Nissan X-TRAIL
Published: 12th December 2007
Nissan X-TRAIL
When the rear seats are folded, the new X-TRAIL provides a best-in-class luggage area of 1649 litres, rising to 1773 litres with the floor removed.
The interior improvements continue with Nissan’s practice of providing much higher levels of quality and premiumness than expected for the class of car. Soft feel materials feature on all touch points throughout the cockpit, while liberal use of chrome and silver-colour finishes, flocked surfaces and improved upholstery materials provide a real feeling of quality. And as with other recent Nissan models, X-TRAIL has been created with versatility and practicality uppermost.
Positioning the instrument cluster behind the multi-function steering wheel has allowed greater versatility in the centre console, which can now house a larger navigation/reversing camera screen closer to eye level as well as providing space for an in-dash multi disc CD changer.
For the first time, X-TRAIL offers two levels of turbo-diesel power. Both engines are versions of the highly regarded 2.0-litre M1D unit already fitted in QASHQAI which combines high outputs and good economy with class-leading refinement. The 150PS unit is available on all grades and returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 39.8mpg and 190g/km of CO2. Compare the fuel economy and CO2 with the out-going 2.2dCi 136PS engine (37.2mpg/ 203g/km CO2) and improvements made are 7.0% and 6.8% respectively.
With the help of an intercooler the second version produces 173PS and is available on the SPORT and AVENTURA. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 38.2mpg with an output of 198g/km CO2.
Torque outputs are 320Nm and 360Nm respectively, 90 per cent of which is developed at a low 1750rpm. These engines are also fitted with particulate filters to minimise emissions.
The 173PS engine should also prove to be popular with the towing fraternity as it has a class leading maximum braked trailer weight of 2200kg.
A new lightweight all-alloy 16 valve 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 141PS and 196Nm of torque is fitted to the TREK. It was development led by Nissan and unusually for a petrol engine, much of the torque is produced low down the rev band – 90 per cent is available from 2400rpm. It returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg and has a CO2 figure of 208g/km.
Although carried over from the original X-TRAIL, the 2.5-litre 169PS petrol engine has been further improved for greater refinement and better efficiency. Providing excellent low-to mid-range torque figures – peak torque is 233Nm – the engine is offered in both SPORT and AVENTURA grades and produces 29.4mpg and 230g/km of CO2.
All engines are fitted with six speed manual transmissions but if you would rather give your left foot a rest then there is now a choice of automatics on both the 150PS diesel and the 2.5 petrol engines. The latter has the latest fuel efficient, constantly variable transmission (CVT) with lower fuel consumption and CO2 than the equivalent manual – returning 30.4mpg and 223g/km CO2. The 150PS diesel has the option of a conventional 6 speed automatic.
TREK may be the cheapest model in the range, but it is not short on equipment with Bluetooth phone integration, 16" alloy wheels, full body coloured bumpers, climate controlled air conditioning, a full suite of airbags – driver, passenger, side and curtain, plus a CD / radio with 4 speakers.
The SPORT version encompasses all of TREK’s equipment but the alloys change to a larger 17", the stereo system is upgraded to a 6 stack CD auto-changer with 6 speakers and remote control, the front grille gets a chrome look and front fog lamps are also added, along with a large panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, cruise control, reach adjust steering and a ski hatch. Include auto-on for the headlamps, wipers and speed activated central locking, then the package is complete.
Moving up to AVENTURA provides a choice of either Black or Sand coloured leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, intelligent key and electric folding door mirrors with chrome exterior door handles.
Upgrade models are available on SPORT and AVENTURA to further enhance the specification list. The SPORT eXpedition includes DVD satellite navigation, rear parking camera, intelligent key and chrome exterior door handles. The AVENTURA eXplorer adds xenon powered headlamps, DVD satellite navigation and rear parking camera.
eXtreme is the second upgrade on both SPORT and AVENTURA which adds deeper roof rails with integrated lamps.
All X-TRAILs are equipped with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4 system which operates in two-wheel drive only to minimise fuel consumption and transfers into four-wheel drive mode as and when the vehicle detects it is needed, or manually selected by the driver. SPORT and AVENTURA, however, get the very latest intelligent edition known as ALL-MODE 4x4-i incorporating Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).
USS is a fully automatic system that activates on any slope that exceeds a 10 per cent incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. The system also works if the vehicle is reversing up an incline.
DDS – operated via a switch on the centre console – operates when ALL-MODE is in lock mode. DDS uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a descent speed of 5mph allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like USS, DDS also works when the vehicle is in reverse.
As well as reinforcing the X-TRAIL’s off-road capability, ALL MODE 4x4-i ensures that the dynamic performance on-road is stable, secure and predictable. By sending power to the wheels that have grip, understeer and oversteer is neutralised, which in turn leads to a more enjoyable, positive driving experience.
Service times for all engines are set at 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. Insurance groups range from 11E for the 2.0-litre TREK, rising to 14E for the 173PS diesel-engined AVENTURA.
Nissan X-TRAIL
Our Nissan X-TRAIL Guide lists the full specification of the current UK X-TRAIL range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £18,795 - £26,620
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 20
We have road tested the Nissan X-TRAIL, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Nissan X-TRAIL Review - Mar 2005
Nissan X-TRAIL Review - May 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
