Off-roading in the new Nissan X-Trail
19 September 2007
Auto Driven: Nissan X-Trail
Models tested: Nissan X-Trail 2.0dCi Aventura
Price as tested: £24,495
Range price: £18,795 - £26,720
Insurance group as tested: 14E
Insurance group range: 11E-14E
Date and place tested: 18 September 2007, West Sussex,
Looks can be deceiving is a saying with substance when it comes to the new Nissan X-Trail.
Despite being an all-new vehicle, it looks pretty much like its predecessor.
But it is a massive improvement over the outgoing model. Web Editor Adrian Higgins explains why.
Despite having driven the old X-Trail only a few months ago I was hard-pressed to spot the differences between that vehicle and the ones lined up at the new generation model’s launch.
Privacy glass is new, the rear has been restyled and the rear spoiler is no longer a factory fit option.
In addition to that the vehicle is longer, with much of the extra length devoted to substantially increasing the car’s boot space.
Inside, it’s good to see Nissan has abandoned the centrally-located information display of the outgoing model to place the speedo, rev counter, fuel and temperature gauges right in front of the driver.
This frees up the central console for the more conventional job of housing the entertainment unit, CD/Radio, air-con and, on some models, satellite navigation with rear parking camera display.
The steering wheel (housing audio, mobile and cruise controls) and gear knob feel substantial and the interior is a combination of robust styling, space, comfort and light (we were pleased to notice the already-large sunroof had been lengthened).
But beyond those relatively minor changes the car will be very easily recognisable to X-Trail buyers, which is just the way Nissan wants it.
It claims the chunky, somewhat angular off-roader is what its customers want rather than the softer, curvier lines of rival
So how come the X-Trail is an all-new car with 95 per cent new components?
The answer becomes apparent as soon as you turn the key and hit the road.
Nissan has done the real work beneath the shell with the X-Trail now sharing a platform with the big-selling QashQai, and the difference is immediately noticeable.
The ride is excellent with the 17-inch alloy wheels (only the entry-level Trek trim features the 16-inch versions) soaking up pretty much all lumps and bumps.
In fact it was so good that as I was appreciating the improvement I was bracing myself for the usual downside to a great ride, the car wallowing through corners with the occupants feeling they are being swung out from the curve.
However, this was not the case, with the QashQai platform keeping a steady ship through the bends and contributing to the X-Trail’s much-improved handling.
So buyers are not forced to choose between quality ride and handling, the X-Trail has both, but has this been at the expense of off-road ability?
In a word, no.
We drove the car over a range of reasonably demanding off-road courses and found it more than capable through dense woodland, water and up and down sharp inclines.
All models feature the all-mode 4x4 system which switches between two and four-wheel drive depending on the demands of the driving surface (two wheel for more fuel-efficient on-road driving), and, in all but the Trek trim, also works in conjunction with driver safety aids electronic stability program, uphill start support and downhill drive support
The X-Trail offers buyers plenty of choice in terms of engines.
The majority of buyers will opt for one of the three 2-litre diesel options, the more powerful offering 173bhp, as opposed to 150bhp, and additional pulling power too.
There is also a choice between six speed manual and automatic gearboxes.
We drove all three versions and though the most powerful model is the most rewarding, the 150bhp is no slouch, in fact it takes a minute or two to spot the differences between the two.
Around one in ten buyers are expected to choose a petrol model and this is available in 2- or 2.5-litre format.
Fuel economy on all models is impressive with the most fuel-efficient diesel falling just shy of an average 40mpg.
The car’s C02 emissions vary according to engine, but all fall short of the most expensive band G figure and will save their owners a bit of cash when its time to tax the car.
The car also boasts an impressive array of kit, with three generously-specced trims to choose from: rising from Trek (climate control air-con, CD/Radio and Bluetooth phone integration) to Sport (which adds front fog lamps, the panoramic sunroof and cruise control) to Aventura (with leather upholstery, electrically-powered front seats and heated seats).
There are also sub-trims, offering variations to the three main groups as well as options including the DVD Satellite Navigation.
Athough it might not seem very different at first sight, Nissan has done an excellent job of improving the X-Trail.
The hugely increased boot, with volume raised from 410 litres to 603 litres, with all seats in place, incorporates the nice touch of a drawer introduced into the boot floor space.
But the best and biggest improvements are to the very fundamental aspects of driving, the car’s ride and handling, and this has been achieved without compromising its off-road performance.
Rivals:
You might want to consider:
Jeep Patriot
Toyota RAV4
Mazda CX-7
Land Rover Freelander
Kia Sportage
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