It’s bigger, it’s bolder, it’s brasher and, yes, it’s better. The new Nissan X-Trail high-spec models are also, sadly, considerably more expensive, but the increases can possibly be attributed largely to the struggling rand.
Where the outgoing X-Trail kicked off with a ticket of R242 600 for the two-litre 4×2 and peaked at R324 800 for the 2,5 SEL petrol, the newcomer starts at R255 600 and tops out at R368 100. The new vehicles come, for now, only with two- and 2,5-litre petrol engines, but a range of five oil-burners is scheduled to arrive in September this year.
The old X-Trail was a firm favourite in South Africa because, despite being an unashamed soft-roader rather than a hardcore 4×4, it had most of the attributes necessary to make it a capable family wagon, allied with better-than-average off-road capability for its class. It comfortably outsold popular competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Land Rover Freelander, finding 15 000 new homes in this country, largely because it was very practical, very capable and very affordable. I think that still applies to the cheaper models, but those nearer the top of the five-model line-up are pitched against some very desirable opposition costing less.
The 2008 X-Trail shares its platform with the excellent Nissan Qashqai, and is slightly larger than its predecessor. Wheelbase has been lengthened by just 5mm to 2 630mm, but overall length is 175mm more than before, with much of the extra space being allocated to the trunk area. Front and rear overhangs are thus longer, resulting in slightly reduced approach and departure angles, which shouldn’t matter hugely in a vehicle of this type, and ground clearance is now 203mm compared with the 200mm of the outgoing model. Styling is, I think, a big improvement, with the new car’s chunkier lines being much more appealing than those of the boxy older model.
The all-new Nissan X-Trail comes in five versions; the entry-level, two-litre 4×2 XE, and four-wheel-drive SE and LE spec 2,5-litre models, all with six-speed manual transmissions, while there are also CVT auto gearbox options for the 2,5 litre 4X4s. Nissan says the 2,5-litre engines, carried over from the earlier models, have been ”improved for greater refinement and better efficiency”.
Be that as it may, a comparison of the old and new specifications shows that the power and torque figures of the new engine (125kW and 226Nm respectively) are 7kW and 19Nm down on the outgoing version. I suspect the large reduction in torque may have something to do with the CVT transmission. The two-litre version has a new all-alloy, quad-valve, four-cylinder engine producing 102kW at 5 200rpm and 198Nm at 4 400rpm, compared with the 103kW at 6 000rpm and 192Nm at 4 000rpm delivered by the 2007 model.
The 4×4 versions of the X-Trail use Nissan’s All Mode system that allows the driver to select any of three drive modes by turning a rotary knob on the centre console. The two-wheel-drive option limits drive to the front wheels only, for reasons of economy in everyday use. Auto mode allows an electronically controlled coupling to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels as required when driving in slippery conditions. Lock mode, intended for low-speed driving under rough conditions, locks the centre clutch and distributes torque between the front and rear on a permanent 50/50 basis.
The high-specification 4x4s come with All Mode 4X4-i, which includes hill start assist and hill descent control, which is activated via a switch on the dash to limit speed to 7km/h during steep descents off-road. There are also yaw-rate and steering angle sensors that work with the traction control to ensure the car goes in the direction the driver intends it to when the tyres lose grip.
As with the previous wagon, the new X-Trail offers loads of stowage space in numerous bins and compartments scattered around the cabin. The boot, at 603 litres, is a whopping 193 litres bigger than that of the earlier model. Tucked away beneath it is a nifty double floor with space for a sliding drawer that allows valuables to be concealed from prying eyes. The reclining rear seats can fold flat for increased load space, and offer a 40/20/40 split rather than the conventional 60/40 division, to give extra versatility.
The new wagon’s interior trim quality has been markedly improved over the old model’s, with soft touch panelling abundantly present. Most of the things we now consider essential in new cars nowadays are, of course, to be found in the X-Trail. Air conditioning, front air bags, electric windows, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are all standard across the board. The higher-specced models include extras such as side and curtain air bags, Bluetooth cellphone connectivity and leather upholstery.
The latest X-Trail is, in my view, a much more appealing vehicle than the old one, which was for most of its lifespan my first choice among soft-roaders in its class. I reckon the 4×2 two-litre is going to continue to account for most sales in future, while the high-spec 4x4s will probably find it a little harder competing against the likes of the Chev Captiva, the Land Rover Freelander and the Honda CRV.