Nissan X-Trail

Next gen X-Trail

It might not appear it on face value, but Nissan has been tweaking in just about every department with its new three-model X-TRAIL compact SUV range.
The new range benefits from enhanced 4WD functions, an all-new chassis, enhanced on-road performance, increases in interior space and body dimensions, and improved interior quality, fit and finish.

Nissan said the X-TRAIL is a new vehicle that retains the styling themes of the original and builds on the strengths of its predecessor instead of trying to be something different.

At a glance, the latest X-TRAILs offer a variety of new features such as an 'intelligent' 4WD drive system, advanced hill start and descent control functions, choice of either a unique new auto transmission or six-speed manual, and bigger wheels.

Notable is the addition of the optional computer controlled 'stepless' CVT auto transmission that Nissan says provides an infinite number of ratios for smoother acceleration, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. In fact, Nissan said that its tests showed that the CVT version had an improvement in fuel consumption over its predecessor's five-speed manual and four-speed auto models.

The revised all-aluminium 2.5lt four-cylinder petrol engine - with CVTC (Continuous Valve Timing Control), twin overhead cams and 16 valves - produces 125kW of power at 6000rpm and a torque of 226Nm that comes in at 4400rpm. Nissan said the torque curve has changed to deliver improved response in the all-important mid range, adding more to the engine's already ideal towing capability.

Nissan said that the combined ADR 81/01 fuel consumption figure with the standard six-speed manual is 9.5lt/100km, while the CVT transmission with manual override reduces this to 9.3lt/100km for a 0.5lt/100km improvement over previous four-speed auto versions.

At the heart of the new X-TRAIL, said Nissan, is a sophisticated electronically controlled four-wheel drive system it calls 'intelligent' ALL MODE 4x4-i, the latest version of the manufacturer's ALL MODE system.

The company said the primary improvements of the ALL MODE 4x4-i system are the inclusion of sensors monitoring side, front and rear g-forces, yaw rates and steering angles.

This, Nissan said, improves the X-TRAIL's stability and offers added dynamic reassurance in marginal conditions, by sending power to the wheel with most grip. This also applies in normal road use to reduce understeer and oversteer, as well as off-road.

The ALL MODE 4x4-i works in tandem with other on-board systems, such as an eighth generation electronic stability program (ESP), traction control (TCS), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

The new off-road system also works in parallel with two new electronic systems - hill start and descent control. Hill descent control is engaged manually when the ALL MODE 4x4-i system is in LOCK mode and uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a controlled descent speed of about 8kmh, allowing the driver to concentrate more on taking the safest path. Hill start assist operates automatically both on and off-road, and activates when starting off from rest in any gear on an incline of 10 per cent or more. This prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards for the second or so it takes the driver's foot to go from the brake to the throttle, said Nissan.

The three-model X-TRAIL range – ST, ST-L and the range-topping Ti - are all equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

The X-TRAILs get a new chassis based on the Alliance C-Platform, with MacPherson front strut suspension and a multi-link system at the rear. Despite a larger body, the new models retain the 10.6m turning circle of the previous model.

The new wheel sizes are 16in steel wheels on ST models to 17in six-spoke alloy wheels for the ST-L and Ti models.

Pricing on the ST remains unchanged from the previous model at $31,990 for the manual and $33,990 for the CVT auto.

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