March 23, Nissan Kenya unveiled the 3rd Generation Nissan X-Trail in Kenya as the latest and greatest Nissan’s offering with genuine crossover appeal in the market. The Nissan X-Trail comes excellent driveability, good off-road ability and an all-terrain suitability with a brand new modern crossover design. It comes with 2 liter Petrol engine with the XTRONIX CVT transmission, seven seats and two model range; the two- and four-wheel drivetrains.
This car was built by the Nissan Kyushu Plant in Japan and already has been crowned UK’s 2014 What Car? Reader’s Choice Award. Kenyans wishing to give this car a spin would be glad to know that the NIC Bank has partnered with Nissan Kenya to offer the banks customers unrivaled financing.
NIC Bank will offer customers up to 90% financing for a maximum repayment period of five years for the Nissan X-Trail. The financing is part of the bank’s recent move to enhance its product offering in the Kenyan market.
During the launch event last night in Nairobi, Lennox Mugambi, Head of Asset Finance at NIC Bank, said: “We are offering an attractive, reducing balance interest rate of 18%, compared to the current rate of 21%. The move is part of our strategy to continue growing our Asset Finance business and grow our customer base.”
You may be interested in knowing that the NIC Bank Group prides itself on being a market leader in Asset Financing. In 2015, the bank launched a leasing subsidiary, NIC Leasing LLP, to further complement the asset financing product offering.
The NIC Bank – Nissan Kenya partnership will also extend to other Nissan vehicle brands including and not limited to the single and double cabin pick-up units and the Nissan Patrol. Additionally, Nissan will give customers who sign up for NIC Bank asset financing further discounts on the units.
Samantha Wright, Marketing Manager at Nissan Kenya, said, “This partnership allows customers to enjoy some of our leading products at a favorable interest rate and an attractive discount. We have seen the impact of interest rates in our business but with continuous partnerships such as this one with NIC Bank we are able to continue offering the market attractive, competitive options.”
Wright further notes that the Kenyan market remains lucrative for global brands looking to expand their presence into new markets internationally.
The Nissan 3rd Gen 4X4 X-Trail Review
From the ground up, the Nissan 3rd Gen 4X4 X-Trail combines the Nissan’s acclaimed 4X4 heritage but with improved ideas and technologies all inspired by the brand’s ground-breaking crossover vehicles. That was initiated originally by MURANO and bolstered by QASHQAI.
This Nissan X-Trail is much in line with the pioneering work done by its crossover siblings and redefined the compact SUV segment. It was built on the jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Common Module Family (CMF) platform that underpins the new QASHQAI to make it a tough and an accomplished outgoing model. At the same time, it also has crossover style and efficiency, exciting design, innovative technology, practicality and exceptional comfort experience for users.
Nissan’s desire is to make the X-Trail the most comprehensive offering in its segment provided the driving force behind the vehicle’s bold design, which revolves around Nissan’s latest design language; allowing the X-Trail to fit perfectly into the brand’s vision of modern crossover styling with a striking new look.
Design
Elegant yet sporty, the X-TRAIL integrates a host of new design features inside and out, including a bold new visage with signature daytime running lights on all models, as well as a definitive rear design with familiar ‘boomerang’ light clusters and a characteristic D-pillar which provides a strong visual link to QASHQAI.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track afforded by the CMF, the freedom to design a more expansive body allowed designers to fully integrate Nissan’s latest crossover design language with strong emphasis on the wheel areas and the integration of a sloping roofline, sculpted flanks and a rising window line – all while maintaining the robust appeal of a medium SUV and without compromising off-road ability.
The all-new interior features a fresh, stylish design with driver-centric ergonomics and an overriding sense of space – thanks largely to a longer overall length (up by 5 mm), a wider body (increased by 30 mm) and a 75 mm-longer wheelbase. Designed from the outset to provide for seven-seat derivatives with a theatre seating layout to ensure great outward visibility for all occupants, interior roominess and versatility are even more prominent in the new X-TRAIL. Each seat has also been individually designed to be as comfortable and practical as possible.
Interior ambience is further heightened with the use of premium materials like chrome detailing and model-specific leather surfacing with contrasting stitching for enhanced visual appeal. A model-specific sunroof with electric sliding and tilting also enhances the driving experience by bathing the classy new interior with natural light and fresh air.
A split-level dashboard design has been implemented to ensure easy navigation of controls, with a gently-raised center console featuring infotainment and ventilation controls geared towards keeping the driver’s attention on the road. Redesigned dials which house a new 5-inch color Advanced Drive-Assist Display also have driving safety in mind, relaying important information to the driver without the need to unnecessarily divert attention away from the road.
