First Drives New Cars

FIRST DRIVE: Nissan X-Trail

April 18, 2014

Curves, it seems, are currently in at Nissan.

This is not to say that they didn’t have curves before, it’s just that now they are everywhere. Everything is sprouting the distinctive, curvy styling that was largely the domain of the big Murano, with even the big, butch Pathfinder recently falling victim to the current trend.

Now that would seem to leave one particular member of the Nissan line up particularly out of place – that squarest of square pegs, the X-Trail.

Blatantly and unapologetically squared off, the X-Trail surely wouldn’t fall to the curves, would it?

Well, it has. But it is still the same thoroughly impressive machine under the swoopy bits.

What is it?

One of the smaller members of Nissan’s SUV family, the X-Traill has been immensely successful for Nissan, both here and internationally.

While the new X-Trail has adopted the curves, it has also shifted the goalposts a bit in terms of where it sits in the grand scheme of things, as gone is the diesel engined variant and in comes a seven seat variant instead.

All X-trails now come with a carried over 125kW/226Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine hooked up to a continuously variable transmission.

The range kicks off with the entry level ST in two guises: a 2WD seven-seater and a 4WD five seater. Impressively specced with 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, power adjustable door mirrors, a reversing camera, keyless entry with push button start, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a rear roof spoiler, cruise control and hill-start assist the ST starts at $39,990 for the 2WD/7-seat model and $42,490 for the 4WD/5-seat model.

The ST-L drops in at $47,290 and adds front fog lamps, roof rails, rear privacy glass, a 7-inch touch screen that acts as the display for the Around View camera system and satellite navigation, leather accented seats, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, power adjustable and heated front seats and dual zone climate control.

The TI tops the range at $53,290 and brings 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, an electric tailgate, auto levelling headlights, rain sensing wipers, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and moving object detection.

Nissan X-Trail (01)

What’s it like?

Still a very impressive vehicle. While the huge, armchair-like seats from the last model are gone, the new ones offer more lateral support and virtually as much comfort.

On the road, the X-Trail feels as good as it ever did, with the same superbly comfortable ride complimented by more than competent handling.

However, while it is surprisingly adept at attacking corners, the X-Trail still shines the most when it is cruising at open road speeds. Here it is comfortable, extremely competent and largely unfussed by whatever atrocities local roading contractors care to throw at it.

The engine feels strong and eager, but unfortunately the CVT does do its best to dull that eagerness. Still, it is not too awful and Nissan are one of the better manufacturers when it comes to this inherently unlikeable transmission – their’s aren’t as bad as most is the best compliment one can give…

Nissan X-Trail (05)

What’s good about it?

While we miss the squared-off looks, the X-Trail is still a very good-looking vehicle, with hints of Mazda CX-5 here and there. Not that it is derivative, however, and boasts a strongly distinctive Nissan look.

The ride is fantastic and it still handles better than the majority of similarly sized SUVs. Equipment levels are impressively high, even in the entry level ST.

Nissan X-Trail (04)

What’s not so good?

Not much. The CVT is still a CVT, although not the worst representative of its kind, it’s certainly not the best either.

Nissan X-Trail (03)

First impressions?

Every bit as good as it used to be and then some, the new Nissan X-Trail makes up for losing its distinctive looks with even higher levels of comfort, ability and equipment.

It is still a decent steer, looks good and is superbly comfortable. While the new curvy looks make it look a little bit too much like everything else in the segment for comfort, it also matched the best of them in terms of equipment, comfort and value for money.

The choice just keeps getting harder if you are buying a vehicle in this particular segment…

Models/prices

ST (2WD/7 seat) – $39,990

ST (4WD/5 seat) – $42,490

ST-L (4WD/5 seat) – $47,290

TI (4WD/5 seat) – $53,290

Powertrain

2.5-litre inline four-cylinder petrol producing 125kW/226Nm; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive

Fuel consumption: 8.1L/100km (2WD), 8.3L/100km (4WD)

CO2 emissions: 188g/km (2WD), 192g/km (4WD)

Safety

ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: Not tested

Air bags: 6

Stability control: yes

Lap/diagonal belts: 5