2021 Nissan Patrol/Armada Caught Testing In The Middle East

It’s been a long time since Nissan gave us a new Armada and an even longer one for a new Nissan Patrol.

Nissan has been selling the current generation of the full-size Armada SUV in North America since 2016, which in turn is a rebadged version of the Patrol that’s been around since 2010 – that is, edging its retirement.

The Japanese company’s upcoming full-size SUV is expected to retain the current 5.6-liter petrol V8 modified for better efficiency. Since the key markets for the Patrol/Armada are still the US and the Middle East, Nissan doesn’t consider electrification, at least according to our reports.

Nissan apparently feels that adding a battery pack and electric motors isn’t going to help the case of its full-size SUV, as customers are less keen on saving fuel and the extra components will add more weight to an already heavy vehicle. However, and since this is based on rumors, it won’t be a huge surprise if Nissan goes ahead and offers its biggest SUV with either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, at least in certain markets, to reduce its emissions footprint. The engine range will also include a V6 option, but we still don’t know if it’ll be a naturally aspirated or turbocharged unit.

The design of the new model will stay faithful to the Patrol’s rugged character, albeit with a much-needed injection of modern detailing, including LED lights, and a new take on Nissan’s front grille.

Finally, according to Almuraba, Nissan is expected to reveal the new Patrol in 2020, with sales to commence in 2021 at Group 1 Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Article source: https://www.carscoops.com/2019/05/next-gen-2021-nissan-patrol-armada-caught-testing-in-the-middle-east/

Nissan Navara update brings new gearbox and added kit

Firm's best-selling pick-up given more 'car-like' driving dynamics and increased payload

Nissan has updated Navara pick-up for 2020, with increased connectivity and a new six-speed gearbox among the chief changes.

On sale from 1 July in the UK, the refreshed Navara range is available at Group 1 Nissan in the entry-level King Chassis Cab Visia or the Double Cab N-Guard with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Multi-link rear suspension, previously equipped on top-spec models, is now fitted as standard to all variants, raising the pick-up’s rear by 25mm and increasing the payload capacity by up to 46kg. Nissan also says the suspension revisions promote a more “comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel”.

The Navara’s entry-level 2.3-litre diesel engine has been given a second turbocharger, taking total power output from 158bhp to 161bhp, and good for a torque figure of 313lb ft. The engine now conforms to impending Euro 6d-temp emissions regulations, which will apply to all new cars registered in Europe from 1 September 2019.



The Nissan Navara’s six-speed manual gearbox now features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, allowing for quicker changes and enhanced efficiency.

Nissan has also upgraded the Navara’s brakes, claiming that 4mm larger front brake discs and bigger brake boosters have increased braking force by 40% and reduced the model’s overall stopping distance.

Styling has been largely unchanged, but the addition of new 17in and 18in alloy wheel designs to the range, alongside new black headlight trim, sets the model apart from pre-facelift examples.

Changes inside are subtle, but fitted as standard from mid-range N-Connecta trim upwards is Nissan’s latest connectivity system, an 8in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to lock/unlock the Navara, configure the sat-nav and check fluid levels via an associated smartphone app.

The Navara was Nissan’s best-selling pick up in 2018, with 231,435 units sold worldwide – a 6% increase on 2017’s sales figures.







Article source: https://thenissanfan.home.blog/2019/09/30/nissan-navara-update-brings-new-gearbox-and-added-kit/

Nissan Navara NP300 Review

This is the latest in a long line of Nissan pick-ups, from a family tree that stretches back 80 years. Things move quickly in the motoring world though, and a class-leading vehicle can soon find itself an also-ran in just a few short months.




Ten years is therefore the motoring equivalent of an age, but despite this, that’s exactly how long the second generation of Nissan Navara had been on sale in the UK.