Extra attention has also been paid to driver and passenger touch-points, resulting in door arm rest and center console padding which is eight times thicker than segment competitors for maximum comfort. Similarly, practical usage was considered in other design aspects like the center armrest storage box which is big enough to house a 10-inch tablet.
The X-TRAIL sets new standards for rear seat access with doors which open to 80-degrees and an intelligent and easily operable second-row folding mechanism. Forming part of the EZ Flex seating system, the second row of seats also features legroom adjustment and reclining backrests for a combination of adjustable versatility and ultimate comfort. Rear seat legroom is further enhanced by sculpted front seatbacks. The rearmost seats fold completely flat into the floor to provide a practical loading space – from 135 to 1 310 liters.
A model-specific powered tailgate further adds to the new X-TRAIL’s inherent versatility and ease of use, with sensors for touch-free operation.
Engines and drivetrain
Petrol models
Two 2.0 derivatives are available in XE or LE specification exclusively with XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in two- or four-wheel drive. Power from this normally-aspirated multi-point injection petrol engine is 106 kW (142hp) at 6 000 rpm, with torque of at 200 Nm (20.39kg-m) peaking at 4 400 rpm.
Exclusive to Nissan, XTRONIC differs from conventional CVT automatic transmissions in that it mimics the behavior of traditional multi-ratio automatic gearboxes under hard acceleration with virtual stepped changes. Under more gentle conditions, ratios are adjusted for ultimate smoothness – the overall results being the best of both worlds for drivers, with smooth low-load power delivery and sharp, direct performance during higher acceleration driving.
ALL MODE 4×4-i and Nissan Chassis Control Technologies
Available in the X-TRAIL 2.0 LE 4WD model, Nissan’s ALL MODE 4×4-i system continues the class-leading off-road standards set by the previous-generation model. ALL MODE 4×4-i provides three driving modes, selectable via a rotary knob on the center console – 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock.
In Auto mode which is activated by default, constant monitoring of throttle position, engine speed and torque distribution, to anticipate wheel spin, dictates when the system seamlessly distributes torque between the front and rear axles as needed, at speeds up to 80 km/h. Above 80 km/h, the system reacts to wheel spin and shifts torque rearwards to regain traction. When switched into 4WD Lock mode, four-wheel drive is permanently engaged for definitive grip and traction.
Four chassis control systems are also implemented in the new X-TRAIL which provide dynamic assistance both on- and off-road, including Active Ride Control, Trace Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Active Ride Control, fitted to all models, monitors the road surface to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the vehicle’s body and alters damping to compensate.
Active Trace Control uses on-board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle position and braking effort, to individually brake wheels as required to reduce understeer and assist the driver in steering a safer path through bends – particularly effective on slippery roads.
Hill Start Assist uses the X-TRAIL’s traction control system to detect an incline start, applying the brakes to all four wheels to allow for a smooth hill start without rolling backwards. Hill Start Assist activation is indicated in the Advanced Drive-Assist Display.
Ensuring the safe and careful descent of downhill slopes, Hill Descent Control utilizes wheel speed sensors and ABS to regulate the speed at which the X-TRAIL descends, upon driver activation. Hill Descent Control is available on the 2.0 liter LE 4WD model.
Luxurious features and top safety equipment for all models
In keeping with the more upmarket and luxurious feel of the new Nissan X-TRAIL, all models feature high levels of standard equipment.
Entry-level trim fitted to the XE model includes a rear spoiler, a tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering column, electric windows all-round, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, cloth upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, four cup- and six bottle holders (heated and cooled in the center console), air conditioning.
A fully compatible audio system with radio, CD, MP3/WMA, USB and auxiliary input linked to four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, signature daytime running lights, electrically adjustable and folding color-coded side mirrors, chrome-plated door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control and an electronic parking brake and the EZ Flex seating system.
The range-topping 2.0 liter LE 4WD includes ALL MODE 4×4-i, 18-inch wheels and the powered sunroof as standard, along with the powered tailgate with no-touch sensors, automatic LED headlights, front fog lamps with chrome detailing, roof rails with a brushed metal finish, an intelligent key with push start, leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 5” audio display with six speakers and Around View Monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control, Hill Descent Control and rear seat personal lighting.
Safety equipment
Conforming to Nissan’s high safety standards, the new X-TRAIL is available with no compromise on safety features across the range. Standard equipment on both models include six airbags, three-point seat belts for all occupants, ABS with EBD and BAS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Around View Monitor on the LE model employs four cameras on the sides, at the front and at the rear of the X-TRAIL to provide a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings to make parking exceptionally easy and safer.
For more information about the products, service and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit Nissan website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/
