Nissan has made a number of aesthetic and technological tweaks to its popular X-Trail compact SUV, as well as a healthy dose of extra standard specification, for its 2011 model year.
The exterior refresh is focused mainly around the front end, which now sports a revised bumper, updated headlamp surrounds (mid- and high-spec LE and SE variants now feature a chromed headlamp backing, while XE-grade X-Trails have black headlight housings), and more prominent wheelarches to accommodate larger alloys – redesigned 18-inchers LE model and 17-inch rims in a twin-spoke design for the SE and XE models. The rear features vertical LED brake lamp elements and a choice of three new colours is offered: Brilliant-white, New silver and metallic Grey/blue.
Nissan has concentrated on raising the quality of the 2011 X-Trail’s cabin materials and freed up an additional 10 mm of rear knee room by re-sculpting the front seatbacks. In addition to chrome-effect switch surrounds, the new models also features an improved instrument cluster as well as a host of oddment bins and storage nooks carried over from the previous model. The range-topping LE model features a 3,3-inch QVGA display integrated into the rearview mirror that works in conjunction with a rear parking camera and park distance sensor. The LE model also receives a keyless entry and go module.
The SE models also receive a bump-up in standard specification with the addition of such features as automatic headlights as well as rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Bluetooth connectivity and a multifunction steering wheel with controls for the entertainment system and cruise control functions. XE models also usher in additional safety kit in the shape of curtain and front side airbags as well as speed-sensing automatic door locks.
As before, the X-trail is offered with a choice of 2,0-litre petrol (102 kW/198 N.m)or 2,0-litre turbodiesel (110 kW/320 N.m) powerplants, as well as a 2,5-litre petrol (125 kW/226 N.m) unit. Both 2,0-litre units are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox on XE models, as is the SE’s 2,5-litre mill. The range-topping LE offers an automatic transmission with its turbodiesel unit, while the petrols are mated with a CVT ‘box.
A ground clearance of 203 mm, all-mode 4X4-I drivetrain with Active Brake Limited Slip Differential, The Hill Start Assist Vehicle Dynamics Control and an Advanced Hill Descent Control system which allows the driver to specify the preferred rate of descent, between 4 and 15 km/h continue to lend the X-Trail a good degree of off-road ability.
Pricing:
Nissan X-Trail 2,0 Petrol 4×2 XE manual R289 200
Nissan X-Trail 2,0 Petrol 4×4 SE manual R323 900
Nissan X-Trail 2,5 Petrol 4×4 LE CVT R289 200
Nissan X-Trail 2,0 dCi 4×2 XE manual R306 900
Nissan X-Trail 2,0 dCi 4×4 SE auto R385 900
Nissan X-Trail 2,0 dCi 4×2 LE auto R435 900
