Buckle up, adventure seekers, because the all-new Nissan X-Trail is here and ready to take you on an exciting journey. Now in its fourth generation, the X-Trail has significantly improved from a sleek exterior design to a luxurious and spacious interior, making it an even more attractive choice for families.
The new X-Trail boasts a modern and sleek design. The V-motion grille is flanked by a split lighting design whose successful implementation should shame a specific Bavarian car manufacturer. The X-Trail’s fascia is bold and sophisticated, giving the car a competitive edge in a market governed mainly by aesthetics. Stylish elements to the door sills and a floating roof design add spice to the side profile, while the silver skid plate on the lower bumpers accentuates the adventure SUV feel.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Stepping inside the cabin, I found the new X-Trail a fantastic place to be. Thanks to an engaging dashboard layout and high-quality materials, the cabin experience has transcended what it used to be. On the tech side, the range-topping Acenta Plus model benefits from a digital instrument cluster with a heads-up display and a large 12.3” infotainment display with navigation and smartphone integration. The infotainment system is easy to use, and the graphics are sharp and clear. We are also pleased to report that enough physical controls are left to play around without taking your eyes off the road for unsafe periods.
Is the cabin spacious and comfortable? Yes, it is. The X-Trail can be had as either a five-seater or a seven-seater. Regardless of configuration, the cabin experience remains roomy, though the third row is naturally reserved for children. The five-seater version boasts 585 litres of storage, reduced to 485 litres should you opt for the children’s row.
SAFETY
One of the areas where the new X-Trail has made significant improvements is in terms of safety features. The X-Trail comes equipped with a host of advanced driver assistance features, including lane keep assist, intelligent forward collision warning, ProPilot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent emergency braking, to name a few. During our launch drive, we tried out some of these systems and are happy to report that they worked well.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
Pop the hood of the X-Trail, and you are faced with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine capable of producing 135 kW and 244 Nm. The engine is mated to a CVT, excellent for smooth and responsive power output for everyday driving. The CVT transmission is also soft and helps keep the engine in its optimal range, ensuring that the X-Trail is always ready to deliver when needed.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
On the road, the X-Trail is an excellent SUV to drive. The ride quality is smooth, and the suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and potholes. The steering is light, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, though it could use a bit more feel to make the driving experience more engaging. The X-Trail handles well, with enough body roll to encourage moderate speeds around the corners. However, should you gamble with physics, the brakes are responsive enough to decelerate you from a premature insurance call. And while the X-Trail offers a calm driving atmosphere, it must be noted that the engine can get audible under load – a consequence of the CVT transmission.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
One of the key selling points of the X-Trail is its off-road capability. During the launch, we had the opportunity to take the X-Trail off-road, and it didn’t disappoint. The X-Trail’s all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, making it easy to traverse rocky terrain, steep inclines, and muddy trails. The X-Trail also comes with hill descent control, making it easy to descend steep hills without braking. The benefit of these electronic systems in off-roading quickly became evident once we started on the activities planned during the launch.
LAST WORD
Overall, the all-new Nissan X-Trail is an excellent family SUV with many features and capabilities. The X-Trail’s modern and sleek design, spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, smooth and responsive powertrain, and off-road ability make it an excellent choice for families who want an SUV that can handle anything. With its competitive pricing and exceptional value proposition, the X-Trail is a worthy contender in its segment. The X-Trail is available in three models – the Visia, Acenta, and Acenta Plus – with prices starting from R649,900.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © NISSAN SOUTH AFRICA