While unique hybrid option remains in the range, the pure petrol 2.5 takes over the 2.0 on the entry-level front.
After being revealed in late 2017, Nissan’s facelifted X-Trail has finally been launched in Thailand today.
Apart from some mandatory visual changes and new features, the engine range of the X-Trail has been slightly rejigged.
The Hybrid model, whose 179hp petrol-electric powertrain is still unique in the Thai C-segment class of car-based SUVs, remains in the range.
Due to more driver-assist technologies, enhanced entertainment system, foot-operated tailgate opening and a large glass roof, prices of the Hybrid now range from 1.537-1.617 million baht, up from 1.335-1.481 million baht.
As for pure petrol engines, the 144hp 2.0-litre option has been phased out in Thailand which used to cover the 1.25-1.423 million baht range.
Trims for the 171hp 2.5-litre have now been increased to three ranging from 1.35-1.66 million baht. In the pre-facelift X-Trail, the 2.5 was only available in 4WD costing 1.614 million baht.
Like in other Nissans currently on sale, the Thai-built X-Trail gets the V-Motion front grille along with new lights, bumpers and side-view mirrors. The top VL-badged models get new 19-inch wheels.
According to executives of Nissan Motor Thailand, the 2.0-litre motor has higher engineering costs even though it was a core-seller for the pre-facelift X-Trail here.
As well, both the 2.0 and 2.5 are subject to the same 30% excise rate since both emit CO2 in the range of 151-200g/km.
While the 2.5 spews out 192kg/km, the 2.0 does 174g/km. Apart from a smaller displacement, the 2.0 (codenamed MR20DD) highlights direct injection, which isn’t featured in the 2.5 (QR25DE).
The most direct rival for the X-Trail is the Honda CR-V, which also has five or seven seats to choose from.
However, the CR-V is being offered with either 160hp 1.6-litre diesel-turbo or 173hp 2.4-litre petrol with price ranges of 1.559-1.699 and 1.409-1.549 million baht respectively.
