Since the beginning of November, Nissan Motor has suspended orders from dealers and customers in the domestic market of Japan for two popular models – the Sakura electric kei car and the new generation X-Trail crossover. The reason for the limitation is the underproduction of these models due to the ongoing global shortage of semiconductors.
Recall that the Nissan Sakura was introduced at the end of May, it is built on a single base with the Mitsubishi eK Cross EV. The length and width of the new products are 3395 and 1475 mm, respectively, and the height is 1655 mm. On Sakura and eK Cross EV, the engine is installed in the front, respectively, the front wheels are driving. The maximum motor power is 47 kW (64 hp), achieved in the range of 2302-10455 rpm, the maximum torque is 195 Nm in the range of 0-2302 rpm. The traction lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 20 kWh and is mounted under the floor of the body, which lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. The power reserve at full charge reaches 180 km. Since June, Nissan has received 33,000 prepaid orders for the Sakura.
The new X-Trail entered the Japanese domestic market in July 2022. In the Land of the Rising Sun, the model is offered only with the second-generation e-Power hybrid power plant. It features a variable compression 3-cylinder VC petrol turbo unit to maximize engine efficiency – low values provide high power and torque, while a high compression ratio reduces fuel consumption. e-Power works in series, that is, the internal combustion engine is not connected to the wheels here, but is used only to charge traction batteries through the generator, which, in turn, feed the electric motor. In the basic configuration of the new X-Trail for the Japanese, e-Power is equipped with one BM46 electric motor installed in front, respectively, the front-wheel drive. This unit produces 150 kW (198 hp) and 330 Nm. The more expensive X-Trail is equipped with the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system with a separate MM48 electric motor on the rear axle, it develops 100 kW (132 hp) and 195 Nm.
