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Nissan’s all-new, 7-seater X-Trail exhibits new levels of refinement and tech, yet still feels like the go-to, family essential. Pricing is worth a note too.
Introducing the 4th-generation Nissan X-Trail. It’s moved on from the boxy frame of yesteryear’s first 2 generations. It’s longer, taller, altogether more on the current, resurgent, new Nissan brand. It stands quite well on its own, not taking too much styling cues from the Qashqai barring its Double V-motion grille and split headlight design. Where the Qashqai is far more inclined to style, the X-Trail expresses sensibility and practicality, even from first glance. That really is what X-Trail has always been about. A strong value proposition backed by Nissan’s penchant for reliability and solid after-sales.
After driving the X-Trail with e-Power in Slovenia last year, this is our first drive of the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, petrol engine, and this time on local soil. It’s an older engine, fitted into a new platform and body. Nissan SA has chosen this from the myriad powertrains they had available because it suits our market best. It’s tried, tested and apparently what customers will most easily find palatable. There are ongoing considerations about the X-Trail with e-Power coming to local shores, but these are steeped in fostering government-backed assistance for tax incentivised imports of electrified products. As it stands, Nissan would struggle to land the e-Power X-Trail at any reasonable pricing – which is exactly what they have done with the current new models.
The model range starts with the base Visia model that starts at R649 900. The sticker price for the Acenta and Acenta Plus models is R709 900 and R759 900 respectively. The pricing sits well in terms of the ballpark figures for most Japanese or Korean 5-seater SUV competitors, yet the Acenta Plus comes in 7-seat configuration and this is where the X-Trail sets itself apart. From a pricing perspective, there isn’t any direct competition and looking to other alternative loads that price tag.
From behind the wheel, we can report that the ride quality remains as commendable as we thought it did in Slovenia. The X-Trail feels comfortable on both tar and gravel terrain, sure-footed enough with an all-wheel drive system that can redirect power when grip levels change. It’s the way it soaks up bumps and how insulated it feels that is most impressive and a certain step up from the preceding 3rd generation model. The 4-cylinder, CVT engine is adequate for the model purpose. The CVT with stepped 8-speed function also feels relatively competent. The inherent screaming of the engine under hard acceleration is still there but it can be mitigated with the use of the paddles behind the wheel, if you’re so inclined to do as I am. The powertrain also claims to be more frugal than before. Nissan claims fuel consumption figures of 7,4l/100km and that doesn’t seem unbelievable given our time at the local launch.
The drive itself, is complemented by Nissan’s newest interior architecture also seen and felt in the Qashqai. The mix of colour materials throughout the dashboard exude some premium perception, as does the inclusion of large infotainment and TFT screen interfaces. Visia models are fitted with the 8-inch infotainment screen, replete with the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility system. Safety functions such as emergency braking, cross traffic monitors, cruise control, all round view monitoring are all part of the package. The Acenta adds the ProPilot Adaptive Cruise control system as well as dual zone climate control and faux leather trim.
The Acenta Plus gets the larger 12.3-inch display, a similar sized TFT driver’s display and a 10.2-inch heads up display unit. This suite is all well positioned and executed plus easy to navigate. It feels admirably techy but not overwhelmingly so. The most obvious missing piece is a motorised boot lid – something glaringly included in most competitor products, specifically the flagship models. This is not the case with the X-Trail, the boot lid of which is considerably heavier than on competitors. In 5-seat guise, the X-Trail boasts 585-litres of boot space...when all 7-seats are up, that is reduced significantly.
The new Nissan X-Trail is well priced in segment given its full value proposition, space and practicality being a key ingredient. The model range differences, apart from the interior tech mentioned above include varying wheel design and size options then some added 4x4 assistance in the Plus version where Hill Descent Control is added. Where it scores even more is in its approachability. It’s unpretentious yet competent. My guess is that it will become a staple of South African families over the next few years once again. And so it should.
X-Trail is sold with a 3-yr/90 000 km service plan and 6-yr/150 000 km warranty.
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