A 7-seater Kicks, anyone? Nissan X-Trail e-POWER to unveil in Singapore

Ever fancied the Nissan Kicks e-POWER but wanted something bigger?

If you live in Singapore, you might just have that chance. Tan Chong Motor Sales, the distributor of Nissan vehicles in the island state, is set to unveil an EV version of its T33 X-Trail crossover, called the X-Trail e-POWER, at the Singapore Motor Show 2023.

Although this variant has been available in Japan since July 2022, this is the first time that it has been introduced in an ASEAN market.

Electric motor, gas generator

Much like the Kicks, the X-Trail e-POWER is powered by an electric motor that is charged by a gasoline generator.

The fossil-fueled engine, which is not connected to the drive wheels, is a turbocharged 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder, twin-cam, 12-valve powerplant. It charges a 1.8 kWh battery underneath the vehicle. The crossover does not have a plug so that owners can charge the battery from another source.

The optional e-4orce all-wheel-drive system adds another electric motor located on the rear axle. All four wheels operate independently to distribute torque to the tire with the most grip.

Finally, the X-Trail e-POWER also gets the e-Pedal Step system that provides braking just by lifting the accelerator.

Sharp looks

The electrified X-Trail looks no different from the regular X-Trail, which has been in production since April 2021.

The familiar, shield-like Nissan front grill leads to pointed LED daytime running lights, with the main beams located underneath.

Its side profile is spruced up by silver trim at the bottom of the doors, a gloss-black roof, and a dramatic kink for the D-pillar, which also leads the eye to the boomerang-style taillights.

7 seats available

Unlike the smaller Kicks, the X-Trail e-POWER offers all the benefits of the Japanese carmaker’s EV technology for seven passengers.

Nissan said the crossover offers 120 liters of cargo space with all three rows up and 651 liters with the second and third rows folded.

Step inside the X-Trail e-POWER, and you get silver dashboard trim that sweeps upward. It also features things like a flat-bottom steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a mouse-like e-Shifter.

Would you go for an EV version of the Nissan X-Trail if it were sold in the Philippines?