Car Review: 2017 Nissan X-Trail
Last week (Thursday 26 November 2017) we headed to Port Elizabeth for the launch of Nissan’s new X-Trail crossover. While a fairly large number of crossovers have been introduced to South Africa this year, Nissan says its approach is to “provide the space for customers to broaden their horizons with the peace of mind that comes with knowing there is an array of innovative Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features to keep families safe on the road.”
The last Nissan X-Trail was launched in 2014 (see review here) and while a growing popularity for SUV crossovers contributes to its increasing numbers on SA’s roads, the new X-Trail sees several interior and exterior upgrades, along with new safety features.
Pricing starts from R369 900 for its entry-level 2-litre Visia model.
Outside
The new X-Trail sees a fresh exterior with Nissan’s dynamic styling throughout. A new ‘V-Motion” grille and bumper, revised headlights and signature day-time running lights give it a more modern appearance. The front also features integrated fog lamps while the back incorporates boomerang-shaped LED taillights and a new rear bumper.
There are also new 17-inch and 19inch alloy wheels to choose from, and three new exterior colours have been added to the range (total of eight colours).
Inside
The new X-Trail’s interior sees new black leather trim and a D-shaped/flat-bottomed steering wheel to add to its sportiness. Smooth and flowing lines with chrome outlining give the new X-Trail an added sense of refinement.
Safety
Nissan has also added some important safety technologies and updates right across the range. Included in these is Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility (NIM) for the top-of-the-range X-Trail derivatives. NIM highlights include blind spot detection, lane intervention, cross traffic alert and forward collision warning, to name a few, so drivers can now have further peace of mind when it comes to keeping safe on SA’s roads.
Driving
At the launch, I drove the 1.6-litre DCI Tekna 4WD X-Trail to start with. At this stage, the diesel derivatives are only available with a manual transmission, but the automaker is looking into adding an automatic-diesel option. The 1.6-litre DCI Tekna offers a power output of 96 kW and 320 N.m of torque. However, other derivatives include 2-litre and 2.5-litre models with a choice of either five or seven seats in 2WD or 4WD.
I have to agree with Nissan that the new X-Trail is perfect for those outdoorsy, adventurous families. The minute I got to experience it behind the wheel, I felt a real rush of excitement and sense of adventure. Driving through some beautifully scenic mountain passes and along South Africa’s east coast was exactly where the new X-Trail needs to be, with its quirky and sporty presence. Nissan’s done a good job at capturing the X-Trail’s sense of adventure. Having driven it on gravel and tar, I barely noticed much difference in terms of comfort and stability when on either terrain – it’s that comfy!
Conclusion
The new X-Trail now offers a lot more in terms of comfort, technology and safety and while its predecessor has been pretty popular since its launch in 2014, these new features are going to appeal to crossover customers looking for a little bit extra inside!
Pricing
2.0 Visia R 369 900
2.0 Visia 7seater R 374 900
1.6 dci Visia 7seater R 392 900
2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD R 425 900
2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD 7seater R 429 900
2.5 Acenta Plus CVT 4WD 7seater R 444 900
1.6 dci Tekna 4WD R 457 900
2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD 7seater R 469 900
The new Nissan X-Trail comes with Nissan’s class-leading 6-year/150,000km warranty, a 3-year/90,000km service plan and 24-hour roadside assist.
Service intervals are at 15,000km.
Source: Nissan South Africa