X-TRA TECH

Nissan’s spacious compact SUV is now safer, more comfortable and more modern

SINCE the firstgeneration X-trail’s introduction in our market in 2001, it has proven itself a capable and popular family vehicle. This thirdgeneration variant was launched here in late-2014 and, three years later, Nissan has refreshed it while keeping pricing reasonable.

External changes are discernible, with a new V-shaped grille, headlamps with revised daytime-running lights, darker rear lenses and a shark-fin radio antenna. Inside, you now get a flat-bottomed steering wheel and improvements to the quality of the upholstery and interior trim. What has not changed, however, is the generous levels of comfort and support offered by the seats. Indeed, a decided advantage of larger-bodied vehicles such as this X-trail is that the designers don’t have to compromise with thin-backed seats to compensate for the lack of interior volume.

The range remains five models strong, although there are also seven-seater options on three of the variants. To fully utilise interior space, the rear bench slides, allowing you to increase the boot size in the five-seat configuration, or provide more space for the last two occupants in the seven-seater option.

The features list on this top-spec Tekna derivative is impressive, with dualzone climate control, power adjustment on both front seats, sat-nav, rain-sensing wipers and a comprehensive sunroof with a full-length powered screen. While many may opt for the entry-level Visia front-wheeldrive 1,6 dci manual (with seven seats) at R392 900, the Tekna’s added features and AWD system do seem like good value for an extra R65 000.

A significant addition to the X-trail is the Nissan Intelligent Mobility package. It’s technology that reflects a worldwide move towards safer driving by curbing the number of accidents and injuries in motoring. To this end, Nissan Intelligent Mobility introduces a number of high-end features that include cameras that provide an all-round view for avoiding obstacles when parking, auto-dimming lights, blind-spot warnings and collision alert followed by emergency braking.

As before, Nissan provides a trio of engine choices: 2,0- and