Does the Modern New X-Trail Deliver the Goods?

I remember testing my very first X-Trail, the 2013 2.0 dCi 4 x 4 LE A/T.
In my mind, that was the medium-sized SUV that other manufacturers had to beat. It was robust, functional, no-nonsense-looking and it was superbly geared towards outdoorsy families. When we heard that Nissan was launching the new X-Trail in October last year, expectations were high. I sincerely hoped that the boxy shape would stay. Instead, the new X-trail is all soft-edged and streamlined, adorned with modern daytime running lights - not that different from the new Qashqai.

The cabin (in five-seater derivatives) is extremely spacious. If you slide the rear seats back (which can also recline), even tall supermodels with ten-inch stilettos will have more than enough legroom. Interior finishes have a very Infiniti-like, premium feel to them and there’s still loads of road-tripping friendly convenience features, like three 12 Volt power sockets to keep technology fully charged. Unfortunately that nifty drawer in the boot (from the previous generation) is gone, but there’s a removable backboard that can be used to create a shelf with a 30kg load capacity. The bottom of the boot is also covered with a removable carpet, whereas the outgoing model’s was plastic. The X-Trail’s towing capacity has also dropped from 2000 kg to 1500 kg.

Our test model was fitted with optional leather seats, but I also paid a visit to a local Nissan dealership to have a look at the entry-level 2.0 XE litre petrol model (R327 700), with cloth seats. They have a luxurious, velvet-like texture and should be easy to keep clean.

The previous model’s drivetrain is a thing of the past and Nissan has adopted the trusty 96 kW 1.6 litre turbo-diesel unit from Renault, found in the Renault Scénic and the Mégane. In a car the size of the X-Trail, it doesn’t feel quite as punchy as it does in the Mégane. The clutch takes some getting used to, and you really have to keep the revs higher than 2000 rpm, or the engine feels a tad lifeless. I have to admit that I miss the previous generation’s 110 kW 2.0 litre diesel engine’s low-end grunt. However, the ‘new’ engine is significantly quieter and can hardly be heard from the cabin - you almost can’t tell that it’s a diesel. The smaller, lighter engine, which is the trend in urban crossovers these days, also sips much less diesel than the previous one.
With regards to safety and technology, the all-new X-Trail is safer than One Direction at a Neil Diamond concert. All X-Trails have a five star EuroNCAP rating and boast other clever systems to make the X-Trail feel as refined to as possible. Active Trace Control will help you corner like a pro, while Active Ride Control will help ‘smooth out’ the bumps, by adjusting engine torque and damping as one rides over them. We put this to the test by driving (enthusiastically) over some of the more imposing speed bumps en route to school, and the X-Trail didn’t bat an eyelid. AutoTrader’s press car was fitted with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4 i system which, in Auto Mode, allows the X-Trail to decide for itself when it should be in two or four wheel drive, depending on the conditions. For everyday driving and good fuel economy, one should select 2WD and for more hardcore bundu-bashing, it should be locked on AWD, of course.
The verdict? Well, I like the all-new X-Trail, but it’s very similar in looks and urban functionality to so many other SUV’s out there. But if you’re not a speed freak, and want space, versatility, car-like handling and comfort, the X-Trail has many things going for it. Another feather in its cap is the warranty that’s been extended to 6 years/150 000 km’s.

Facts & Figures

Price:	R388 300
Engine:	1598 cc, four-cylinder, direct injection, turbo-diesel
Power:	96 kW at 4000 rpm
Torque:	320 Nm at 1750 rpm
Top speed:	188 km/h
0 to 100 km/h:	10.5 seconds
Fuel tank:	60 litres
Realistic fuel consumption:	About 6.8 – 7.1 litres per 100 km
Boot size:	550 to 1405 litres
Ground clearance:	209 mm
Warranty:	6 years/150 000 km with roadside assistance
Service plan:	5 years/90 000 km with 15 000 km intervals
Also consider:	Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V