In response to the issue of climate change, one thing skiers and snowboarders can do to protect our precious snow is to choose a car that directly contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions
With its impressive off-road capabilities and stylish presence on snowy roads, the Nissan X-TRAIL has been popular with skiers and snowboarders since its launch in 2000, and now it has undergone a full model change for the first time in about nine years. What exactly has changed in the new X-TRAIL? While inheriting the DNA of the first-generation model, it is equipped with the evolved second-generation e-POWER and e-4ORCE electric four-wheel control technology. What are its advantages as a new option that meets the needs of the carbon-neutral era? And what are the benefits for skiers and snowboarders, which is what we are most interested in?
NISSAN｜Speaking of X-TRAIL
Nissan's X-TRAIL was a pioneer of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and had a huge impact on the market when the first model was released in 2000. This was right at the dawn of the freeskiing and extreme sports movement, which was exploding worldwide. The tough off-road and snowy performance and cool style that only a full-fledged SUV could offer matched the birth of a new sports culture, capturing the hearts of many skiers and snowboarders
The new X-TRAIL, which has been completely redesigned for the first time in nine years since 2013, has undergone a major evolution while retaining the "Tough Gear" DNA of the first-generation model. Equipped with the second-generation "e-POWER" and electric four-wheel control technology "e-4ORCE," it has entered the next stage and been reborn as an entirely new SUV. Let's take a closer look at it in action
What are e-POWER and e-4ORCE?
"e-POWER" is an electric vehicle that generates electricity using an engine and runs on a motor. What is the difference between it and a so-called HV (hybrid car)? HVs run on two sources of power: an engine and a motor. In comparison, e-POWER has an engine, but it is used exclusively for generating electricity, and runs solely on a high-output motor, which is what makes it different. Strictly speaking, e-POWER is a type of HV in the sense that it has both an engine and a motor, and its official name is series hybrid
So what is e-4ORCE? Simply put, it is an electric drive four-wheel control technology. It optimizes the driving force of all four wheels by integrating the control of two high-output motors at the front and rear and the left and right brakes. What does this technology bring to the user?
We wanted to know how the new X-TRAIL has changed and what its appeal is from the perspective of a STEEP reader and skier/snowboarder! So we asked Mr. Ito, a public relations representative at NISSAN who is also a skier himself
What is the best thing about being a skier or snowboarder?
The biggest feature of this full model change is the inclusion of e-4ORCE. This is an electric four-wheel drive technology that has never been seen before, and now the X-TRAIL is the first to be equipped with it. It also comes equipped with a VC (variable compression ratio) turbo engine. We believe the benefits this brings will be a welcome feature for skiers and snowboarders who drive on snowy roads or long distances to ski resorts
"e-4ORCE" provides overwhelming peace of mind in slippery conditions!
The e-4ORCE has one motor in the front and one in the rear that drives the front and rear wheels, driving all four wheels. What makes it different from previous four-wheel drive systems?
"The reason electric 4WD is superior to regular 4WD is that it allows for very precise control. For example, with a gasoline-powered vehicle, when it senses that the tires are slipping, it controls the torque transmitted to the tires by controlling the engine speed, so there is a huge time lag. However, electricity is so fast that when it senses that the tires are slipping, the computer can sense it and control the motor instantly
This gives an overwhelming sense of security in slippery conditions. In addition, brake control is also used, so all four wheels can be controlled front, back, left and right. This is a very reliable feature on snowy roads. It automatically switches between 2WD and 4WD, so there is no need to switch, it is a clever function
The VC Turbo makes commuting quiet and comfortable!
The second major point is that it uses a new engine called VC Turbo
"In addition to the electric four-wheel drive, it is also equipped with a VC (variable compression ratio) turbo engine. Lowering the compression ratio increases power but reduces fuel efficiency. Increasing the compression ratio improves fuel efficiency but makes it difficult to produce power. So if we create an engine that can freely change the compression ratio from high to low, we can lower the compression ratio when we need more power, and raise it when we want to save fuel efficiently, such as when cruising. It's a variable engine that improves fuel efficiency and lets you produce power when you want it
The X-TRAIL is an e-POWER vehicle, so the engine only generates electricity and does not drive the vehicle. It's a little complicated, but there are times when you want to generate a lot of electricity and times when you don't, so being able to change the compression ratio is really revolutionary
The benefits to customers are improved fuel economy and quietness. It's incredibly quiet. Because it generates electricity efficiently, the engine can stay off for longer periods of time. It's also quiet and efficient even when the engine is running. It's quiet both when cruising and accelerating. Another benefit is that it doesn't cause stress to the driver
There are two reasons why people get tired when driving long distances. One is noise, and the other is ride comfort. In addition to the VC Turbo engine, the adoption of a new platform has also improved ride comfort. By eliminating the strain on the mind and body while driving and the causes of fatigue, the journey to and from the ski resort should be very comfortable
I want to know the driving performance of the X-TRAIL e-4ORCE!
e-4ORCE precisely controls the motor's driving force and braking, allowing the car to be firmly controlled even on slippery roads such as snowy roads, and allows the car to turn as desired. This high level of maneuverability is extremely reliable when accessing snowy mountains, which tend to have many curves
"The high driving performance remains the same even when going uphill or downhill. Many people have the impression that it can climb using only an electric motor, and that it's scary, but by using electricity to instantly and optimally control the grip of each wheel, we have achieved stability that exceeds that of conventional four-wheel drive vehicles. You can climb smoothly and it's not scary at all. e-POWER is surprisingly powerful
"Even if you do get stuck in deep snow, you can easily get out. It's easy to get out of deep snow. Electric vehicles are actually incredibly strong against snow and ice. The most important thing on snowy mountains is safety. I think this has been achieved without any stress. I would encourage everyone to try it out," said Ito
These functions are also useful!
