X-Trail proves a star performer
Nissan SUV’s on, off-road capability, turns on charm
THE X-Trail has been a global success story for Nissan with over 750 000 of these units sold worldwide, 35 000 of which have been sold locally since its launch into the country some 15 years ago.
Dispatch Motoring had the opportunity to test drive one of the newlylaunched X-Trails last week in and around East London and King William’s Town.
Taking delivery of the 2017 top-ofthe-range six-speed updated 1.6 dCI Tekna X-Trail with genuine leather seats and quality interior features, and knowing I had it to test drive for almost a week, was a happy experience.
It is a stylish and redefined SUV with that muscular sculptured style, solid capabilities and next-level technology that allows for easy control of the vehicle.
A switch situated between the gear lever and arm-rest activates the XTrail’s Intelligent 4x4 system – which gives you capability both on- and offroad. Being able to engage full-time two-wheel drive allows for maximum efficiency whenever you don’t need off-road capability.
Also, the auto mode constantly monitors conditions and adjusts the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction.
The vehicle’s intelligent powertrain, dynamic driving technologies and intuitive 4x4 drive capabilities make X-Trail ultra-responsive and adaptable in all conditions.
A quick look at the vehicle’s and exterior shows:
● It comes with touch-screen navigation system; ● A 360-view around monitor; ● Panoramic glass roof; ● Blind spot warning; interior ● Electric parking brake; ● Front collision avoidance; ● Lane departure warning; ● Parking distance control – front and rear; ● Rear parking camera; ● Steering wheel audio controls; ● Day running lights and front fog lights;
● Rain sensor with auto headlight; and ● Leather steering wheel. Noticable is the lane departure warning beep when you drift out of your lane. An optional panoramic sunroof extends through to above the back seats and allows for natural light into the comfortable interior.
When driving at night with the brights on, the intelligent auto headlights automatically switch back to dipped beam whenever it detects an approaching vehicle with its lights on. Also, the blind spot warning system helps the driver by sounding off whenever there’s a car in a blind spot.
Arriving at the Eastern Cape’s annual Berlin November horse racing event in this test vehicle had heads turning, thanks to its striking red colour and exterior finish.
The diesel model I was driving was fuel efficient. A six-day drive on both urban and rural roads used only half a tank. The vehicle has a claimed fuel consumption of 5,9l per 100km.
The 1.6 diesel model produces a 96 kW and 320 Nm of torque and is said to accelerate to 100km in 10.5 sec. The models and pricing: ● 2.0 Visia R369 900; ● 2.0 Visia 7s R374 900; ● 1.6 dci Visia 7s R392 900; ● 2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD R425 900; ● Acenta CVT 4WD 7s R429 900; ● 2.5 Acenta Plus CVT 4WD 7s R444 900;
● 1.6 dci Tekna 2WD R457 900; and
● 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD 7s R469 900.
It comes with a service plan of three years/90 000km and service intervals for both diesel and petrol of 15 000km and a warranty of six years/150 000km. —