The new X-TRAIL is built on the jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family (CMF) platform – which also underpins the new QASHQAI
Third generation Nissan X-TRAIL expands Nissan crossover range
All-new X-TRAIL wraps familiar driveability and off-road ability in stylish new crossover design
SUV character traits continue as X-TRAIL hallmarks
Advanced technology and safety systems meet unique versatility
THE next generation Nissan X-TRAILhas joined Nissan’s product line-up as the latest and greatest with true crossover appeal. The all-new, third-generation Nissan X-TRAIL retains the hallmarks of its forebears such as supreme driveability, generous off-road ability and all-terrain suitability, and features a brand new, modern crossover design.
Built at the Nissan Kyushu Plant in Japan, the all-new X-TRAIL has already been bestowed with the United Kingdom’s 2014 What Car? Readers’ Choice Award. The all-new Nissan X-TRAIL arrives as a two-model range, with a 2.0 litre petrol engine paired with an XTRONIC CVT transmission, including two-and four-wheel drivetrains and seven seats.
Life’s waiting
Completely new from the ground up, the X-TRAIL combines Nissan’s acclaimed 4×4 heritage with fresh ideas and technologies inspired by the brand’s ground-breaking crossover vehicles, initiated by the original MURANO and bolstered by the original QASHQAI. The new X-TRAIL, much in line with the pioneering work done by its crossover siblings, redefines the compact SUV segment.
The new X-TRAIL is built on the jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family (CMF) platform – which also underpins the new QASHQAI – making it just as tough and accomplished as the outgoing model, while adding crossover style and efficiency, exciting design, innovative technology and exceptional comfort and practicality.
Nissan’s desire to make the X-TRAIL the most comprehensive offering in its segment provided the driving force behind the vehicle’s bold design, which revolves around Nissan’s latest design language – allowing the X-TRAIL to fit perfectly into the brand’s vision of modern crossover styling with a striking new look.
Design
Elegant yet sporty, the X-TRAIL integrates a host of new design features inside and out, including a bold new visage with signature daytime running lights on all models, as well as a definitive rear design with familiar ‘boomerang’ light clusters and a characteristic D-pillar which provides a strong visual link to QASHQAI.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track afforded by the CMF, the freedom to design a more expansive body allowed designers to fully integrate Nissan’s latest crossover design language with strong emphasis on the wheel areas and the integration of a sloping roofline, sculpted flanks and a rising window line – all while maintaining the robust appeal of a medium SUV and without compromising off-road ability.
The all-new interior features a fresh, stylish design with driver-centric ergonomics and an overriding sense of space – thanks largely to a longer overall length (up by 5 mm), a wider body (increased by 30 mm) and a 75 mm-longer wheelbase. Designed from the outset to provide for seven-seat derivatives with a theatre seating layout to ensure great outward visibility for all occupants, interior roominess and versatility are even more prominent in the new X-TRAIL. Each seat has also been individually designed to be as comfortable and practical as possible.
Interior ambience is further heightened with the use of premium materials like chrome detailing and model-specific leather surfacing with contrasting stitching for enhanced visual appeal. A model-specific sunroof with electric sliding and tilting also enhances the driving experience by bathing the classy new interior with natural light and fresh air.
A split-level dashboard design has been implemented to ensure easy navigation of controls, with a gently-raised centre console featuring infotainment and ventilation controls geared towards keeping the driver’s attention on the road. Redesigned dials which house a new 5-inch colour Advanced Drive-Assist Display also have driving safety in mind, relaying important information to the driver without the need to unnecessarily divert attention away from the road.
Extra attention has also been paid to driver and passenger touch-points, resulting in door arm rest and centre console padding which is eight times thicker than segment competitors for maximum comfort. Similarly, practical usage was considered in other design aspects like the centre armrest storage box which is big enough to house a 10-inch tablet.
The X-TRAIL sets new standards for rear seat access with doors which open to 80-degrees and an intelligent and easily operable second-row folding mechanism. Forming part of the EZ Flex seating system, the second row of seats also features legroom adjustment and reclining backrests for a combination of adjustable versatility and ultimate comfort. Rear seat legroom is further enhanced by sculpted front seatbacks.The rearmost seats fold completely flat into the floor to provide a practical loading space – from 135 to 1 310 litres.
