2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The Nissan X-Trail stays true to itself. Even in the second generation, everyday utility takes precedence over any design trends.
By Sabine Stahl
Completely unimpressed by short-lived fads such as a dynamic sheet metal dress or the increasing abandonment of off-road capability, the Nissan X-Trail is now in the second generation. With its robust appearance and standard all-wheel drive, the Japanese is one of the SUVs that want to see themselves as an everyday version of a real off-road vehicle. The X-Trail is available with the most powerful diesel engine from 32,920 euros.
Good clarity
The angular body of the X-Trail does not correspond to the latest trend, but the angular sheet metal trim offers exactly the advantages that originally helped the SUV to its popularity: good clarity, a high feeling of security and ample space. The driver and front passenger take a seat in the interior of the 4x4 vehicle on large and comfortable armchairs and can look forward to a lot of space. However, the contoured seats are a bit too soft, which could cause problems for people with back injuries in the long run.
In the rear it is also airy, at least for long-legged backers, who can not complain about a lack of space even with tall front passengers. On the other hand, giant seats in the rear of the four-wheel-drive vehicle tend to bump, because the elevated seating position limits headroom somewhat. Even the middle square, with its narrow dimensions and hard upholstery, does not invite you to linger.
Two diesels, two petrol engines
Nissan has made the trunk volume generous. With the seats folded down, up to 1773 liters can be taken on board via the large, wide-opening tailgate. If all the backrests are upright, 479 liters remain. A compartment with washable plastic compartments below the loading floor offers an additional 124 liters of storage space and also ensures order in the trunk. However, there is no longer any space for a spare wheel; in the event of a flat tire, a repair kit ensures that the damaged wheel does not run out of air until the next workshop.
The engine range for the X-Trail includes two diesel and two petrol engines. The most powerful compression-ignition engine is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 127 kW / 173 hp and a maximum torque of 360 Nm. Even if the diesel drive is the most powerful engine on offer, it accelerates the vehicle rather slowly with an empty weight of around 1,650 kilograms. In addition, the drive, which is coupled to a manual six-speed gearbox, is loud while driving and does not hold back in terms of consumption. The 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers specified by the manufacturer can easily be increased to more than nine liters in practice.
Three drive modes
The X-Trail can show its strengths away from the autobahn. The Japanese with standard all-wheel drive is more off-road than most SUVs. An electromagnetic
clutch distributes power to the axles. Using a rotary switch, the driver can choose from three different drive modes: The most fuel-efficient driving style is the normal mode, in which only the two front wheels are driven; the automatic mode forwards up to 43 percent of the torque to the rear axle if necessary, and with the off-road function the distribution can be blocked at 50 percent to 50 percent.
A hill descent aid is also on board for driving in difficult terrain, which automatically reduces the speed without the driver having to apply the brakes. The hill start aid, which prevents rolling back, is also useful on the road. In addition, the X-Trail has an approach angle of 29 degrees at the front and 23 degrees at the rear as well as a fording depth of 45 centimeters and scores with a ground clearance of 20 centimeters and a ramp angle of 20 degrees.
Everyday use over beauty
The safety equipment of the X-Trail includes ESP, airbags for driver and front passenger, side and head airbags and the Isofix child seat attachment. Also always on board are central locking, a radio with CD player, roof rails and cruise control. Xenon headlights and a panoramic pop-up roof are available as options.
All in all, the X-Trail focuses primarily on utility. The clientele should not be won over with optical charms and chic frills, but with off-road suitability and plenty of space. As a result, Nissan has a treat for every SUV type with the successful Qashqai soft roader and the robust X-Trail. (mid)