As good as it was, time waits for no man (or 4x4). So with impeccable timing, Nissan has brought its third-generation Navara, the Nissan NP300 to the forefront. Considering that there are refreshed versions of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi L200 all entering the market, the Nissan has some stiff competition. However, this fight for supremacy is only set to intensify with the Renault Alaskan (based on the Navara) and Fiat's Fullback (based on the L200) both priming themselves to enter the battle, while Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Citroën are all watching on from the horizon.

Therefore it’s a good thing that Nissan has been thorough with the NP300, then. Although the chassis and 4WD system are modified versions of those found on the second-generation Navara, everything else is new. The engine has predictably been downsized and now comes in at 2.3 litres, a reduction of around 200cc.



Two outputs are available: 158bhp and 187bhp. You might expect Nissan to have simply cranked the boost up to get the additional power, but they’ve been a little more thorough than that, bolting on an extra turbo to create extra grunt. Naturally, both engines feature economy and emissions improvements, too.

The big news is that the Double Cab ditches the old-school leaf sprung rear end of the previous generation. In its place is an all-new five-link set-up with coil springs that promises greater ride comfort and improved handling. Despite this change, it can still carry over a tonne in the bed and tow 3.5 tonnes.

While King-Cab models still soldier on with cart springs, these will account for less than 10% of projected sales and are likely to be bought purely as workhorses. As the Double Cab is the one that will appeal to private buyers, potentially as an alternative to an SUV, that’s the model we’re looking at here.

We're not going to beat around the bush, the NP300 has the best ride comfort of any unladen pick-up we’ve experienced, although the latest generation Toyota Hilux has run it close. Where the previous-generation Navara (and other leaf-sprung competitors) would become bouncy and unsettled, the new model feels much more like a conventional SUV.





Even over sizeable bumps the rear end soaked up the initial hit before settling back down again almost immediately. Any pogo action you might have expected is notable only by its absence, which makes for much more comfortable progress over a variety of surfaces.

Handling is also much improved. You can carry a surprising amount of speed around bends while even rapid direction changes are completed without fuss. You’d never call it fun - slow steering and the laws of physics see to that - but it really does feel like a very stable vehicle and much better than you’d expect from a pick-up.

Despite this, the NP300 is still more than capable off-road. The Double Cab is 4WD only and comes complete with a low range ’box, hill descent control and excellent axle articulation. If you want to get really serious, a rear diff-lock is on the options list, too. Up a steep and rocky trail, the Navara didn’t even break into a sweat.

While it is a significant step forward over the old model, there are still reminders that the Navara is, in essence, a working vehicle. The rear suspension is a massive improvement, but there’s no getting away from the fact there’s a heavy-duty live axle attached to a ladder frame chassis.



Go over a vicious bump on one side and you can feel the rear wheels are connected, and you do get the odd shimmy from the body. Ultimately, a conventional SUV with a monocoque structure and less unsprung weight will ride and handle better. It wouldn’t be able to carry over a tonne in the back, though.

Nissan is claiming the interior has been inspired by its crossovers. At first glance, our top-spec Tekna test model appears similar to a Qashqai or X-Trail, there are four other trims to choose from including the entry-level Visia, Acenta, Acenta + and N-Connecta. There’s attractive piano black trim, a sprinkling of metal effect detailing plus a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and around-view monitor – particularly handy on something this big.

The entry-level Visia models come equipped with steel wheels, air conditioning and a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, while upgrading to Acenta gets you alloy wheels, a range of chrome details, and keyless entry and go. Acenta+ models get 18in alloys, side steps, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, and heated, electrically folding mirrors included in the package, while the N-Connecta trim gains a 7.0in touchscreen Nissan Connect infotainment system with sat nav, DAB , Bluetooth streaming capability and smartphone integration.

The range-topping Tekna spec gets most in the way of luxury appeal in the shape of roof rails, LED headlights, front heated seats, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and electrically adjustable driver's seat.

Further inspection reveals that although it looks crossover-like, it’s still a commercial vehicle at heart. The leather steering wheel and gear lever are nice enough, but those expecting a sea of soft-touch plastics should look elsewhere. Everything is solid and will no doubt be tough as old boots, but the plastics are all hard to the touch.

