THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOXY
Nissan’s old square designs are ditched for X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail has come a long way since its introduction in 2000.
The boxy 4x4 that came to market all those years ago has changed beyond all recognition, becoming a softer family SUV that borrows much from the smaller, yet highly successful, Qashqai.
Although the rugged character of the original has disappeared behind a veil of leather trim and squidgy suspension, the sales f igures would suggest that the new approach is working.
The X-Trail was the best seller in its segment last year, with more than 766,000 examples f inding homes worldwide.
Now, like its Qashqai- badged little sister, the X-Trail has been updated for 2017, benefiting from a small cosmetic facelift and a revamped cabin.
The external modifications are the least prominent but the design was arguably the area that needed the least work.
It has been three years since the new-shape X-Trail came to market and it still looks as sharp as ever. Even so, Nissan have felt the need to modify the front end, adding the new V-Motion grille seen on the Qashqai, sticking tough-looking mouldings across the bottom of the doors and tidying up the rear bumper.
Despite its marginally beefed-up image, the X-Trail isn’t the car for climbing every mountain and fording every stream. Most X-Trails will spend the majority of their time on the road and that’s reflected in a model line-up that largely eschews four-wheel drive.
If you do need a modicum of capability, go for the meatiest powertrain available – a 2.0-litre four- cylinder diesel with 177PS – with the optional selectable fourwheel-drive system.
The X-Trail is still most at home on the road, where it feels much like its predecessor. The ride comfort is impressive and refinement is also commendable, while the driving dynamics provide safety and stabi lity rather than outright excitement. Grip is abundant but, if you’re less than gentle with your steering inputs, it lurches around on its springs, discouraging any properly sporty driving. Fortunately, the car’s interior promotes a calm and smooth style. It may not be as plush as the latest version of the Qashqai but it does inherit some bits and bobs from that car’s now-upmarket cabin. The sporty-looking D-shaped steering wheel, for example, has been lifted from the smaller car, and many of the materials on the dashboard are more premium than before. It’s more practical, too, thanks to the availability of a cramped but usable third row of seats, a redesigned boot that gives you a few litres of extra space and a new hands-free tailgate that opens when you wave your foot under the bumper.
That accoutrement is one of many included with the high-spec Tekna model we tested. Although its starting price makes it £ 6000 dearer than the basic Visia, it’s set to be one of the most popular trim levels on offer, providing leather seats, sat nav and climate control, as well as more surprising features such as the 360- degree parking camera, specially tuned Bose sound system and a raft of safety kit.
But for all that equipment, the price tag is close to that of more upmarket rivals and the slightly less well- endowed N- Connecta models will provide better value.
Choose the right spec and you’ll end up with a roomy, comfortable and well-priced family SUV.