Rosslyn, Gauteng - Nissan's third-generation X-Trail has moved to the left of the rough-'n-tough off-roader slot towards the 'crossover' genre, while retaining the off-road capability of its admittedly rather boxy forebears.
Built for South Africa at Nissan's Kyushu plant in Japan, the new X-Trial has a new front treatment with signature daytime running lights on all models and a definitive rear design with 'boomerang' light clusters and a characteristic D pillar that provides a family link to the Juke and Qashqai.
It's based on the jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Common Module Family platform - which also underpins the new Qashqai - and arrives in South Africa as an eight-model range, including two and all-wheel drive-trains, five or seven seats, petrol and diesel engine options as well as manual or Xtronic CVT transmissions.
Thanks a mix of materials, of which 49 percent is high-strength steel, with composites for the tailgate and material thickness optimisation for the front and rear bumpers, the new X-Trail is 90kg lighter than the outgoing model.
The new platform also allows for a 30mm wider body on a 75mm longer wheelbase than the previous model, although the new X-Trail is only 5mm longer overall and is actually 5mm lower although it has 6mm more ground clearance. esigned from the outset to provide for three rows of seats, each row is lightly higher than the one in front to provide outward visibility for all occupants.
The split-level dashboard and gently-raised centre console have infotainment and ventilation controls geared towards keeping the driver's attention on the road, while a redesigned instrument cluster is built around a five-inch colour display that relays important information to the driver on a need-to-know basis to avoid unnecessarily diverting attention away from the road.
The centre armrest storage box is big enough to take a 10” tablet, while door armrest and centre console padding is eight times thicker than the competition for a luxurious feel, reinforced by chrome detailing, leather trim with contrast stitching and a sunroof with electric sliding and tilting on the more expensive models.
Also available on top models is NissanConnect, offering smartphone integration, downloadable app support, satellite navigation and a fully-compatible entertainment setup via a seven-inch touchscreen.
The rear doors open to 80 degrees for ease of access and the second row of seats has both legroom and backrest adjustment. in seven-seat models, the third-row seats fold completely flat into the floor to provide a practical loading space that expands from 135 to 1310 litres. Five-seat models offer from 550 and 1405 litres of cargo space.
NUTS AND BOLTS
Four new derivatives - in XE, SE and LE specification - are available with an all-new 1.6-litre direct-injection turbodiesel rated for 96kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm at 1750, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox and with the choice of two- or all-wheel drive.
The two base XE petrol models have a two-litre direct-injection petrol engine, good for 106kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4400rpm, with a six-speed manual 'box and either five or seven seats, and exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Then there are two 2.5 SE derivatives, boasting 126kW at 6000rpm, and 233Nm at 4000, available only with continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive, but with your choice of five or seven seats.
Available in 2.5 SE, 1.6dCi SE and 1.6dCi LE models, All-Mode 4x4i provides three-driving modes - 2WD, Auoto and 4WD Lock - selected via rotary knob on the centre console.
In the default Auto mode constant monitoring of throttle position, engine speed and torque distribution, to anticipate wheel spin, dictates when the system seamlessly distributes torque between the front and rear axles as needed, at speeds up to 80km/h.
Above 80km/h, the system reacts to wheel spin and shifts torque rearwards to regain traction.
2WD is does exactly what is says, while in 4WD Lock mode, four-wheel drive is permanently engaged for definitive grip and traction. The system also uses the ABS wheel-speed sensors to detect a loss of traction and applies braking forces to the affected wheel(s), performing the role of a limited-slip differential without the extra weight.
Driver aids also include active Ride Control, fitted to all models, which monitors the road surface to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the vehicle's body and alters the damping to compensate.
Active trace control uses on-board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle position and braking effort, to individually brake wheels, reducing understeer, especially on slippery roads, while hill hold brakes all four wheels to prevent rolling back on hill-starts and regulate the speed on steep descents.
Active engine brake uses the CVT belt drive to add a degree of engine braking while cornering or decelerating to a standstill. The benefits include greater braking control and enhanced pedal feel, with less braking effort required.
WHAT YOU GET
The four entry-level XE models come with a rear spoiler, a rake and reach-adjustable steering column, electric windows all round, cloth upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, height adjustment for the driver's seat, four cup and four bottle holders (heated and cooled in the centre console), manual air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system with radio, CD, MP3/WMA, USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, an eyewear holder, cruise control, daytime running lights, electrically adjustable and folding colour-coded side mirrors, chrome-plated door handles, 17” alloy rims, and an electronic parking brake.
The three SE all-wheel drive variants add an eco-mode driving switch that promotes economical driving, automatic headlight and wiper systems, front foglights with chrome detailing, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, six speakers, hill hold, active engine brake on CVT models, roof rails with a brushed metal finish and idle stop on diesels.
The range-topping 1.6 dCi LE 4WD comes with 18” rims, a powered sunroof, a powered tailgate with no-touch sensors, LED headlights, an intelligent key for keyless access and starting, leather upholstery, powered front seats and rear seat personal lighting.
PRICES
2.0 XE five-seater - R327 700
2.0 XE seven-seater - 334 100
1.6dCi XE five-seater - 351 000
1.6dCi XE seven-seater - 357 400
1.6dCi SE AWD five-seater - 388 300
1.6dCi LE AWD five-seater - 473 600
2.5 SE Xtronic AWD five-seater - 364 200
2.5 SE Xtronic AWD seven-seater - 370 600
All X-Trails come with a six-year or 150 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan that includes roadside assistance as standard.