This workmanlike quality extends to the engine. You are always aware that there’s a fairly big diesel mill up front, and it gets particularly thrashy above 3000rpm. Performance is respectable with either engine output – it’s no ball of fire, but it’s always able to keep pace with traffic.

Given the choice, we’d opt for the 187bhp unit simply because you don’t have to work it quite as hard. From a driving perspective, we’d also be tempted by the automatic gearbox; it can be a little sluggish from a standing start and the odd shift could be smoother, but it’s better than the long-throw and occasionally vague manual ’box.



Wearing our sensible trousers, it’s worth knowing that the seven-speed automatic does increase CO2 levels from 169g/km to 183g/km, while economy tumbles from 44.1mpg to 40.3mpg. It should also be noted that the 187bhp lump is the only option should you want an auto or one of the top tier trim levels.

The Navara is far more comfortable than its competition, looks good in the metal (to these eyes at least) and yet is still able to carry or tow big loads, therefore if you are in the market for a pick-up it is the one to go for. But is it a direct competitor to an SUV? That’s a tricky question to answer.

There’s no doubt an SUV would offer cheaper running costs, better rear seat accommodation, should handle even better and probably have a higher level of perceived quality inside.

Not that this will matter that much to many people who are likely to buy a Navara, though; the idea of a do-everything lifestyle vehicle is the appeal here. That the Nissan doesn’t drive exactly like a crossover is no real issue; by narrowing the gap between pick-up and SUV, the NP300 has become one of the best pick-ups out there - book a NP300 test drive at Group 1 Nissan.





Article source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/nissan/navara-np300

Why we like the new Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a wonderful car, always has been since the first-generation crossover rocked the local market. However, in the past, the Qashqai was akin to the less-confident cousin on a girls' night out - someone no one ever took note of but really should have.

With the launch of the new Qashqai earlier in January 2018, it's as if an epiphany has come over the compact crossover, akin to finally realising her self-worth.


Upgrades to the new version include design tweaks, quality equipment and materials, and well as technology inspired by customer feedback.


Now, the Qashqai has come into its own with striking good looks, fuel consumption that is highly favourable in SA, along with comfortable, and enjoyable driving dynamics.


I live a fair distance from work, and on any given day, a full-round trip could be as much as 150km depending on the route. That means a car that sips diesel as if it's a dainty cup at a High Tea, rather than a guzzling greedy monster, is much more preferable for the daily commute.





We sampled the 1.5-litre dCi and it took about 400km of driving before the needle moved even slightly from the full mark. Nissan claims the average fuel consumption for the urban crossover is only 4.2-litres/100km. On a good day, I managed to reach about 4.9-litres/100km, and even with more aggressive driving, it was only 5.9-litres/100km. For its size, and my driving style, that's blooming impressive in my book.

The diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the gear changes are as smooth and delightful as new rose petals. It's not a sports car but it's dynamic and its handling is splendid. The 2WD Qashqai delivers 81kW and 260Nm, along with a claimed top speed of 182km/h.


My father, Marcus Gordon, is getting on in years but he still appreciates a good car. He is most definitely the biggest influence on the 'petrol' in my veins. We took a journey along the West Coast and my Dad came along for the ride.


He said: "Of all the cars I have ever driven in with you - ry hierdie kar die lekkerste (this car drives the best), it's so comfortable - even the way you sit in the seat, and the driving position is good too. I can see the entire road without struggling to look over the bonnet, even from the passenger side. And best of all, it's very fuel efficient."

With another fuel hike looming in November, fuel-efficient vehicles are the business right now. So far, the Qashqai is probably one of the best cars I have driven this year. If you're in the market, this has to be on your test drive list of potential option.

If you want to get behind the wheel of the Nissan Qashqai - simply book a test drive at Group 1 Nissan.


