Nissan X-Trail
This is the new X-Trail; the fourth generation of what is now Nissan’s largest SUV offering in the UK. It’s taller, bolder and less Qashqai than the previous version, although with that Nissan family grille you can still tell it’s an X-Trail. Everything about the new X-Trail’s design is somehow more square than before. The sides are more slab-like and even the front looks less aerodynamic, although the drag coefficient has dropped from 0.35 to 0.33 so you should use less fuel.
What engine does the X-Trail have?
The new X-Trail may look fairly traditional but what powers it is state of the art. Every version has a 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet with various power outputs and drivetrains and there’s no manual transmission option. The least powerful X-Trail has 162bhp, it’s a mild hybrid, comes with a CVT ‘box and it’s 2WD only. Above that is a 203bhp version that’s got a proper automatic and is also 2WD and then the most powerful X-Trail gets 211bhp and it’s also an auto but it gets 4WD via an electric motor powering the rear wheels.
But that’s not the whole story. The 203 & 211bhp variants have something called e-Power and that means instead of the engine sending power directly to the wheels, it’s almost just a generator for either one or two electric motors that are tasked with turning the wheels.
Is it economical?
Despite the weight of the electric motors, this approach to driving is more economical and the e-Power X-Trails return 48.7mpg in 2WD guise with the 4WD versions faring just slightly worse at 44.8mpg. The more traditionally powered X-Trails (VC-Turbo) with an engine linked directly to the axle return 39.8mpg at best, and they’re 2WD only.
It’s definitely better for the environment and your pocket fuel-wise to go for an e-Power X-Trail, then, but the initial cost is slightly higher. The cheapest VC-Turbo X-Trail is the Acenta Premium spec and that’ll set you back £35,175. The identical spec e-Power version carries a near £2k premium at £37,540.
This slightly unconventional approach to a drivetrain isn’t that noticeable in every day driving. You get in, turn the key, select drive and off you go. The only time it feels a bit odd is when the engine is revving in a way that doesn’t correlate to how hard you’re pressing the accelerator. Being a 3-cylinder it’s characteristically not the smoothest and when the engine needs to charge the battery the noise can infiltrate the otherwise peaceful cabin.
What’s the X-Trail like inside?
Speaking of the cabin, Nissan‘s gone to great lengths to not only improve quality in terms of materials, there’s also more thought put into the X-Trail’s interior design. There’s a centrally mounted infotainment screen on the dashboard of all X-Trails, mid-range N-Connecta and above get the NissanConnect 12.3″ system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. There’s multiple USB-C plugs front and rear to keep everyone fully charged and many storage locations dotted around.
It’s not only well equipped inside the new X-Trail, though, the design has been updated and, even if it’s not quite up to Audi & BMW standards, it’s a vast improvement on the previous gen model. There’s even a nice touch in the form of some script printed into the rubber mat under the centre console that refers to Nissan’s founding date. Why it’s hidden away like a Jeep Easter egg and not in a more prominent position, though, I don’t know.
Do all X-Trails have 7 seats?
A great feature of the new X-Trail is that most models are available as either a 5 or 7 seater, not only that but on higher specs the 2nd row of seats can be configured as a 40:20:40 split instead of 60:40 as a no-cost option for added convenience. Go for the 7-seat X-Trail and you get a third row which is primarily for children only as you may imagine. The downside is it obviously eats into available boot space. With all seven seats in use you’re left with just 120 litres for luggage, down from 475 litres with the third row stowed. If you don’t need seven seats, the 5-seat X-Trail comes with 575 litres of boot space with the 2nd row in use, a whopping 1,396 litres with just the driver and front passenger seats in use.
Should I buy a Nissan X-Trail?
The new X-Trail offers a great blend of up-to-date tech and enough seats and space for most families with room to spare. Even the base model at £35,175 is generously specced but if you really want luxury and all mod-cons you can spend over £48k before options. Even with AWD, the X-Trail probably won’t take you to places a Defender can reach, but what can? What the X-Trail does well is provide comfort and economy without breaking the bank.
By Ben Harrington
2024 Nissan X-Trail Tekna e-Power Specifications:
Engine – 1.5-l petrol & electric motor, Transmission – auto, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 211bhp,Torque – 525Nm Emissions – 152g/km CO2, Economy – 42.2mpg, Maximum Speed – 111mph, Acceleration – 7.2s – 0-62mph, Price – £43,125OTR, £43,870 as tested
The 2024 Nissan X-Trail is available now, priced from £35,175. For full details go to:www.nissan.co.uk
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