A model-specific powered tailgate further adds to the new X-TRAIL’s inherent versatility and ease of use, with sensors for touch-free operation.
Engines and drivetrain
Petrol models
Two 2.0 derivatives are available in XE or LE specification exclusively with XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)intwo- or four-wheel drive.Power from this normally-aspirated multi-point injection petrol engine is 106 kW (142hp) at 6 000 rpm, with torque of at 200 Nm (20.39kg-m) peaking at 4 400 rpm.
Exclusive to Nissan, XTRONIC differs from conventional CVT automatic transmissions in that it mimics the behaviour of traditional multi-ratio automatic gearboxes under hard acceleration with virtual stepped changes. Under more gentle conditions, ratios are adjusted for ultimate smoothness – the overall results being the best of both worlds for drivers, with smooth low-load power delivery and sharp, direct performance during higher acceleration driving.
ALLMODE 4×4-i and Nissan Chassis Control Technologies
Available in the X-TRAIL 2.0LE 4WDmodel, Nissan’s ALLMODE 4×4-i system continues the class-leading off-road standards set by the previous-generation model. ALLMODE 4×4-i provides three driving modes, selectable via a rotary knob on the centre console – 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock.
In Auto mode which is activated by default, constant monitoring of throttle position, engine speed and torque distribution, to anticipate wheel spin, dictates when the system seamlessly distributes torque between the front and rear axles as needed, at speeds up to 80 km/h. Above 80 km/h, the system reacts to wheel spin and shifts torque rearwards to regain traction. When switched into 4WD Lock mode, four-wheel drive is permanently engaged for definitive grip and traction.
Fourchassis control systems are also implemented in the new X-TRAIL which provide dynamic assistance both on- and off-road, including Active Ride Control, Trace Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Active Ride Control, fitted to all models, monitors the road surface to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the vehicle’s body and alters damping to compensate.
Active Trace Controluses on-board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle position and braking effort, to individually brake wheels as required to reduce understeer and assist the driver in steering a safer path through bends – particularly effective on slippery roads.
Hill Start Assist uses the X-TRAIL’s traction control system to detect an incline start, applying the brakes to all four wheels to allow for a smooth hill start without rolling backwards. Hill Start Assist activation is indicated in the Advanced Drive-Assist Display.
Ensuring the safe and careful descent of downhill slopes, Hill Descent Control utilises wheel speed sensors and ABS to regulate the speed at which the X-TRAIL descends, upon driver activation. Hill Descent Control is available on the 2.0 litreLE 4WD model.
Luxurious features and top safety equipment for all models
In keeping with the more upmarket and luxurious feel of the new Nissan X-TRAIL, all models feature high levels of standard equipment.
Entry-level trim fitted to the XE model includes a rear spoiler, a tilt and telescopic-adjustable steering column, electric windows all-round, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, cloth upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, four cup- and six bottle holders (heated and cooled in the centre console), air conditioning, a fully compatible audio system with radio, CD, MP3/WMA, USB and auxiliary input linked to four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, signature daytime running lights, electrically adjustable and foldingcolour-coded side mirrors, chrome-plated door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Ride Control,Active Trace Control and an electronic parking brake and the EZ Flex seating system.
The range-topping 2.0 litre LE 4WD includes ALL MODE 4×4-i, 18-inch wheels and the powered sunroof as standard, along with the powered tailgate with no-touch sensors, automatic LED headlights, front fog lamps with chrome detailing,roof rails with a brushed metal finish, an intelligent key with push start, leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 5” audio display with six speakers and Around View Monitor,dual-zone automatic climate control, Hill Descent Control and rear seat personal lighting.
Safety equipment
Conforming to Nissan’s high safety standards, the new X-TRAIL is available with no compromise on safety features across the range. Standard equipment on both models include six airbags, three-point seat belts for all occupants, ABS with EBD and BAS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Around View Monitor on the LE model employs four cameras on the sides, at the front and at the rear of the X-TRAIL to provide a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings to make parking exceptionally easy and safer.
Follow us on Twitter on @FingazLive and on Facebook – The Financial Gazette