Nissan X-Trail: Dressed Up For The Terrain

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The Nissan X-Trail was once a robust off-road vehicle. In the meantime it has become a pleasing crossover model. Now he has been given a facelift. Was it worth?

Nissan's X-Trail used to be an angular off-roader, but has now become a nicely drawn crossover. On the one hand, because customers no longer want to climb over hill and dale (which you can still do with it!), But on the other hand, because they have had two models in their portfolio for some time.

With the elimination of the seven-seat Qashqai + 2, the X-Trail has become a spacious alternative for the extended family. So that it continues to strike at the Nissan dealer, the Hochbeiner has now been refreshed and is waiting for customers at prices from 25,440 euros.

Slight modifications

The innovations that the almost 4.70-meter-long X-Trail experienced after only three years with the facelift are basically the same that recently brought the Qashqai up to date: the radiator grille was revised, the bumpers replaced and the daytime running lights and fog lights replaced; the standard LED light on the higher lines will also have a cornering light function in the X-Trail in the future. Slightly modified taillights, new 18-inch wheels and a little more chrome round off the optical measures on the body. In the interior, the X-Trail also emulates the Qashqai, and like this one has stolen the steering wheel from the Micra small car, which is flattened at the bottom. There are also new leather upholstery and a few fresh decorative parts.

The generous amount of space in the Nissan in the first and second row has remained the same, where it can only get tight upwards; however, the optional seats in row three (from 800 euros) are still only suitable for children. On the other hand, the trunk volume of the five-seater has increased slightly to 565 liters, while the seven-seater swallows 135 liters with full seating. If you lay the rear seats flat, up to 1,996 liters go behind the tailgate, which can now also be opened by swiveling your foot.

New audio system from Bose

The Bose audio system is also new, but a seamless smartphone connection to the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is still a long way off. The same applies to the semi-autonomous driving functions: As with the Qashqai, the Pro-Pilot will only be available from spring 2018. Then the SUV should be able to brake, accelerate and steer automatically. So far, however, only a cross traffic warning has been added to the new assistance systems, and the emergency braking function will in future also recognize pedestrians on the road. Traffic sign monitoring, 360-degree cameras and a lane departure warning system are still on offer - however, most of the helpers are only available from the second highest of four equipment levels.

There is no news to report from the engine range: As before, the X-Trail is available from dealers with three units. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine develops 120 kW / 163 hp and is always linked to a manual six-speed gearbox. The two diesels are also available with a stepless automatic if desired, and all-wheel drive is also reserved for compression-ignition engines. The cheapest diesel X-Trail is the 1.6 with 96 kW / 130 PS, which is available with front-wheel drive for 27,890 euros. With a 4x4 drive, the price list starts at at least 33,090 euros.

Two-liter diesel with 177 hp

The 2.2-tonne Nissan, when empty, only really gets going with the two-liter engine that provides 130 kW / 177 hp and 380 Newton meters of torque. According to the data sheet, the power is already fully available at 2,000 revolutions, but it is only on higher tours that the diesel really does its job and powerfully pushes the X-Trail forward. The large all-wheel-drive diesel (from 38,750 euros) reaches 100 km / h in just under ten seconds and the top speed is 204 km / h.

No X-Trail is faster, but that should definitely be enough for longer journeys on the motorway. They can be unwound with the Nissan without any problems: On the one hand, because even the diesel engine is pleasantly quiet and wind and rolling noises do not penetrate particularly loudly into the interior. And on the other hand, because the comfort-trimmed SUV is much more interested in smooth gliding than ambitious corner robberies - which it acknowledges with plenty of side tilt. Those who drive relaxed, on the other hand, are rewarded with low consumption: The data sheet says less than six liters and the practical surcharge was limited on the first test lap. (SP-X)