Nissan All-new X-Trail unveiled ahead of imminent on-sale date

Nissan unveils all-new X-Trail ahead of autumn on-sale date

THE FOURTH-GENERATION

X-TRAIL gives Nissan a potential problem. The problem is three previous generations of muchloved off-roader; two decades of production, and nearly seven million vehicles sold. Top that.

Nissan’s solution to this problem is big on words like ‘crossover’ and ‘advanced electrifi cation’, giving a clear signpost of what you can expect. It remains to be seen if this is the solution you were looking for.

It’s built on the Alliance CMF-C platform (like the Qashqai), and like the older models can feature fi ve or seven seats. The bodywork is slowly moving away from the rugged 4x4 idea, but the extensive use of aluminium panels at least makes it lighter. The C-pillar by the way is apparently based on a dolphin fi n, making this the fi rst Nissan to be dolphin-friendly.

Underneath all the swoopy stuff, you will be able to get a version with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine powering the front wheels only, via the Xtronic CVT. With 161bhp and 221lb ft of torque this variable-compression, mild hybrid is not expected to be the majority seller.

That is expected to be the one with the e-POWER drivetrain. The system features the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, but the engine only generates electricity, with electric motors driving the wheels. Combined output rises to a useful 201bhp. This gives the ‘feel’ of electric drive, that instant max torque from nowhere feeling, something multiplied by the e-Pedal Step. What we used to call the accelerator pedal in less enlightened times. It does indeed help you accelerate but when you take your foot off it gently brakes so urban driving is smoother.

Although Nissan clearly sees this as basically an on-road vehicle, there is a new all-wheel drive system, which works instantly and easily because of the electric motors controlling the wheels. According to Nissan this is just one of the many systems onboard that make the only seven-seater electric crossover ‘the type of vehicle modern adventurous families are looking for’. After 20 years, let’s see if they have read the future.

Prices start from £32,030, and our fi rst driving impressions will be in next month’s issue.