Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
IT was during the #NissanA2Z Media Tour in Japan late last year when we first grasped the manufacturer’s concept of Intelligent Mobility, which showcased various cutting-edge technologies and smart solutions.
These are Intelligent Driving for safety, control, and comfort; Intelligent Power for more power yet clean and efficient; and the Intelligent Integration by conveniently linking cars and the society. But it was Nissan Global Sales and Marketing Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci’s disclosure that became more assuring. He was very certain when he revealed about the plan to bring several of these intelligent driving safety technologies in Asia and Oceana regions.
When the new X-Trail finally debuted in the country, it emerged with a redesigned fascia highlighting the new signature V-Motion grille, headlamps with daytime running lights, bumpers and garnishes. These upgrades provided the existing platform a more stylish look. Even the cabin obtained several changes, such as the helm, center console, dashboard delineations, plus premium materials and trims all over. “The Nissan X-Trail offers enough room for families and groups who love to go on road trips,” Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan said. But more than the aesthetical upgrades, the compact SUV is now equipped with the Intelligent Mobility features. “With Nissan Intelligent Mobility, our customers can enjoy each adventure as they drive safe and sound. We want them to treat the new X-Trail as a partner that looks out for them so they can have a fun and hassle-free time on the road,” Narasimhan added.
In order to demonstrate these new smart features, NPI hosted an event that’s far from the usual out-of-town test-drives. The objective was to focus more directly to the smart technologies at hand for better immersion. Several top spec X-Trails were commissioned for each different exhibition. First to be presented was the Around View Monitor function with a 360-degree perspective (utilizing a total of four cameras from all directions), which aims to ease parking and navigating through constricted areas. But the exciting part was the way the demo vehicle was set up. With the front glass and both windows completely covered, we were only left with the in-dash monitor with a complete view of the surroundings. Impressively, the driver managed to move the vehicle and went through the course with successive turns.
The next exhibition was the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function that sends a forewarning signal when there’s an incoming vehicle while backing up. Even at the onset of reversing, the signal can get your attention real-time for that timely reaction. The Moving Object Detection, meantime, is an excellent feature to alert drivers of any movement around the vehicle. Because of the variable camera angle on the blind spot, even parallel parking was a walk in the park. In fact, you can even view the flank distance and alignment from a sidewalk gutter. By simply pressing the display button, you can change the viewing perspective.
The succeeding demonstration was onboard a moving vehicle. Here, the Blind Spot Warning function proved to be a reliable technology by sending audible alert and sound whenever there’s an incoming vehicle on the blind side. Moreover, the function was even more active when you engage your turn signal to the exact direction. Whenever there are more vehicles around you, this would be your deterrence against unwanted collisions. Likewise, accidents can be prevented during challenging situations, such as downpours, foggy surroundings and obscure surroundings where visibility is impaired.
Last was probably the most compelling functions—the Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking. True to the vision of Zero Fatality, this reliable safety feature not only sends a visual and auditory warning, but also applies emergency braking to avoid collisions. During the final demonstration, a prop blockade was installed with pylons positioned as markers for safety distance. Amazingly, it automatically deployed emergency brakes and completely halted the vehicle running at 30 km/h right before the barrier. Still in place, on the other hand, is the 4×4-I System, capable of distributing variable power to the front and rear wheels separately in order to achieve the ideal tractions on different road conditions.
Meanwhile, the Urvan Premium also got its share of several updates. The front end now highlights a more prominent V-Motion grille with new sets of bumper, headlights and fog lamps. Moreover, it now has a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic variant, making it more convenient to drive. But, of course, the best way to experience Nissan’s premium van is coming from a passenger’s standpoint. So, NPI commissioned several units of the new edition Urvan MC to shuttle the entire media group from Quezon City all the way to Thunderbird Resort in La Union. You’ll know that the seating and ride comfort were there when you dozed off almost the entire trip. Ultimately, we arrived at the venue feeling relaxed and recharged.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino