Comfortable, convenient and composed

By Ghaith Madadha - Oct 12,2015 - Last updated at Oct 14,2015

Photo courtesy of Nissan

A more stylised successor to Nissan’s family crossover SUV, the new X-Trail’s is more assertive-looking and in line with Nissan’s familial design language. Losing none of its convenience, the new X-Trail is in fact a more practical, versatile, agile and comfortable vehicle, and features a flexible engine and silky smooth transmission.

Spacious but not bulky, well equipped without being ostentatious and refined yet sure-footed to drive, the X-Trail is a moderately priced good value proposition, and crucially doesn’t sacrifice substance for style. Driven in 2.5-litre guise with continually variable transmission (CVT) and four-wheel drive, the X-Trail was perky, efficient and sure-footed.

Stylised and spacious

With narrow grille, V-shaped chrome detailing and slim strongly browed headlights, big wide lower intake and skid-place style lower lip, the new X-Trail has a more aggressive presence. Accentuated further by ridged bonnet surfacing, the X-Trail’s tapered out and snouty fascia, and sharply angled D-pillar and rear window kink lend it a sense of forward momentum.

Though more stylised than its squared-off predecessor, the new X-Trail’s dimensions are un-exaggerated in width and it remains manoeuvrable. A tall roof offers excellent headroom for front and rear passengers — especially without sunroof as tested. Spacious with low loading floor and wide tailgate, it accommodates 1,112-litre cargo to the roof — expanding to 1982 litres with rear seats folded.

A refined, practical and efficient daily drive crossover SUV rather than dedicated off-roader, the X-Trail, however, benefits from 210mm ground clearance, 18.5° approach and 24.7° departure angles, and 50:50 lockable four-wheel-drive — up to 40km/h — for confident ability over moderate off-road conditions. Well filling its wheel arches, the X-Trail’s 225/65R17 tyres provide a good compromise for road feel, cornering stiffness and forgiving absorption.

Flexible and fluent

Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a long-stroke configuration, the X-Trail benefits from perky off-the-line responsiveness and generous low- and mid-range torque for on-the-move confidence and flexibility. Developing 170BHP at 6000rpm and 172lb/ft at 4000rpm, it is smooth, progressive and consistent in delivery, and with distant and slightly gruff mechanical note, is well-insulated from the cabin.

With transverse engine configuration driving the front wheels under normal conditions, the X-Trail can transfer some power (5-40 per cent observed during test drive) to the rear wheels when necessary on low traction surfaces. However, with Trace Control driving assistance automatically selective braking, it proved sure-footed, tidy and agile through tight corners, getting along fine without needing to engage four-wheel drive.

With silky smooth CVT continually altering ratios, the X-Trail makes progress with a slight slingshot effect at sudden heavy throttle, as transmission ratios adjust to input and rising engine revs. Providing good anecdotally observed fuel efficiency, the X-Trail’ transmission also features six simulated “gear” ratios — manually selected through the lever — for greater driver involvement, during which the engine revs more freely at top-end.

Reassuring and eager

With front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, the X-Trail rides smooth, and reassuringly stable on motorways, and delivers buttoned-down and settled vertical rebound control. Taut through corners with good body control and lateral grip, the X-Trail feels slightly firm over sudden sharp cracks and bumps, but was surprisingly fluent and poised over choppy medium speed roads.

Tidier handling and more agile than expected — especially with Trace control engaged — the X-Trail was crisp, eager and controlled into corners and through switchbacks. Driving like a smaller car through winding country routes, the X-Trail is manoeuvrable, willing and with good at-the-limit instincts. Meanwhile, steering is light and precise with decent feel and tight turning circle.

Reassuringly controllable even with assistance controls and four-wheel drive disengaged the X-Trail understeers slightly but predictably into tight fast corners with Trace Control off, but easing off the through tidies up its cornering line. Eager and agile one can even nudge the X-Trail to subtly pivot weight transfer — with assistance systems disengaged and 2WD engaged — to tighten a cornering line.

Cavernous cabin

Spacious, practical, convenient and comfortable X-Trail features wise door swing angles for access, generous passenger room, including rear leg and headroom with 40:60 split sliding and reclining rear seats, which fold flat at a 40:20:40 split. Front seats are comfortable and well-adjustable front seats, providing a good driving position, but high headrest adjustability would be welcome.

User-friendly and ergonomic with prominent soft textures, the X-Trail has an airy ambiance with beige fabric upholstery, as tested. One would have, however, preferred one of the dark steering and dashboard palettes available. The X-Trail also features three three-point rear seatbelts, childseat latches, under-floor boot storage and optional seven-seat configuration. The test car was a 5-seater.

With a commanding driving position and good visibility in most directions, the X-Trail was fitted with a reversing camera, big mirrors and rear parking sensors, however front sensors would have been welcome to assist with front-side visibility in tight confines. Well-equipped, other features included multi-function steering, A/C, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and hill descent control.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2.5-litre, transverse 4 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 89 x 100mm

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC

Gearbox: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) 6-speed auto

Drive-train: Four-wheel drive

Gear ratios: 2.631:1–0.378:1

Reverse/final drive: 1.96:1/5.694:1

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 170 (172) [126] @6000rpm

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 172 (233) @4000rpm

Fuel capacity: 60 litres

Length: 4640mm