The current generation Nissan X-Trail launched locally in 2017 and has been relatively well-received, after all, it is Nissan's most successful models for several years. In the year preceding its launch, it was the 5th most popular vehicle globally. Much of this success can be attributed to the thought given to its design and standard specification level - it's a fantastic companion for nearly all lifestyles.
While a total of seven models were offered at the time of launch, Nissan has discontinued the lower-spec 7-seater options but have retained three different engines to choose from; there's the 2.0 in Visia trim to start things off and then a choice of either the 1.6-litre turbodiesel or the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol offering.
Related: 2018 Nissan X-Trail first drive
Price
Selecting the top-level offerings of both engines sees us selecting the Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi 4x4 Tekna and the Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4x4 Tekna. The 1.6dCi retails for R521 700 while the 2.5 will cost you R534 300. This is a base price difference of R12 600 which is rather negligible when looking at a new vehicle but may present differently when shopping for a used Nissan X-Trail.
Specifications
There may only be R12 600 difference in price but when it comes to performance, things start to look a little different. The 1.6dCi may be a small capacity diesel engine but it benefits from a turbocharger (which is particularly handy at altitude). This engine produces 96 kW and 320 Nm torque and sends power to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's also worth noting that there isn't an automatic diesel option in the current lineup.
The petrol engine, on the other hand, will yield 126 kW - more than the diesel offering - but is down on torque, only producing 233 Nm. This 4-cylinder engine is naturally aspirated and is only available with Nissan's Xtronic CVT gearbox. It is also the only remaining 7-seater option. As such, it is also fitted with a space-saver spare wheel where the other models are equipped with a full-size spare.
Fuel consumption
It's no surprise that the diesel engine is the one that comes out on top here, the combination of large-displacement petrol and CVT hurts the 2.5 engine's chances in this battle.
The 1.6dCi is claimed to return fuel consumption figures of 6.2 l/100km on the urban cycle, 4.8 l/100km on the extra-urban (highway) for a combined result of 5.3 l/100km.
It's a rather different story for the 2.5 petrol with the figures claimed to come in at 11.3 for the urban cycle, 6.6 for the extra-urban and a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.3 l/100km.
Warranty and service
Both versions benefit from robust Nissan build quality and reliability and both are backed by the same 6-year / 150 000 km warranty. Service plans comprise of a 3-year / 90 000 km arrangement with both models requiring a service every 15 000 km or every 12-months.
Verdict
We have driven both and we were pleasantly surprised by the smooth running nature of the petrol engine, especially seeing as it's combined with the slick CVT gearbox that is surprisingly well programmed. If you have to have an auto then the petrol isn't a bad call but if you're thinking with your pocket then the slightly noisier diesel (and it's really not that bad) will be the one you spring for.
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