Nissan SA and two local motoring hacks will set out on Friday to prove the X-Trail 2,0-litre diesel’s prowess as a fuel-efficient compact SUV – in the hands of both the experienced driver and novice holidaymaker.
By Kyle Kock
This exercise involves two teams situated at either end of South Africa – Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape and Richards Bay in Kwazulu Natal. Both teams are to proceed inland using the least amount of fuel possible to get the maximum range out of the X-Trail’s 65-litre fuel tanks.
“This will correct the commonly held misperception that all SUV’s are gas-guzzlers with high running costs – this expedition will allow us to clearly demonstrate the efficiency of the new 4×2 Diesel X-Trail, launched last year,” says Ross Garvie, Nissan X-Trail Product Manager.
Nissan SA media relations manager Veralda Schmidt and I will set off from Richards Bay in the region of 04h00 on Friday, January 30 as the “novices”, occasionally stopping for the odd break and making good use of the air-con, etc. Our route includes passing through Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Harrismith, Bethlehem, Winburg and Bloemfontein – taking into consideration wind and rain, we expect a range in the region of 933 km from the X-Trail.
Wheels24.co.za News Editor Hailey Philander and economy run stalwart Willie Nel will travel from Alexander Bay, passing through Port Nolloth, Steinkop, Springbok, Pofadder, Kakamas, Keimoes and Upington – given that Nel isn’t likely to be keen on using air-con or stop for breaks, their X-Trail is expected to deliver over 1 000 km on the journey inland.
Both teams will be monitored with C-Track vehicle tracking systems throughout the journey for valuable information such as average speeds and fuel consumption, and are expected to meet up somewhere between Kimberley and Bloemfontein, where Garvie will meet the teams. Garvie will then follow both teams toward Bloemfontein and with the spare fuel he’ll be equipped with, will refuel the vehicles when we eventually run out of the black stuff.
CARtoday will provide you with numerous updates on the exercise when the teams set off on Friday, 30 January.