The appeal of the X-TRAIL e-4ORCE also lies in its versatile interior. For skiers and snowboarders who spend long periods of time in their car on the way to the ski resort, ease of driving and a comfortable interior space are very important points. Everyone is surely particular about creating a stress-free and relaxing space. The X-TRAIL e-4ORCE provides that comfort in a variety of ways
Drive selector with SNOW mode suitable for snowy roads
In SNOW mode, the system optimally controls the front/rear drive force distribution according to driving conditions to ensure smooth driving on snowy roads, and also appropriately controls the drive force in response to accelerator operation to obtain optimal acceleration. In OFF-ROAD mode, the system controls the front/rear drive force distribution and acceleration to provide powerful and high off-road performance on deep snow and unpaved roads. The drive selector allows you to customize your driving style by switching modes, making for a comfortable drive
Steering wheel heater [Available by grade]
wheel
heater that warms up cold hands quickly with the switch turned on. Front seat heaters that warm up quickly with the switch turned on are standard equipment on all grades.
Rear seat heaters (second-row seats, left and right) [Available by grade]
Seat heaters are also available for rear seat passengers.
Waterproof seat:
The waterproof seat can be easily wiped clean even if snow or wet clothing is on it when you sit on it. The main seat is made of Celcross®, which boasts high levels of waterproofness and breathability, ensuring breathability that alleviates uncomfortable stuffiness in the summer.
Professional Pilot
This function assists with acceleration, braking, and steering on highways. It also works in conjunction with the NissanConnect navigation system to identify curves and junctions in advance and control the vehicle speed to allow for smooth turns. Driving at high speeds for long periods of time can be tiring. This is especially helpful on the highway when returning home after a day of skiing in the mountains.
*NissanConnect navigation system required.
The relationship between "X-TRAIL e-4ORCE" and environmental initiatives
In the face of global warming and climate change, what can skiers and snowboarders do to protect our precious snow? One answer to this question is that one way in which individuals can take environmental issues personally is to choose a car that directly contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions
Although the X-TRAIL e-4ORCE is not an EV, it can make an important contribution to environmental issues, something that only e-POWER can do. We asked Mr. Ito about his thoughts on this
Enjoy the world of EVs while standing just one step away
"Nissan is also tackling climate change issues under its sustainability strategy, Nissan Sustainability 2022. From this perspective, one direct benefit of choosing the X-TRAIL e-4ORCE is that it will definitely improve fuel economy, which will lead to reduced CO₂ emissions
Many people are conscious of environmental issues and want to take action. However, making the sudden jump to an EV can be worrying and confusing. Owning an EV means you have to charge it daily, which adds a new layer to your routine, and many are unsure whether it will fit into their lifestyle
However, with a car that uses e-POWER EV technology, you can use it in the same way as a conventional gasoline car, but you can experience the comfortable driving and good fuel economy of an EV. If you experience e-POWER before jumping straight into an EV, you can take a step back and enjoy the world of EVs. I think you'll be able to objectively imagine what it will be like when you take the next step and drive an EV
I think it's really important to think about what suits your style when choosing
For example, if you live in Yuzawa and can get to a ski resort in 30 minutes, and you have a charger at home, then an EV is a good choice right away, and I might even recommend it. However, for people who have to make day trips to Tokyo once a month, it might be a bit of a hassle, since you'll have to charge along the way. But if you still want to drive an EV, it's cheaper than a gasoline car, and you don't mind charging, then an EV might be a good choice right away. But I wouldn't recommend an EV for people who make day trips to ski resorts from Tokyo, because e-POWER is definitely more comfortable
I believe the X-TRAIL e-4ORCE is the perfect car for taking the first step in adopting something that suits your lifestyle while maintaining an environmentally friendly mindset. I believe the X-TRAIL e-4ORCE is an environmental initiative that will serve as a bridge to an eco-friendly lifestyle that will one day involve driving an EV."
the person who taught me
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Global External Public Relations Department
Shun ITO
He has been a huge car enthusiast ever since he was a child. When he was in the first grade of elementary school, he could name all the cars that were driving around town. His previous job was with a car manufacturer, Nissan, where he spent eight years. As a public relations officer, he spends his days running around, busy. In the winter, he is an avid mogul who enjoys gliding over the moguls at Kagura, Kandatsu, and Kawaba. He has ordered a new FACTION model for this winter, and has already had his FT custom boots formed!