the new model's styling, the words "boxy yet rugged" is attached to the second generation X-Trail since it can do some smooth moments on the road yet can conquer the bad ones. It does have the same exterior concept but have a closer look and there are some angles that strays far from the old one.

Getting inside the car would greet you to a cavernous cabin which is spacious enough for both human and cargo, save for the middle backseat passenger who may suffer a tight position no thanks to the transmission tunnel. If you need to haul something then folding the rear bench gives you more space to spare. But the biggest news for this car is the gauges are now positioned on where it should be: in front of the driver. Otherwise, controls are logically positioned and placed.

Engine
Unlike the previous generation model, this one makes do with just one engine option: a QR25DE displacing 2.5 liters with 168hp at 6,000rpm and 230Nm at 4,400rpm that is paired to Nissan's famed Xtronic CVT. You may say that the power and torque combo isn't that impressive, but thanks to the CVT it will utilize every ounce of power and torque in all of your driving without the shift shock associated with automatics.

Driving Impressions
While this car will bring you to your destination whether it is smooth or rough, it still has that smooth ride which is a good thing. Also all around visibility is excellent, thanks to the larger windows which the X-Trail has.

Verdict
One of the hidden gems out there, the second generation X-Trail has the qualities of a car based crossover SUV that can be an all around vehicle. Even though it didn't sell well, finding one is worth it.


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Car Profiles - Nissan X-Trail (2010-2014)

2010-2014 Nissan X-Trail

The Good: Smooth on both the pavement and rough roads

The Bad: A tight rear seat is present

The Say: One of the SUVs which gives you the best of both worlds.

Go For: 2WD
Avoid:

Price Range: P750,000-P850,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review: Used Car Review - Nissan X-Trail (2010-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan X-Trail

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2014

Car Profiles - Nissan X-Trail

NISSAN X-TRAIL

Boxy no more, the third generation X-Trail (sold as the second generation Rogue in the US) has more space than the model it replaces that allows a third row seat. Engines may be the same but it is paired with Nissan's XTronic CVT.

The Good: A delight to drive
The Bad: Children only third row

Price Range: P1,534,000-P1,820,000
Our Rating: ****

Last Update: February 5, 2018

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Nissan X-Trail - Generation 2.2 (2010-2014)

NISSAN X-TRAIL (2010-2014)

While other markets had this X-Trail in 2007, the Philippines had the facelifted model launched elsewhere in 2010. A 2.5 engine comes standard for a sole 2WD and 4WD model.

See the overview of this X-Trail
See the latest model of the X-Trail



Thursday, January 3, 2013

Car Profiles - Nissan X-Trail (2003-2014)

2003-2014 Nissan X-Trail

The Good: A practical partner thanks to a scratch proof cargo area, great all-around visibility, and low prices.

The Bad: Cheap looking interior, and the center clustered gauges can be a distraction.

The Say: A great compact SUV for less, for the adventurous family or for the city dweller.

Go For: 2.5 250X
Avoid: 2.0 200X 4WD

Price Range: P300,000-P750,000
Our Rating: *****

Related Review: Used Car Review - Nissan X-Trail (2003-2011)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan X-Trail

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2004
2005-2014

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Used Car Review - Nissan X-Trail (2003-2011)

Bored with previous week's (and the week before that) featured vehicles? Well, bore yourself no more, as a compact SUV will be gracing this page. Among the choices available, Myk Belmonte picks one popular choice among the crop of SUVs that is worthy of your consideration if you are shopping for a compact ute.

2003-2011 Nissan X-Trail 

History
The compact SUV market had been booming in the early 2000s. While compact SUV stalwarts Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 had released their redesigned and "improved" versions in 2002 and 2000 respectively, Nissan launched the X-Trail in 2001 and has shown success despite being "young" against the competition. From that period, competitors had been busy developing their own compact SUVs during that time.

Nissan Motor Philippines made the X-Trail available to the Filipino motorist in 2003, and it gained a time advantage of preparing its contender, market-wise and feature-wise. It may not have third row seats (CR-V) or a manual transmission (RAV4, Ford Escape) but made up with unique features such as a heavy-duty plastic layer in the rear cargo area, a beverage cooler, and even a centrally mounted instrument reader; which is a novelty during that time. Minor changes were done in 2005 and mid-2007 (coincidentally enough, Nissan launched the second generation X-Trail at that year), but with the new model being on sale in mid-2010, the first gen X-Trail (dubbed as the 200) is made as an affordable option for those wanting a functionality of an SUV with the comfort of a sedan.

An advantage brought by the X-Trail is its wide range of variants. A base front wheel drive version with a 2.0 liter engine, a four wheel drive variant still with the base model's 2.0 liter engine, and the top of the line variant which possess a 2.5 liter engine with four wheel drive capability. However, only one transmission choice is available, a four-speed automatic transmission.

Value and Costs
Price ranges of a first generation X-Trail varies depending on the year model to the condition of the vehicle. 2003-2005 units can be purchased for as low as P450,000 and recent examples are priced within P700,000-P730,000. With these prices, the X-Trail is a friendly option to someone looking for a daily vehicle that has decent cargo and passenger space.

With maintenance costs being on the affordable side, be prepared if you drive like a maniac. The climate-control system won't give up unless you manage to push the front end and damage the condenser. Debunking the notion that Nissan parts are mahirap hanapin, this is not technically true.

Exterior and Interior
Boxy is the word that comes out of someone's mouth whenever he or she sees a Nissan X-Trail. It looks like a box but executed in a fashionably manner. It looks sexy and at the same time macho, with its design being a classic in a few years. One novelty of the vehicle is its plastic fenders that give a reasonable amount of ding and rust protection.

Inside, tons of space awaits the driver, its passengers, and even their cargo. With the cargo area being sufficient enough to fit anything and thanks to its plastic layer, dings won't appear in the interior's sides. Headroom and legroom are decent enough while they can enjoy their cooled drinks courtesy of the beverage cooler. The famed centered based instrument gauges can be a boon or a bane to drivers but it is wider and legibly written than the one found in the first generation Toyota Vios.

Engine
For the Filipino buyer, two engines are made available. The QR20DE 1,998cc engine which pumps out 150hp at 6,000rpm and 200Nm at 4,000rpm and the QR25DE 2,488cc engine that has 180hp at 6,000rpm and 245Nm at 4,000rpm to play with. The 2.5 variant feels lighter even at low speeds, credit its engine displacement. While the lower end 2.0 variant has adequate power, it feels slightly under powered and can use a little more of it.

Driving Impressions
Because of its car based platform, the X-Trail possesses one of the most comfortable and cushiest rides on a crossover SUV. Obviously not available in a car is made standard in the X-Trail, which are high ground clearance and excellent all-around visibility. And since it has car based underpinnings, ride and handling are comparable to one.

Verdict
Thanks to Nissan's not-so-stellar resale value, the X-Trail is a steal for people looking for a vehicle that has the riding comfort of a sedan and the ground clearance of an SUV. Surely, there are some competitors that have brand advantage, but the X-Trail has found home in Filipino garages. A worthy pick especially for urban dwellers and wanting the height.