Article source: https://simplysoldonnissans.weebly.com/blog/why-we-like-the-new-nissan-qashqai

SA's best-selling bakkies: A great month for Nissan

The Toyota Hilux continues its run at the top of the sales charts by not only grabbing the title

of top-selling vehicle in February 2019 but also the country’s best-selling bakkie.

Hilux sales for the month of love totalled 3504 units, eclipsing that of the second-placed

Ford Ranger by nearly a thousand units.

The Ranger managed a tally of 2578 units.

Touching 2000

The Nissan NP200, the only remaining half-tonne bakkie in South Africa, narrowly

missed out on a monumental sales figure of two thousand units; the little Nissan managed

to secure the signatures of 1999 new owners to grab third place in February. If you want to

be a proud Nissan Navara driver - visit a Group 1 Nissan dealership near you.

Behind it the Isuzu D-Max showed strong pace as it sold off 1186 units last month,

followed by the Nissan NP300/Hardbody on 922 units.

In sixth place the Volkswagen Amarok sold 495 units, followed by the ever-impressing

Mahindra Scorpio Pik-up (226 units).

The Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-up managed to secure a sales figure 224 units, while the

GWM Steed managed 145 units in ninth place.

Article source: https://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_and_4x4/Bakkie_and_SUV/
sas-best-selling-bakkies-hilux-unchallenged-at-the-top-great-month-for-nissan-20190304

CAR REVIEW: ALL-NEW NISSAN MICRA

The Nissan Micra’s massive transformation is set to impress…

The Nissan Micra, a popular model in South Africa’s hatchback segment, has

undergone a massive transformation and last week we got to meet it in the

metal. With a big leap forward in terms of design, we’re almost certain that the

all-new Micra is going to make a big impression on those looking for a trendy,

eye-catching and dynamic small car.

It goes without saying that it only takes one glance at the new Micra to notice

its more modern and striking exterior design. Of course, this comes with a more

expensive price tag than the old Micra, but if you consider how much bang is

offered for your buck, it’s a strong contender in its class.

Expressive exterior design

The new Micra’s exterior is eye-catching to say the least. Bold character lines

on its sculpted body give it an athletic and dynamic appearance and we love

how this translates and adapts to trendy urban environments.

A sloping roofline, black B and C-pillars that create a floating roof effect, and

discrete door handles in the C-pillar for rear passengers are just some of these

‘on trend’ features.

We also love the new Micra’s attractive rear styling, with striking new

boomerang-shaped light clusters and a sculpted bumper below them. It sits

high on its haunches with a sports-style rear roof spoiler and its carbon-look

bumper that hides the car’s exhaust pipe.

The Visia model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels while the Acenta

adds 16-inch alloys and the Acenta Plus has 17-inch alloy wheels.

Six new Nissan Micra colours are available to choose from and our favourite

has to be Nissan’s Marketing Launch Colour, Energy Orange, which

complements its vibrant exterior beautifully!

Attention to detail in an ergonomically friendly cabin

Inside, the new Micra boasts comfortable and convenient features, as well as

a number of safety systems as standard, while interior design has been

modernised to match its exterior.

For me, what really stands out is that everything you come into contact with in

the cabin feels rather high-class. It’s also easy to get comfortable with a rake/

reach adjustable steering-wheel as standard, coupled with adjustable seats to

accommodate even the tallest of drivers. Back support in the front seats is a

pleasure while Nissan paid special attention to decrease driver discomfort and

fatigue on long journeys.

Even at the back, things remain rather cosy. I always like to spend time seated

at the back of a car while on launches, not forgetting that many of our readers

are in the market for family cars, or perhaps, a small car with lots of space in the

rear for those clunky child seats. Let me say that I was able to easily catch some

zzz’s in the new Micra’s roomy rear, thanks to its extended width which

contributes to enhanced elbow space, shoulder and knee room.

