The Nissan X-Trail has always been a firm favourite in SA and it seems as though things will be staying that way with the arrival of an all-new model.
The all-new Nissan X-Trail is now available in SA.
The range consists of eight models, including two- and four-wheel drivetrains, five or seven seats, petrol and diesel engine options as well as manual or Xtronic CVT transmissions.
Nissan has taken an entirely new direction when it comers to design. The boxy exterior of the previous model has gone, to be replaced by a more elegant yet still very rugged body.
The new X-Trail may look smaller than the model it replaces, but it is in fact 30mm wider and has a wheelbase that’s been extended by 75mm. This means more interior space and an overall improvement in practicality.
On the inside, there is a new split-level dashboard with a raised centre console that houses the infotainment and ventilation controls.
Five-seat models can provide between 550 and 1405 litres of space, while the seven-seat model offers 135 litres with all seven seats in place. The third row can be folded completely flat, giving the same amount of space as the five-seat model.
Another new model-specific feature is the infotainment system called NissanConnect, which includes smartphone integration, downloadable app support, satellite navigation and a seven-inch touch screen interface.
All variants in the range are, however, already luxuriously equipped, with the entry-level XE trim offering all the usual luxury items such as air-conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity for the infotainment system. There is a comprehensive list of safety features including ABS, EBD, Isofix child seat anchors and six airbags.
A “Techno pack” is also available for SE and LE derivatives, which adds a dash of elegance and luxury over and above the standard XE specification. The pack consists of the NissanConnect system and Nissan’s new Safety Shield. This incorporates a number of safety features, such as blind spot warning and a lane departure system.
The diesel line-up has four derivatives in XE, SE and LE specification. These models are powered by Nissan’s new 1,6-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 96kW and 320Nm on tap. This engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox and has a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 5,3 l/100km.
The petrol range kicks off with two entry-level 2,0-litre XE models. The four-cylinder unit produces 106kW and 200Nm of torque and is available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Nissan claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 8,3 l/100km for this engine.
A 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit completes the range. This engine puts out 126kW and 233Nm of torque and is available exclusively with the Xtronic CVT transmission.
All-wheel drive models provide three driving modes, which are selectable via a rotary knob on the centre console. You can leave the car in two-wheel drive, leave it to activate AWD automatically when necessary, or lock it in all-wheel drive.
The new X-Trail comes standard with a six-year/150 000km warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan.
Pricing:
2.0 XE 6MT R327 700
2.0 XE 6MT (7 seats) R 334 100
2.5 SE Xtronic 4WD R 364 200
2.5 SE Xtronic 4WD (7-seat) R 370 600
1.6dCi XE 6MT R 351 000
1.6dCi XE 6MT (7-seat) R 357 400
1.6dCi SE 6MT 4WD R 388 300
1.6dCi LE 6MT 4WD R 473 600