Nissan X-Trail

The new crossover has arrived with a bold new look and a clever hybrid system. Jack Evans took one out for a spin in Slovenia.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Nissan X-Trail

Price (as tested): £33,705 Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine with dual-electric motors

Power: 210bhp

Torque: 330Nm

Max speed:

111mph

O-60mph:

7.0 seconds

MPG (combined):

44.8mpg

Emissions:

146-148g/km CO2

Style

The X-Trail has a chunkier and more off-road-ready look.

WHAT IS IT?

Arriving with a bold new look and a completely hybrid setup – as well as all-important seven-seater versatility, this fourth-generation X-Trail looks to pick up where its very successful predecessor left off.

WHAT’S NEW?

Underpinning the new X-Trail is a CMF-D platform created by the wider Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Alliance. This lightweight platform promises improved refinement and ride comfort over the previous X-Trail. Elsewhere, we’ve got some of Nissan’s latest in-car technology, as well as an upgraded version of its ProPilot assistance technology designed to make the X-Trail as safe – and simple – to drive as possible.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The new X-Trail has been equipped with Nissan’s latest e-Power setup, which we’ve already seen in the Qashqai. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine – which effectively works as a generator – to power an electric motor on the front wheels. The X-Trail is available with a new e-4orce setup, which adds a second electric motor to the rear axle, giving it fourwheel drive, although that engine is never used to directly power the wheels.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The X-Trail rides away in a typically silent manner, with the engine largely playing second fiddle to the electric motors. That continues throughout most types of driving, with even highway motoring seeing the petrol engine remain mute in the background. Only during really heavy applications of the throttle is it really called into play, where it can be a little noisy. It’s very much the minority of the time, mind you.

Elsewhere, things are good. The X-Trail is large but it’s pleasantly resistant to roll and pitch through the bends. The ride can feel a little firm, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for the segment. That e-4orce system, meanwhile, gives the X-Trail a healthy dose of traction, and even taking it on some rutted, sweeping gravel tracks saw it remain settled.

All in all, it feels like a very credible family car and a welcome addition to the segment.

TARGET BUYERS:

Those who like the idea of a Qashqai but need a little extra space.

THE RIVALS:

Volvo XC60 Skoda Kodiaq Hyundai Tucson

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Seven-seater versatility 2.Chunky looks 3.Solid interior finish

DEAL CLINCHER:

The X-Trail takes the Qashqai’s foundations and elevates them with a more premium interior finish and extra space.

The 1.5-litre petrol with dual-electric motors produces 210bhp and 330Nm of torque.

between arch and tyre has been increased for the X-Trail to help it with a more upright stance. The front end has been given a squared-off look, too – not by blunting off the ‘nose’ but with upright air intakes that give the impression of a more angular appearance. Around the back, there’s a similar blocky appearance.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Prices for the new X-Trail start from a smidge over £32,000 – around a £5,000 premium over an equivalent Qashqai – but you really can’t fault the quality for this. The main dashboard is quite different to the Qashqai’s, but it’s the robust fit and finish that really shine through. There are plenty of storage options, too, with large cubbies and deep bottle-holders aplenty.

There’s good space for those in the middle row as well, while that final row can definitely only be seen as ‘occasional’. Adults aren’t really going to be awfully comfy back there. With that rearmost row folded flat, you’ve got 575 litres of boot space which, though not bad, is considerably less than the 700 litres you’d get from a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

All X-Trail models get plenty of equipment as standard, with entry-level Visia-grade cars coming with 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and a suite of safety systems as standard. You’ll have to step up to the Acenta Premium – priced from £33,705 – to be able to specify this e-Power hybrid setup as well as the e-4orce all-wheel-drive.

The N-Connecta trim seems like the sweet spot. Priced from £36,530, it gets Nissan’s latest in-car tech, with a 12.3-inch central display mated to a digital dashboard of the same size. The former is clear and easy to use, but the latter is a touch cluttered, thanks to a variety of readouts and graphics. A simpler setup might be easier to use.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Auto Express said: ‘Overall, the X-Trail is a roomy car with plenty of space for passengers and their luggage.’ Top Gear said: ‘It isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it has been pretty carefully crafted to offer as close to all things to all family members as any car in this class could hope to.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

In a market awash with options, the X-Trail does well to stand out. It’s got a little more character than its Qashqai stablemate, thanks to its added practicality and versatility. The new e-Power setup works well in its application here too – as does the new e-4orce setup – although we’d argue that many drivers might naturally lean towards the two-wheeldrive version unless added capability is what you’re after. The seven-seat option, although slightly limited in terms of outright spaciousness, adds another string to the X-Trail’s bow.

All in all, it feels like a very credible family car and a welcome addition to the segment.

Inside

The X-Trail’s interior has a robust fit and finish with plaenty of storage options.