Speaking of those looking for spacious small cars, those who enjoy weekends

away with the kids will appreciate the new Micra’s competitive boot capacity of

300 litres, which can be expanded to 1004 litres when you fold the back seats

down. There’s loads of additional storage space around the cabin for cups, keys

and phones, and particularly worth noting is its large cubby hole, which I haven’t

come across in a while – I actually managed to store my entire handbag in there!

Connectivity

Back in the front, a 7-inch touchscreen colour display on the Acenta and Acenta

Plus is easy to use. Although the actual screen resolution and quality could do

with a bit of an upgrade (it’s a bit grainy and dull), it provides the driver with

access to features such as music, messages and maps through Apple CarPlay in

addition to the MP3, USB and Bluetooth in the Visia model.

Safety for you and your family

Every new Nissan Micra comes with six airbags as standard, plus seat belt

warnings and seat belt height adjustment for the front and rear. Isofix child seat

anchor points in the rear are also standard as well as in the front passenger seat.

Electronic safety systems include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-locking Braking

System, Electronic Brake force Distribution and Hill Start Assist.

Driving the new Nissan Micra

In and around Cape Town during the launch, we got plenty of driving time with

the new Micra on various terrains in urban and rural environments. We drove

the mid-range Acenta model, but all three models offer the same engine: the

66kW, 140 N.m. turbo-charged petrol engine.

As an all-rounder, the new Micra is pretty impressive to drive, especially in and

around the city. In terms of suspension, it does a good job at dealing with bumps

on the road, and when you’re on the highway the new Micra feels superbly

stable – it’s as though you’re driving a much bigger car. It also benefits from a

remarkably quiet cabin – there’s not much wind noise, which is great when you’re

driving at high speeds in a very windy Cape Town! Limited noise levels in the

cabin is all thanks to Nissan’s enhanced noise isolation technology that has

been engineered into the car. Nissan notes that it’s designed to allow the driver

to hear the engine response, but stay isolated from other noises, such as those

generated by the tyres on the road.

Light brakes, easy steering and a smooth-shifting gear stick are a real pleasure

when maneuvering in the city.

Conclusion

As far as transformations go, the new Micra has to be right up there, with the

likes of the Ford Fiesta Volkswagen Polo to compete with. We think consumers

will enjoy its trendy design and easy-to-handle driving dynamics.

Test drive the new Nissan Micra at your nearest Group 1 Nissan dealership

today.

Article source: https://simplysoldonnissans.weebly.com/blog/car-review-all-new-nissan-micra

NISSAN NP200 - ALWAYS A LEGEND

The ever-popular half-tonne bakkie segment gains a cool new derivative.
Aimed at offering a best-of-both-worlds scenario for prospective buyers is the recently introduced Nissan NP200 Ice. (If you’re looking for specs on the Nissan NP200 - you’ll find everything you need to know on Group 1 Nissan’s website).
Ice models are distinguishable via a bespoke, brushed-alloy nudge bar and similarly finished roll-bar sections at the rear. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels and standard smash-and-grab-protection window tinting complete an exterior package that’s offered with a choice of either a silver or Starling Blue paint finish.
Although decidedly more spacious than the B140, the cabin of the Ice edition is compromised by the omission of the height-adjustable driver’s seat offered in the SE. Together with a fixed steering column, this means a one-size-fits-all seating position that’s not ideally suited to taller drivers. Standard leather upholstery does, however, add a touch of sophistication.
Dispelling any confusion that Ice may otherwise stand for “in-car entertainment”, the standard JVC front-loader, while conveniently having Bluetooth, MP3 and USB connectivity.
The Ice comes with either an 1,6-litre petrol- or 1,5 dCi turbo-diesel engine, and it’s the latter (as tested here) that offers the most favourable consumption (6,9 L/100 km on our fuel run) while matching the petrol-powered option in terms of straight-line performance. Boasting a healthy 200 N.m of torque at 1 900 r/min, the 1,5 dCi is effortlessly kept on the boil via the slick five-speed manual transmission.
With a class-leading 800 kg payload, the NP200’s MacPherson front struts and torsion-beam rear arrangement offer an acceptably compliant ride quality obviously engineered to still comfortably accommodate a full load. The electrically assisted power steering has enough weight and precision to make the NP200 easily manoeuvrable in and around town. Standard ABS assistance on the ventilated-discs-fore/drums-aft brake setup ensures the NP200 provides fuss-free stopping in an emergency situation.

