The C-segment SUV market is currently attracting a lot of consumer attention. This segment is now home to many well-known names, such as the Mazda CX5, Honda CRV, Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
While competitors are constantly refreshing their products, Nissan seems to be indifferent to the X-Trail. In the world, the X-Trail has entered an entirely new generation with a modern design, but in Vietnam, it is still the old generation. In fact, Nissan has removed this model from its official distribution range. Let’s have a chat with Mr. Mac Huy Hoang (Hai Duong) about his 2019 Nissan X-Trail that he has owned for 5 years.
Hello Mr. Hoang! Can you share a few words about the Nissan X-Trail that you currently own?
This Nissan X-Trail is the 2.5 SV variant, the highest-end version I bought in 2019. This is my fourth car, but the first car I bought new. The three previous cars I used were all used cars. At the moment, my car has travelled 80,000 km.
In the C-segment SUV category, there are many notable models such as the Honda CRV, Mazda CX5, Mitsubishi Outlander. Why did you choose the Nissan X-Trail?
I chose the car based on practicality rather than following the crowd. In 2019, before buying, I also consulted many information channels. The X-Trail at that time had a strong discount and had all the basic functions such as 360 camera, blind spot warning, hill descent control, and vehicle stability…
The car I chose is the highest-end version, so it has a four-wheel drive system and a powerful 2.5L engine. At the same time, the car is sturdy, stable, and suitable for my personal needs. At that time, I bought the X-Trail 2.5 SV variant for 970 million VND, which is much cheaper than the Honda CR-V (without 4WD), and the Mazda CX-5, which is too feminine for me. The Outlander has a less comfortable drive and has a bad interior.
When buying a car, which factor do you focus on for a versatile SUV: brand, technology, convenience, or price?
I focus on price and safety.
In 2019, the Mazda CX-5 already had active safety systems while the Nissan X-Trail did not. In your opinion, is this a disadvantage?
Based on personal perception, I feel that the X-Trail has a simple appearance and is less attractive than the other two models (Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5), but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage of the X-Trail is the issue of official maintenance. The dealer network is not extensive, and I have to go from Hai Duong to Hanoi for car maintenance, which is quite inconvenient. The after-sales service is also lacking, which reduces Nissan’s competitiveness in Vietnam.
The interior of Mr. Hoang’s 2019 Nissan X-Trail is quite simple.
In terms of active safety technology, having it is better than not having it, but in my opinion, safety is primarily up to the driver. We should not rely too much on technology. I often travel in highland areas with dangerous terrain and many mountain passes, so I need a car with a strong and stable chassis, and good driving feel. In this aspect, the X-Trail meets those requirements, and I feel confident driving this car on mountainous roads. I feel that the Mazda CX-5 is more suitable for urban roads or highways in terms of its design, engine, and performance.
Is the maintenance cost of the X-Trail at the official dealership high?
In terms of maintenance costs, it is not too high, comparable to other cars in this segment. However, it would be a tragedy if you need to replace accessories if they happen to break. The price of X-Trail spare parts is extremely high.
The 2019 Nissan X-Trail has a versatile 5+2 seating design, and when the rear seats are folded, the cargo space becomes very spacious.
Since you frequently drive through mountain passes, why didn’t you choose a 7-seater SUV like the Toyota Fortuner or Ford Everest? These traditional SUVs would provide a more confident feeling when driving in difficult terrain.
I don’t like the Toyota Fortuner. The Ford Everest is more expensive by several hundred million VND, and it is more difficult to drive on rough roads compared to the X-Trail. I have driven the X-Trail to Dong Van and Meo Vac and found that it has a sturdy and confident performance. The X-Trail has hill descent control, so I feel safe driving it.
Was this the first new car you bought? So before that, Mr. Hoang only drove used cars?
That’s right! In 2007, I drove a 1978 Nissan Bluebird, then I upgraded to a 2006 Ford Focus in 2009. In 2013, I switched to a 2009 Toyota Camry 2.4, and I drove the Camry for 6 years before switching to the Nissan-X Trail.
Is there a significant difference in fuel costs between the 2009 Toyota Camry 2.4 and the 2.5 Nissan X-Trail?
The second-row seats of the 2019 Nissan X-Trail provide a comfortable seating position and a suitable recline angle, perfect for long drives.
Compared to my old Camry 2.4, driving in the city is equivalent in terms of fuel consumption, but the X-Trail is relatively fuel-efficient when driving on highways. I found that the X-Trail consumes around 6.5-7.5 liters per 100 km.
Mr. Hoang has driven 4 petrol cars so far. Recently, electric cars have become popular in Vietnam. Do you have any plans to switch to an electric car?
Not currently, as the infrastructure for electric cars is not yet complete. The weight of the battery is too heavy, and the charging time is still long (refuelling with gasoline takes only 5 minutes, but charging an electric car takes at least 30 minutes). Alongside that, electric cars also have advantages such as zero emissions, low noise, and cleanliness. However, personally, I don’t have a need for an electric car yet.
Thank you for participating in this interview!
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