The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is a crossover we want in PH

While subcompact crossovers seem to be what everyone is buying these days, with the Nissan Kicks, MG ZS, and Geely Coolray as prime examples. For the premium buyer though, they still prefer the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Sadly, for Nissan Philippines, they still don’t have a model in that segment.

Well they used to with the Nissan X-Trail which saw its local sales discontinued a little over a year ago when the current generation model was launched. While there seems to be no word on its local introduction, we were able to see in-person the X-Trail at the recent 2023 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, more popularly known as Auto Shanghai, and we want it here.

On display at the auto show was the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER which is the hybrid version of the compact crossover. Under the hood of the X-Trail e-POWER is a 1.5-liter Inline 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that charges the BM46 electric motor, producing a total combined output of 203 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Just like with other e-POWER models, only the electric motor is connected to wheels thus giving drivers an electric car-like driving experience.

As for its design, the X-Trail is a huge departure from the model it replaced in every aspect from size, to appearance, and feel. Its exterior is kicked-off with its split headlight design and large V-Motion grille, giving it a sleeker and more premium appearance. Its shape is also a bit boxier which improves space inside. And speaking of the inside, the X-Trail’s interior is much more premium than before with a generous amount of soft touch materials as well as more tech features.

Nissan Philippines has been quite mum when it comes to the X-Trail’s local introduction. With how much success they’ve had with the first and third generation, it’s probably worth another try especially with the e-POWER system and its success in the smaller Kicks.