KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — The all-new Nissan X-Trail is open for booking from today, at any Nissan showroom in Malaysia. Prices are not confirmed, but the word from Edaran Tan Chong is that the X-Trail will be locally assembled, and will cost below RM150,000 for the front-wheel-drive version, while the all-wheel-drive version will be below RM170,000.

This is the third generation X-Trail, which made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was launched in Japan in January. The Malaysian launch is scheduled for mid to end January 2015.

Whilst the first-generation Nissan X-Trail, which was launched in the 1990s, was very popular among Malaysians, the second generation received lukewarm response, due to it being only in 2WD form, and perceived as a downgrade from the first generation. Now the new one offers both 2WD and 4WD, with the right features in the right places, with all-weather capability, built as an SUV should be.

The new Nissan X-Trail looks great, being distinctive, yet with underlying “macho” tones, a cross between a “city’ SUV and a tough “outdoor” SUV, certainly the best-looking X-Trail to date. This model will be well received if my guess of what Malaysian SUV lovers want in a vehicle is correct.

At Edaran Tan Chong, the enthusiasm and excitement is just as great. Says director of marketing and product planning Tan Keng Meng in announcing the coming of the All-New Nissan X-Trail: “Since its global launch early this year, Nissan has sold more than 250,000 units around the world, winning numerous awards in countries such as Indonesia, Mexico and in the UK.

“With this in mind, we are very excited about being able to introduce one of the world’s most popular SUVs in Malaysia, and we are confident that the X-Trail will lead the way in the SUV segment here.”

The All-New Nissan X-Trail immediately goes to the top of the heap for SUVs for its packaged features. It appears that all variants have what Nissan calls an Active Ride Control System, which modulates any pitching motion (fore and aft oscillation caused by undulating surfaces) by controlling torque and brakes to improve ride comfort.

Both variants also feature Active Engine Brake system, which adjusts the amount of engine braking (upon throttle lift-off) to assist drivers to reduce speed when cornering or stopping. In addition, Active Trace Control, a Nissan system similar to torque vectoring and traction control, automatically applies small amounts of braking to individual wheels during cornering to improve turn-in and reduce understeer.

Two engine variants are available; a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder MR20DD engine with direct injection and Twin CVTC (read as dual variable valve timing control) with 144 PS slotted for the 2WD variant, with a 2.5-litre QR25DE-k2 engine, also with Twin CVTC providing 171 PS powers, for the 4WD variant.

Both variants come fitted with Nissan’s Next Generation Xtronic CVT with 7-speed manual mode, and ECO mode system for better fuel efficiency and a smoother and powerful driving performance.

The 2.5L variant is also equipped with an ALL MODE INTELLIGENT 4x4 System (4x4-i), offering a choice between two-wheel drive, Auto Mode or Lock Mode for permanent four-wheel drive.

This feature is a refreshed version of the 3-Mode system that was available and loved by X-Trail users in the first-generation X-Trail.

Other features that go the extra mile for customer comfort and safety are the “Zero-Gravity Inspired” Seats that help reduce fatigue, and a first-in-class 360-degree Around View Monitor for added parking convenience.

Five colours — Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Diamond Black, Graphite Blue and Brilliant White — are available.

Deliveries are expected to commence in January 2015.

The 4x4i Controller and Hill Descent Control of the Nissan X-Trail. — Picture by YS Khong