KAMEELDRIFT – Has there in recent times been as large a shift in character from one vehicle generation to the next than between the new Nissan X-Trail and its predecessor? I doubt it. Gone is the previous version’s rugged design and utilitarian charm; in their place are thoroughly modern design cues and the implementation of Nissan’s newest design language (first seen on the Qashqai; the facelifted Leaf should sport this look, too).
It’s a huge risk for the Japanese carmaker – the first (launched in 2001) and second generations (2007) of the X-Trail were a hit with buyers (1,7 million were sold) and motoring scribes alike. I remember an overland trip in a first-gen version. I fell in love with its easy-going nature, punchy 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine and spacious cockpit. And it felt built to last.
The third-generation X-Trail turns the concept on its head because it has to appeal to a predicted 500 000 buyers a year across 190 countries. It sports a curvy front-end adorned with a large, chrome-trimmed grille boasting an X-motif, sculpted sides and clear-glass taillamps. If it appears larger, that’s because it is. Nissan has lengthened the body by 5 mm, widened it by 30 mm and stretched the wheelbase a whole 75 mm. Promising off-road ability to equal that of its forerunner, ground clearance has been boosted by 6 mm.
More significant changes await buyers when they climb through the large, wider-opening doors. Taking its design and materials directly from the new Qashqai, the cabin is now on the standard of the best vehicles in the compact-SUV segment. Soft-touch plastic is used extensively (though, disappointingly, not on the tops of the rear doors), buttons are large and clearly marked, and a touchscreen infotainment system is standard fitment. The seats are comfy (the second row can slide and recline), sightlines are decent (the wide A-pillars do create some blind spots) and space all-round abounds (except if you select the panoramic sunroof, which significantly robs rear headroom; versions without the glass panels have more clearance).
For the first time, buyers can specify a third row of seats. They’re tiny (as they would be in a vehicle measuring far shorter than five metres), but small children would find them comfortable enough on longer journeys. They impinge on overall cargo capacity when folded away (1 310 dm3 versus 1 405 dm3 on five-seat versions), but the floor remains practically flat.
Three engines will initially be offered (Nissan’s representatives did hint at the wider use of turbocharging technology when the X-Trail is due for revisions). I predominantly drove the 1,6 dCi-equipped all-wheel-drive model. We’re familiar with the Renault-sourced turbodiesel engine after testing a Qashqai fitted with same in the October issue of CAR magazine, and it’s a good one. Reef altitudes did expose mild turbo lag, but nothing alarming, and refinement is top-notch. I do wonder whether compact-SUV buyers wouldn’t prefer a larger-capacity powertrain similar to the ones fitted to rival vehicles, but the 1,6 dCi is punchy enough for most applications and is light on fuel (we averaged just below 8,0 litres/100 km in varied driving conditions). Mated with the engine is a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. A CVT option is offered on the 2,5-litre version, but as we only drove this model on a mild off-road course, I can’t comment whether this gearbox lives up to Nissan’s bold claims that it isn’t nearly as frustrating to use as some other CVTs (which relentlessly hunt the red line and then stay there).
Underneath the skin is the new Renault-Nissan Common Module Family platform that also underpins the Qashqai. The suspension system features Active Ride Control, an adaptive-damping system that alters road conditions and firms or slackens the dampers, while Active Trace Control can brake individual wheels to reduce understeer and tighten the driving line. CVT versions also boast Active Engine Brake, a system that can influence engine braking. The result of these technologies is that the X-Trail drives very differently to the vehicle it replaces. The well-damped ride is still there (firmer than before, granted, but not by much), but body roll is now far better harnessed. The steering system has been beefed up in terms of weight, and is nicely direct, while pedal feel across the board is excellent. It drives like a slightly larger Qashqai, which of course it is.
Nissan will offer three trim grades across the three engine derivatives. Kicking off the X-Trail range is a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre engine (I had a quick go but there wasn’t much go) in XE grade. Some of its features include a multifunction steering wheel (which should really be trimmed in leather instead of being bare polyurethane), height-adjustable driver’s seat, air-con, audio with USB compatibility and Bluetooth, cruise control, LED daytime-running lights and 17-inch wheels. This model costs R327 700 (and R334 100 for seven seats). There’s also a 1,6 dCi in XE grade (R351 000/R357 400).
Next up is SE, which adds ALL-MODE all-wheel drive (which we tested on that mild off-road course, and worked well), auto lights and wipers, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearlever, climate control, hill-descent control and roof rails. These versions costs R364 200/R370 600 for the 2,5 SE Xtronic 4WD and R388 300 for the 1,6 dCi SE 4WD.
The flagship 1,6 dCi LE 4WD costs R473 600 and includes 18-inch wheels and the questionable addition of that panoramic sunroof, as well as a powered tailgate, LED headlamps, keyless starting and driving, leather upholstery and electric front seats.
Two options packs that add either visual enhancements (Design Pack) or sat-nav and further safety equipment (Techno Pack) can be selected. All models have six airbags, ABD with EBD and BAS, VDC and hill-start assist as standard. What’s more, the X-Trail adds a stellar six-year/150 000 km warranty.
Overall, I was very impressed with the new X-Trail. I bemoan the loss of some of the older car’s charm, but the third-generation model is unquestionably a better vehicle. Whether it offers enough over the truly excellent and cheaper new Qashqai (I do not think the third row of seats is a significant USP), however, remains to be seen.
