EZHIRE CAR RENTAL APP, NISSAN X-TRAIL SL LAUNCH: WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE MOTORING WORLD?

From news that will reshape our thoughts on EV ownership to our first take on the new generation of a popular crossover, and a car rental app that is making personal transportation more accessible—this week, we have something for everyone.

NIO Launches First Power Swap Station in the UAE

NIO, the Chinese premium smart electric vehicle manufacturer, has opened its first NIO Power Swap Station (PSS) in the MENA region. NIO Power Swap Station aims to provide a seamless alternative to traditional charging, which is often a more time-consuming process than refuelling ICE vehicles. The entire battery swapping process is fully automated—from placing the swap order via the NIO app or car infotainment to the vehicle autonomously steering and parking in the swap station.

Located at Yas Marina Circuit’s Silver 2 Car Park on Yas Island—a key business and lifestyle hub in the capital—this location provides easy access for inter-Emirate travellers.

The station allows NIO users to fully recharge their vehicles using a fully automatic battery swap process in as little as three minutes—all without leaving their car. Furthermore, with every swap, an extensive and advanced system health check is performed, ensuring the battery, motor, and electric control systems are in peak condition—enhancing the overall ownership experience. The NIO Power Swap Station 3.0 occupies the same footprint as four parking spaces, holds up to 21 battery packs, and can perform up to 408 battery swaps in a single day.

The inauguration marks NIO’s 3,189th Power Station globally and aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, promoting sustainable and innovative transport solutions for the UAE’s growing population.

First Drive: Nissan X-Trail SL

In recent days, we had the chance to try out the all-new fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail. The latest iteration, first launched in 2023, builds on its 20-year legacy and is now positioned as a "Premium Urban Crossover."

Its exterior, especially in grey, has a monolithic appeal that exudes a sense of robustness and style. The front is characterised by the tweaked signature V-motion grille and a new split front lighting system—strip LED DRLs on top and rectangular LED headlamps below. The familiar, yet revised, boomerang tail lamps subtly recall past models, and the sporty 19-inch 5-spoke wheels lend it an athletic stance.

The build quality is good but not supreme. However, the interior feels more luxurious than its rivals, thanks to the leatherette surfaces on the dash and doors, diamond-quilted seats, and dual-tone black-and-tan scheme. The plastic wood trims, though, are a miss. Controls include a well-sized 3-spoke steering wheel with easy-to-use buttons and a large toggling transmission lever.

The X-Trail is available as a five- or seven-seater. You’ll appreciate the second row more, as it offers about 1–2 inches of free space between knees and seat backs and is accessed through wider-opening rear doors (up to 85 degrees). However, the third row is cramped.

The all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque. It is paired with a CVT and is available with either FWD or AWD (like our test vehicle). Power is adequate for city and highway driving, with sporty steering feel and suspension making it easy to manoeuvre. Fuel economy averaged around 9.9 km/l, slightly better than expected, though a run with a full load would give a clearer picture.

The A/C performs well—classic Nissan—and the Bose audio system delivers quality sound. Connectivity options include USB-C and USB-A ports up front and a wireless charger, though its placement isn’t ideal. Additionally, the rearview camera offers a wide-angle view but lacks sharp resolution.

While the base models seem reasonably priced, this top-spec SL variant’s sticker price at under AED 155,000 feels steep. But there seems to be more "car" here than expected, and only a full-fledged review can reveal its true value.

App Review: eZhire Car Rental

There has been a slew of car rental apps entering the market alongside new brick-and-mortar rental car companies. eZhire is one such new UAE-based car rental app that operates in the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, and Qatar, and it certainly has a few things going for it.

Firstly, aside from a few luxury rides, a deposit is not required. All you need is a valid driver’s license, a passport or Emirates ID, a credit card for payment, and a digital signature – all of which can be uploaded to the app. Secondly, they can deliver the vehicle within an hour if required, and you can track your delivery in real time, just like ordering a meal. I, however, scheduled my booking for a later date, which is also an option. Thirdly, the app is user-friendly and allows you to check for vehicles across different segments and prices. By displaying daily, weekly, and monthly rates, it makes both, comparisons and decisions, easier. However, it would help if the customer could see the equivalent alternative offered in case the requested vehicle is unavailable. eZhire also offers chauffeur services with experienced and reliable drivers.

My monthly rental of a base Mazda 6 sedan cost me AED 2,442.93 in total. This included a 2,000 km mileage cap, comprehensive insurance, and Personal Accident Insurance. The vehicle they arranged through their third-party service provider, Diamond Lease, had a few scratches but seemed mechanically sound. However, the cabin did smell of dust. As for service quality, once I saw the low battery warning light for the key fob appear on the dash, I reported it immediately, and they worked swiftly to resolve the issue. The app also allows you to extend your rental, but make sure you do it at least three hours before the contract’s end. There is also 24/7 support available through the telephone or in-app chat.

Would I rent another vehicle from eZhire? Probably! The app is easy to use, the prices are affordable, and the service is up to par.

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2025-03-12T07:01:36Z