Nissan X-Trail Evolution Review

Filed under: NISSAN Car News NISSAN Headlines
Created by Erik Gomez
The all new evolution of X-Trail with styling evolution as demanded by the customer now with three core grades including TREK, SPORT and AVENTURA with upgrade models on SPORT and AVENTURA. Now there are four engines on offer, three all new to X-TRAIL, also there are two versions of the fuel efficient 2.0dCi engine with outputs of 150PS and 173PS. Automatic transmissions available on both diesel and petrol units. Introduction of ALL-MODE 4x4-i with ESP, DDS and USS. Standard across the range are Bluetooth phone integration, alloy wheels and climate controlled air conditioning. Extra large trunk space with double deck flooring and a sliding drawer

To simplify the Nissan 4x4 range structure the grade names of TREK, SPORT and AVENTURA for X-TRAIL have been taken from the Pathfinder.

Although X-TRAIL has been completely restyled, customer research clearly showed that the robust, strong shape was popular and well appreciated. Indeed, it was a key factor in the decision making process for many buyers. It was clear that the “X-TRAILness” had to be retained, which is why there is a clear family resemblance between the original and the new version – a perfect example of evolutionary change.

New from the ground up, the latest X-TRAIL shares the same platform as the recently launched QASHQAI. The platform features strut-type suspension at the front with a multi-link system at the rear, both ends being mounted on separate rubber insulated sub-frames providing enhanced refinement and isolation from vibrations which in turn gives a superior ride both on and off-road.

As a result, new X-TRAIL is slightly larger than before: its wheelbase has increased by 5mm to 2630mm, while overall length has risen by 175mm to 4630mm. Much of this extra length can be found in the luggage area, which has increased dramatically in size.

With the rear seat in place, the original vehicle had a luggage area VDA measurement of 410 litres up to the lower edge of the rear window: in the new X-TRAIL the equivalent figure is 603 litres, an increase of 193 litres (including double deck trunk capacity). Fold the rear seats forward and this increases to 1773 litres.

This has been achieved by rerouting the exhaust silencer from its original transverse position under the boot floor to a north/south location alongside the rear wheel well. This has allowed the creation of an innovative double deck trunk, with space for a sliding drawer under the floor where valuable items can be stored away from prying eyes.

The drawer has partition walls that can be placed in a number of different positions or removed altogether as required. The floor and the drawer can both be removed to increase load space even further: as a result the trunk area of the new X-TRAIL is deeper and wider than the original and, even with the false floor in place, virtually as tall. With it removed, trunk height is increased by 127mm over the original.

But that’s not all. To ensure maximum practicality, the floor has been finished in a tough and easy-to-clean non-slip plastic surface. Raised ribs have been placed at unequal distances apart to help prevent loads shifting when the vehicle is on the move. Full carpeting was rejected for the trunk as customer research showed that many owners either carried dogs or outdoor sports equipment in the rear of their X-TRAIL and preferred a wipe clean surface.

The interior improvements continue with Nissan’s practice of providing much higher levels of quality and premiumness than expected for the class of car. Soft feel materials feature on all touch points throughout the cockpit. And as with other recent Nissan models, X-TRAIL has been created with versatility and practicality uppermost.

Positioning the instrument cluster behind the multi-function steering wheel has allowed greater versatility in the centre console, which can now house a larger navigation screen closer to eye level as well as providing space for an in-dash multi disc CD changer.

For the first time, X-TRAIL offers two levels of turbo-diesel power. Both engines are versions of the highly regarded 2.0-litre M1D unit already fitted in QASHQAI which combines high outputs and good economy with class-leading refinement. The 150PS is available on all grades and returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 39.8mpg and 190g/km of CO2 . Compare the fuel economy and CO2 with the out-going 2.2dCi 136PS engine (37.2mpg/ 203g/km CO2) and improvements made are 6.9% and 6.4% respectively.

With the help of an intercooler comes the second version producing 173PS available on the SPORT and AVENTURA. Fuel economy using the combined cycle is 38.2mpg with an output of 198g/km CO2.

Torque outputs for both versions are 320Nm and 360Nm respectively, 90 per cent of which is developed at a low 1750rpm. These engines are also fitted with particulate filters to minimise emissions.

The 173PS engine should also prove to be popular with the towing fraternity as it has a class leading maximum braked trailer weight of 2200kg.

A new lightweight all-alloy 16 valve 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 141PS and 196Nm of torque is fitted to the TREK. It was development led by Nissan and unusually for a petrol engine, much of the torque is produced low down the rev band – 90 per cent is available from 2400rpm. It returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg and has a CO2 figure of 208g/km.

Although carried over from the original X-TRAIL, the 2.5-litre 169PS petrol engine has been further improved for greater refinement and better efficiency. Providing excellent low-to mid-range torque figures – peak torque is 233Nm – the engine comes on both the SPORT and AVENTURA grades and produces 29.4mpg and 230g/km of CO2.

All engines are fitted with six speed manual transmissions but if you would rather give your left foot a rest then there is now a choice of automatics on both diesel and petrol versions. The 2.5 petrol has the latest fuel efficient constantly variable transmission (CVT) costing an additional £1200 with lower fuel consumption and CO2 than the equivalent manual – returning 30.4mpg and 223g/km CO2. The 150PS diesel has the option of a conventional 6 speed automatic. The higher powered diesel is only available in manual form.

TREK may be the first in the line up but it is not short on equipment with Bluetooth phone integration, 16" alloy wheels, full body coloured bumpers, climate controlled air conditioning, a full suite of airbags – driver, passenger, side and curtain, plus a CD / radio with 4 speakers.

The SPORT version encompasses all of TREK’s equipment but the alloys change to a larger 17", the stereo system is upgraded to a 6 stack CD auto-changer with 6 speakers and remote control, the front grille gets a chrome look and front fog lamps are also added, along with a large panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, cruise control, reach adjust steering and a ski hatch. Include auto-on for the headlamps, wipers and speed activated central locking, then the package is complete.

The AVENTURA offers a choice of either Black or Sand coloured leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, intelligent key and electric folding door mirrors with chrome exterior door handles.

All X-TRAILs are equipped with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4 system which operates in two-wheel drive only to minimise fuel consumption and transfers into four-wheel drive mode as and when the vehicle detects it is needed, or manually selected by the driver. The SPORT and AVENTURA on the new X-TRAIL however get the very latest intelligent edition known as ALL-MODE 4x4-i incorporating Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).

USS is a fully automatic system that activates on any slope that exceeds a 10 per cent incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. The system also works if the vehicle is reversing up an incline.

DDS – operated via a switch on the centre console – operates when ALL-MODE is in lock mode. DDS uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a descent speed of 5mph allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like USS, DDS also works when the vehicle is in reverse.

On SPORT and AVENTURA grades there are upgrade models available to further enhance the specification list. The SPORT eXpedition includes DVD satellite navigation, rear parking camera, intelligent key and chrome exterior door handles. The AVENTURA eXplorer has the same price increase but adds xenon powered headlamps, DVD satellite navigation and rear parking camera. eXtreme is the second upgrade on both SPORT and AVENTURA which adds stylish roof rails with integrated lamps.

Over and above the standard specification there will be further accessories available to personalise your vehicle from the Nissan accessory range. These include towbar and electrics, mats, styling packs, bike racks and roof boxes all covered by Nissan’s comprehensive warranty.