TEST SUMMARY

The NP200 Ice successfully bridges the gap between workhorse and lifestyle motoring, with a combination of low-maintenance (and easily repairable) items such as black-plastic bumpers and a rubberised load bay, with nice-to-have features like fashionable nudge bars, alloy wheels and a choice of two vibrant colour schemes. It has an identical powertrain and payload, but adds colour-coded bumpers and door handles, electric mirrors and windows (the Ice’s are both manually operated) and comfortable cloth upholstery, with the added convenience of height adjustment.

Article source: https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/road-tests/road-test-nissan-np200-15-dci-ice/

2019 Nissan Navara with steering, suspension upgrades

We found this great article on the Nissan Navara that we thought you would enjoy as much as we did.

Just what are we doing in Australia driving a Navara that seemingly looks the same (sans the accessories) as the one that Nissan has in the Philippine market?

Were we brought here to just enjoy the view? We wouldn't fault them for that; Australia, after all, has some incredibly picturesque scenery. Were we brought here to just enjoy the food? Australia has some great cuisine, all of which are fresh from their farms, ranches, and seas.

Knowing Nissan, a company that knows how to communicate something so very well, all hints point to something more. They wanted to tell us something with the Navara we're behind the wheel of, and Australia, it seems, has the best roads to make that message rise to the surface.

To get the technical stuff out of the way, the D23 is the second Nissan model to carry the Navara nameplate from its long history of tough and durable pickups. We found it strange for Nissan to code back from the D40, as it was preceded by the D22. Initially labeled NP300, a common nomenclature found in Nissan LCV and CV models such as the NV350.

But while this looks the same (at least once you remove the accessories), this is actually an updated version. It just so happens that the upgrades weren't made to the body or the interior, but to the mechanical bits and pieces.

Nissan brought us here to try out the new Navara which now has an upgraded steering system and a new, dual-rate progressive rear coil spring set up. And we're going to test the enhancements on some pretty incredible roads... paved, or not at all.

Starting off from Perth, we drove south and played in the sand by the coast of Bouvard in Mandurah and further to explore the many forests, and down to Margaret River. We drove on clay, light mud and gravel roads, all to get to a campsite.

The new steering update does give the Navara a much better response and feedback, even on the loose surfaces. It does give that extra level of confidence in the various terrain we drove on. The steering feel, a normal Nissan LCV trait, might need a bit of tuning, as it still is on the heavy side. That, it seems, was the common experience we all shared by the campfire at the night.

The next day, we took the Navara out by the coastline to the lighthouse of Cape Leeuwin, as we drove along the coastal highway. It is interesting to note that Cape Leeuwin is where two oceans meet (Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean). From the sea, we went up the mountain through a rather rocky and sandy trail better appreciate the toughness of the Navara.

The new rear coil springs have managed to deliver on the promise of better comfort and stability. While I was seated mostly in front, or the driver’s seat, you could still feel the rear was more ‘attached’ and stable. Vehicle control was also much better on and off road. There was a very slight improvement of comfort in terms of the ride at the back, but that’s because it was already good before the change.

However, the biggest improvement on the rear suspension is that it doesn’t dip that much anymore with the bed loaded. And this matters a lot for many pickup truck owners who use their vehicle as workhorses or for work and play.

On the tricky terrain, we also were able to try out the around-view monitor package, something that has been available in the Philippines since March. The around-view monitor proved to be just as helpful a tool for navigating uncertain terrain (i.e. rocks) with precision as it is for maneuvering into tight spaces. It really is an extra set of eyes; something useful for long vehicles. Although, I was honestly looking for the off-road mode of the around view monitor, as experienced on the Terra.

