Nissan X-Trail: Rustic Fellow

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

Nissan has equipped the X-Trail with a new two-liter diesel. Our driving report shows what the new engine in this Japanese SUV has to offer. Friends of the rustic can look forward to it.

Nissan listens to its customers, because well over 50 percent of customers wanted the X-Trail as an automatic with all-wheel drive and diesel. And that's exactly what the Japanese are now offering with the new 130 kW / 177 hp engine. At least 36,490 euros are due for this option, while the fuel consumption of around six liters should still be moderate. Of course, the manufacturer does not deny the new two-liter even the gearshift fans - then you have saved around 2000 euros.

Incidentally, the four-cylinder now working in the X-Trail is a Renault plant. This is the unit that has already powered various models of the French group in recent years, but now the developers have revised the diesel engine - 20 percent of the parts are new. The main thing was to make the power pack fit for the Euro 6 emissions threshold.

Rustic journeyman

Time for a first practice round. After pressing the start button, it quickly becomes clear: The four-cylinder is a rustic fellow and does not even think about acoustically covering up its diesel existence. Almost a refreshing antithesis to the smooth design of modern SUVs, just like the X-Trail is one. But let's stay with the engine for now. The 380 Nm chunk has an easy job with the 1.7 ton truck, at least after overcoming its starting weakness.

So it can happen to unintentionally stall the switch. It also likes to roll back on inclines. Here the technicians could still put some work into the hill start control. So the surcharge for the automatic is well invested. The continuously variable transmission makes a really pleasant impression - the starting comfort is convincing, the gear ratio transitions are naturally buttery soft, and the dreaded rubber band effect does not occur because the engineers simulate steps. Now you can really enjoy the two-liter, which is supposed to reach country road speed half a second later than the version with a mechanical transmission, but that is irrelevant in practice. Especially since the X-Trail is not a proven sprinter anyway.

Lots of space in the interior

On the other hand, it is nice that the strengthened Kraxler accelerates rapidly from the lower engine speed with light pressure on the accelerator pedal and thus belongs to the elasticity professionals. In addition, it is also one of the utility value professionals, offering space in abundance. With the seats folded down, almost 2,000 liters fit in the trunk - which cars already have that much cargo space ready? And human cargo was also thought of, for example with a sliding rear bench seat. So you really don't have to suffer hardship in the second row and you can stretch your legs (even longer versions of it) with relish.

Only the passengers in the third row of seats, at least 500 euros, would not necessarily voluntarily go on long journeys, but that is quite normal. When it comes to all-wheel drive competence, the X-Trail is logically only a semi-professional and for the given reason does without a reduction - in practice almost nobody drives in impassable areas. The power distribution can be set using a rotary switch, and the experts show that the Nissan also does quite well in terms of axle articulation when presented on a groomed scree slope.

Convincing GPS

That leaves a view of the interior. There is no-nonsense home cooking instead of a star menu. However, the architecture is neatly crafted, and some people will be happy that they can activate the seat heating simply by pressing a button using an old-fashioned toggle switch instead of wandering around in the menu on the touchscreen for five minutes. Nevertheless, the Nissan also offers a touchscreen. With a very convincing navigation system that processes destination entries quickly and guides them precisely. For infotainment satisfaction, the screen in the center console and a small TFT field between the classic round dials in the instrument cluster must suffice, as the X-Trail is designed conservatively.

Progressive setting, on the other hand, in terms of safety - autonomous braking system, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition are even included in the basic system. In return, an integrated navigation system is not available at all and even in the somewhat higher-quality "Acenta" line at 1,380 euros it is quite expensive. After all, a Bluetooth hands-free system and a reversing camera are included. In the overall package, however, the X-Trail is a fairly priced vehicle and above all offers a lot of utility and considerable comfort for its money. The powerful two-liter diesel is definitely an asset to the model. (SP-X)