UK DRIVERS LOSING MORE THAN THREE HOURS A YEAR DEFROSTING THEIR WINDSCREEN ALL-NEW NISSAN X-TRAIL

Drivers are spending more than three hours per year* clearing their windscreen of ice before driving in winter, according to research from Škoda UK. More than half (51%) of UK motorists are unaware that they could face fines of up to £80 for leaving their engine idling when defrosting their windscreen in cold weather on a public road.

Defrosting a car’s windscreen is a common chore in winter, with Škoda research finding that a third (35%) of motorists spend between five and seven minutes on average doing it, while a further tenth of drivers (13%) spend a total of eight to 10 minutes. A quarter (25%) of drivers spend at least two to four minutes clearing their screen when it is iced over.

Applied to the UK’s car park of 40.8 million licensed vehicles, the nation wastes the equivalent of 337 years defrosting their windscreen.When asked what methods they commonly use to combat the frost, the most popular answer was using the car’s heating system (63%), followed by an ice scraper (57%), de-icer (44%), windscreen wipers (27%), boiled water (15%), while more than one in ten (13%) admitted to using their bank card or plastic card. The same research found more than three quarters (76%) turn their engine on and keep it running while defrosting their car to ‘aid’ the process.

Despite the majority of motorists leaving their engine on, 51% were unaware that leaving their engine idling while defrosting their windscreen on a public road could lead to a fine of up to £80.

Nearly three quarters (74%) of UK drivers are also unaware that electric vehicles (EVs) can be ‘preconditioned’ via an app to defrost the screen before they even get into their car on a frosty morning.

Using the Škoda Connect app or by setting the parameters on the infotainment system, the Škoda Enyaq iV can be preconditioned to defrost the windscreen, heat the cabin, and prepare the battery in cold conditions so that it is ready to drive for a scheduled time.

Drivers who keep the charging cable connected when preconditioning the car, avoid drawing energy from the battery and ensure the maximum possible driving range when they set off.

Drivers could save up to 10 minutes a day by using the preconditioning feature of Škoda’s electric cars. More than two thirds (67%) of drivers would be likely to use preconditioning to save time, fuel, and standing in the cold by remotely defrosting their windscreen in advance if they had an EV.

To increase heating efficiency and comfort during winter, the Enyaq iV also features a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, heated front washer nozzles, and tri-zone climate control.

The next stage of Nissan’s electrified product offensive takes shape with the regional premiere of the All-New, fourth generation X-Trail. Over two decades, almost seven million units of X-Trail have been sold globally, making it one of the world’s most popular family adventure vehicles. Starting at £32,030, the All-New XTrail offers a unique combination of rugged eye-catching design, comfort, on-board convenience, and an effortless, confident drive.

For this new iteration, Nissan has drawn on the well-established DNA that runs through all three of the previous generations: muscular design, flexible utility, and advanced all-wheel drive capabilities. The AllNew X-Trail will be available in both five and seven seat configurations, offering a convenient option for days out with extended family or friends. Thanks to the new Alliance CMF-C platform, which showcases advanced engineering, innovation and technology, the All-New X-Trail will again raise the bar in the crossover segment. Customers with a taste for adventure will savour the enhanced dynamic performance and advanced electrification technologies that the new generation of X-Trail offers.

“Replacing an icon like the X-Trail is a huge responsibility. It has established itself as a vehicle for families to share adventures in, so we know what our customers appreciate. For the fourth generation, we will give them the capacity for adventure, with an advanced electrified all-wheel drive powertrain, combined with intuitive and convenient technology,” said Francois Bailly, Senior Vice President, Chief Planning Officer, for Nissan’s AMIEO Region.

Nissan’s iconic X-Trail will arrive on the streets of the UK soon with dealers now able to take customer orders. Modern, muscular styling that creates a robust yet modern look Central to X-Trail’s appeal will be its distinctive styling which projects a reassuring sense of prominence and robustness, without being aggressive. Both the exterior and interior of the All-New X-Trail reflect the spirit of the vehicle – versatile and adventurous. The exterior is highlighted by signature Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille. The frontal aspect is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime running lights and indicators nestled along the shut-line of the hood.

From the side, muscular wheel arches at the front and rear give the X-Trail presence on the road, whilst at the base of the doors, an inset feature brings a sense of fluidity to the sheer surfaces of the doors.

The shape of the C-pillar is reminiscent of a dolphin fin, bringing tension to the rear where the wrap-around lights complete the rear three-quarter aspect.

From behind, taught horizontal lines sits just above and below where the number plate is mounted, while split rear lights ensure a wide aperture for the trunk. A silver panel curves under the rear bumper, reflecting X-Trail’s adventurous character.

Key aerodynamic features include “3D” tyre deflectors in the lower front fascia, an active grille shutter to control air flow into the engine compartment, special A-pillar shaping, underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique “air curtain” that precisely directs air flow from the front to the sides of the X-Trail. Customers clearly appreciate choice, so the new X-Trail will be available in 10 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 15 variations to choose from. e-POWER drivetrain

The All-New X-Trail will be the second model in Nissan’s European range to be equipped with the brand’s innovative e-POWER drive system. Exclusive to Nissan, e-POWER is a unique approach to electrification, offering the EV-drive feeling without the need to recharge.

First introduced in Japan on the Note in 2016, it went on to become the best-selling car, with customers loving its combination of smooth, effortless performance and cable-free ownership.

The All-New X-Trail’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor. This unique powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from an electric motor, which results in an instant, linear response to the accelerator.

The application For Europe it has a 1.5 litre Variable Compression Ratio turbo petrol engine, with a final system power output of 150kW (204PS). The defining feature of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, whilst the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency in urban settings.