The Navara we drove was also fitted with the 2.3-liter twin-turbo diesel engine, a completely different powertrain from the 2.5-liter Euro-4 turbodiesel that we get. The Euro-6 engine proved to be smooth throughout the rev range, though it did lack a bit of low-end punch off boost; that's something about displacement that you just can’t replace.

On our last day, we set off from serene and scenic Empire Retreat through some hills down to the coast to see the waves of Yallingup beach which attracted a good number of surfers that morning. After about half an hour, we then set off north to the charming port city of Fremantle.

The improvements while seemingly minimal, are quite significant. However, the steering and rear suspension upgrade are currently available only for the Australia and New Zealand markets.

The driving experience truly exemplified the tough and smart character of the Nissan Navara. A workhorse for the working man and a steed for the occasional woodsman who has a good eye for appreciation of life.

Driving pickups across Western Australia imbibed images of sun, surf, and sand. But as it turned out we got a lot more than we bargained for, sans the surfing, on our three-day adventure from Perth all the way down to the southern coastline of this massive continent, all while behind the wheel of the Nissan Navara.

If you would like to experience the Nissan Navara first hand - book a test drive at Group 1 Nissan here!

Article source: https://wheelsgalore.postach.io/post/2019-nissan-navara-with-steering-suspension-upgrades

LOOKING BACK AT NISSAN X-TRAIL 2018 FACELIFT

LOOKING BACK AT NISSAN X-TRAIL 2018 FACELIFT

The 2018 Nissan X-Trail received an upgrade, and is now packed with even more safety features

It’s the new 2018 Nissan X-Trail. And by new, we mean it has been given a facelift – though there aren’t too many changes. Nissan’s popular X-Trail sport utility vehicle (SUV) got an improvement in some areas – very similar to the upcoming Qashqai’s revamp.

For one, the car has a more focused front end, with a much sharper styling all round, and the ‘V-motion’ grille – a feature Nissan has chosen to adopt from its existing models – is now made wider for a more impactful appearance.

Here’s a piece from back in 2017, just before the launch of the 2018 Nissan X-Trail:

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According to Nissan, the new X-Trail will feature the ‘boomerang’ daytime running light signature and adaptive front lighting system too. The biggest upgrade to the X-Trail’s exterior however, is the addition of a chrome moulding stretched across the base of the front two doors.

Under the hood, you’ll find no changes – with the existing 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 144hp and 200Nm of torque, paired with a CVT – which should provide a similar driving experience to existing X-Trail owners. At this point, the current X-Trail is priced at S$132,800 with COE and we expect the facelifted model to be similarly priced when it launches in Q4.

But we think the seven-seater will win over most fans especially in the interior design department. Step into the cockpit of the new X-Trail and the driver will be greeted with a sportier ‘D-shaped’ steering wheel (which comes flat-bottomed). To further complement the iconic front grille, the central spoke on the dashboard comes with a fine detailing of premium satin silver all around.

But it isn’t just the driver that gets the better treatment here – soft-leather hand stitching that runs along the sides of the cabin will allow other members of the family to witness quality ambience when onboard. Like the existing model, the X-Trail has a trunk worth 135 litres, and 445 litres when the third-row rear seats are folded down.

Similar to the Qashqai’s upgrades, Nissan has heavily implemented the new Intelligent Mobility Technologies into the new X-Trail. This includes features such as the Intelligent Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

While safety features have been put on the pedestal in recent years (which many take for granted), it has been a smart move on Nissan’s part to incorporate these safety features while staying true to the elements that make the X-Trail the perfect family car.

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If you’re interested in more about the Nissan X-Trail’s specs, experience and look - visit your nearest Group 1 Nissan dealership.

Article source: https://topgear.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3476:2018-nissan-x-trail-gets-a-facelift&catid=34:news&Itemid=173