All-new Nissan X-Trail CKD confirmed
Local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor has confirmed that the Nissan X-Trail will return to local assembly when the next generation model makes its arrival into the Malaysian market at the end of this year. This development was announced by ETCM Executive Director Dato’ David Chen last night to the media at an informal Hari Raya gathering organized by the company in Kuala Lumpur.
The X-Trail entered the Malaysian public consciousness in 2003 when the popular first generation T30 model was launched. Available with 2.0- and 2.5-litre engines with AWD as standard, the T30 X-Trail was well-received and highly noted for offering commendable value for money. The second-generation T31 model came in 2010; fully imported from Indonesia and available only as a 2.0-litre FWD model, this version of the X-Trail was notably less successful.
Specifics of the new X-Trail to be offered to the Malaysian market have yet to be revealed, but globally we know that it is based on an all-new platform jointly developed by Renault and Nissan. There are five- and seven-seater variants available, and drivetrains vary between front- and all-wheel drive. Engine options that we know of consist of 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrols plus a Europe-only 1.6-litre diesel.
At the same gathering, Dato’ Chen also confirmed that Infiniti’s 3 Series fighter, the all-new Q50 will be entering the market at the end of this month with two variants. Main seller is expected to be the Mercedes-powered 2.0-litre variant going below RM250,000 whilst the range-topping 3.5-litre V6 Hybrid is estimated to be available at below RM400,000.
