Nissan follows the trail to success
THE Nissan X-Trail has long been one of my favourite “soft roaders” with its boxy shape and rugged looks offset by subtle styling cues to make it look less industrial.
The latest version has taken a bit of getting used to in terms of styling, but under the skin remains a highly capable motor, in both two and four-wheeldrive versions.
Nissan says the dramatic styling changes are as a result of listening to customers. As it is the best-selling crossover in the world, that would appear to make sense. Most are sold in America, but Europe accounts almost half a million cars.
With five or seven seats, like most crossovers, the design combines robustness with more dynamic styling, with sharper creases and angles.
All models are well equipped with six airbags as standard, plus driver assistance systems including anti-lock brakes and stability control. Other standard equipment includes cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity, manual air-conditioning, electric folding/heated door mirrors and alloys.
The Tekna model features an opening panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, privacy glass, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and roof rails and excellent parking assit tecnnology gives an all-round view while parking.
The exterior centrepiece is the wider “V-motion” grille, flanked with new headlamp clusters, with full LEDs on this model and “boomerang” daytime running light signature.
To the rear there is a redesigned bumper with improved parking sensors, while the rear lamp signature has been upgraded to become full LED.
The interior too is classy with so touch trim and feeling solid and well put together.
Dials and instrumentation are well laid out and easy to use, while the central seven-inch screen controls major functions like navigation and connectivity and the excellent eight-speaker BOSE sound system.
It features a new D-shaped multifunction steering wheel and heated front and second row seats on this model and leather knee pad on both sides of the redesigned centre console.
Head and legroom is good for front and second row occupants, but more cramped on the two seats in the third row.
The are really more suited for children, but could suffice for adults on shorter journeys.
Obviously there is a compromise on boot space with all seats in situ, but otherwise, with the rear pair folded away, stowage space is impressive and slightly roomier than before. A neat touch is the electrically operated boot lid can also be opened with a kick actions.
Capacity is up from 550 litres to 565 litres which can increase to 1,996 litres with all the rear seats folded.
On the road the 163PS petrol engine, mated to six-speed gearbox, has plenty of zip, hitting 60mph in under 10 seconds, but still delivery decent economy, a claimed 44mpg.
Ride and handling is decent, what you would expect from a seven seater.
The suspension is set to deliver comfortable rather than sporty ride.
Other high-end safety technology includes full range of airbags, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition and Stand Still Assist.
It retains its 2014 NCAP safety rating. five-star Euro