The Nissan X-Trail is offered with five or seven-seat versions, though the seven-seater is only available if you chose the 2WD model with the 2.5-litre petrol engine. Our test Nissan for the past week was a five-seat diesel X-Trail Ti.
STYLING
Three new paint colours: Marine Blue, Copper Blaze and Ruby Red lift it away from the various shades of silver and grey that are everywhere these days. Nissan was kind enough to lend us a Marine Blue for our test week on the Gold Coast, it matched our coastal water nicely…
Appearance changes are a major factor. Bolder than before front and rear, the X-Trail could be mistaken for a new model. Revised wheel designs also play their part.
Black trim is standard in all, though it varies in spec according to models. However an interesting option in the top two grades, Ti and TL is leather tan trim, we had it in our Ti.
Inside there’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel for those whose bellies are larger than they used to be, and a revised gear-shift knob design. The centre console and its lid have been slightly increased in size.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment is provided by an AM/FM/CD audio system. With connection by Auxiliary; USB connection port for iPod and other compatible devices; and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
An excellent Bose audio system is fitted to the X-Trail Ti and TL models and we really enjoyed the entertainment it provided.
POWERTRAIN
The biggest change is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in the all-wheel-drive models. With 130 kW and 380 Nm it replaces the previous 1.6-litre diesel and we found the bigger engine a real pleasure to sit behind.
Lightly revised versions of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (106kW, 200Nm) and the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol (126 kW / 226 Nm) are also offered. The smaller unit is only sold in the lowest cost 2WD X-Trail.
SAFETY
Passive safety technology is a big feature: Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are fitted to all models.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert is used in all but the cheapest model, the X-Trail ST. Pedestrian detection and Adaptive Front Lighting are used in Ti and TL grades.
Finally the topline Ti model has Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Lane Intervention, the latter steering the car back onto course if the driver isn’t paying attention.
DRIVING
As mentioned, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine replaces the 1.6 in the all-wheel-drive X-Trails. With 130 kW and 380 Nm it is a real pleasure to sit behind, but plenty of grunt and turbo lag that’s not too bad.
Fuel consumption wasn’t as low as anticipated, though seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres on motorways and 10 to 12 litres around town isn’t too bad.
The front seats use Nissan’s ‘Zero Gravity’ design that tailors correct body support to individual area proved comfortable. Those travelling in the back seats reported there was plenty of legroom and that they still felt relaxed after a longish country trip.
Luggage space is good even when all five seats are in use. But you do lose a fair bit of room when you opt for a seven seater. Not that X-Trail is alone in this, but check it out if you’re going to be using all the seats.
Considerable work has gone into noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) intrusion to the cabin in the past and this upgraded model has had even more work done in this important area. This Nissan SUV really does feel and sound like an SUV from the next class up. At least on smooth roads, rough ones had a fair bit of noise getting into the cabin.
Visibility out of the X-Trail is generally good and there weren’t any real hassles in squeezing it around it crowded underground carparks.
On sealed roads we found the handling of the Nissan to tenacious in the way it gripped the surface. However, the X-Trail is obviously intended for those looking for comfort ahead of sportiness and really doesn’t fall into the same class as the upmarket Germans when it comes to real driving pleasure.
During the media launch of the upgraded Nissan a few months back we did plenty of driving on rough and ready roads, including several sections of serious dirt. Given Nissan’s long history in 4WDs and SUVs it’s no surprise the X-Trail shrugged off all we threw at it.
SUMMING UP
The latest Nissan X-Trail is an impressive family SUV that provides excellent interior space, offers good value and has an even better visual appearance than in previous models. It’s been a big seller for Nissan Australia for many years and that’s certainly not going to change.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Petrol 2WD
X-TRAIL ST 2WD Petrol 6MT $28,490
X-TRAIL ST 2WD Petrol Auto $30,990
X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD Petrol Auto $37,090
Petrol 2WD – Seven Seats
X-TRAIL ST 2WD Petrol Auto $32,490
X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD Petrol Auto $38,590
Petrol 4WD
X-TRAIL ST 4WD Petrol Auto $32,990
X-TRAIL ST-L 4WD Petrol Auto $39,090
X-TRAIL TI 4WD Petrol Auto $44,790
Turbo-Diesel 4WD
X-TRAIL TS 4WD Auto $35,990
X-TRAIL TL 4WD Auto $47,790
Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan X-Trail Ti 2.5-litre petrol five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.488 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 126 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 226 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Type: Unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 192 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4690 mm
Wheelbase: 2705 mm
Width: 1820 mm
Height: 1740 mm
Turning Circle: 11.3 metres
Kerb Mass: 1562 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated Disc
Rear: Ventilated Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / 100,000 km
