X-Tra Family Fun

What we like:

Seats more than most

Good interior quality.

What we dislike:

Engine could be smoother and more responsive down the revs

and more powerful

CVT transmission does not help.

While most things are familiar, we do appreciate that Nissan had taken the pains to redesign that multi-function steering wheel. The old one was rather odd-ish in looks.

While cargo room is a respectable 445 litres, and there are a few in the market which can hold more, the X-Trail is able to carry seven, albeit a reduction of precious cargo room to a mere 135 litres, after activating the third row of seats.

One major improvement which we felt was needed, was the activation mechanics of the tailgate. The pre-facelift model did offer a sensor, but it required you to wave your hand, which defeated the purpose of having one in the first place, since your hands would be full. The sensor is now logically placed below the rear bumper, making your loading and unloading experience truly hands-free.

The 2.0 litre four in the car is a carry-over from the pre-facelifted unit, and is linked to the same Xtronic CVT transmission. While 200Nm is nothing to shout about, we feel that they should not have tried too hard with the CVT, stepping it at every virtual gear change. It is after all a CVT.

Under harder acceleration, the engine does feel busy, and you will need to afford the CVT time to do its work.

There are some new goodies the X-Trail has to offer, and some which were carried over from the old car. The intelligent 4X4 system is definitely not something for serious off-roaders, but it does the job sufficiently well. Being switchable between 4wd and 2wd, it does make more sense as well, since in 2wd mode, you would burn less fuel. In 4wd mode, the X-Trail certainly does feel a little more sure-footed, especially since we had to drive it in the rain. There is also an electronic differential locking mechanism, that allows those who might find themselves stuck in difficult terrain some added traction and peace-of-mind…. But again keep in-mind, it is after-all a soft roader.

That flat shiny logo sitting within the front grille houses part of their Intelligent Mobility system. Basically a radar, which keeps track of the vehicle in-front, and also of any obstacles you might encounter, actively deploying the brakes if it senses that the driver does heed any warnings and does not react to a potentially dangerous situation.

Other driver aids come in the form of Hill-Start Assist (HSA), which prevents that unsettling rollback when you lift your foot off the brakes, while on a slope. Additionally, Nissan has kept the 360 camera, making parking the SUV a little easier.

Safety nets like traction control, which are common place with most cars these days, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution adds to the list of features.

Since the initial launch of the car in its original form, we have seen many new faces (which do perform vastly better), from the likes of Peugeot fielding their new 3008, to Volkswagen and its new Tiguan. The X-Trail’s one ace up its sleeve, is that at the end of the day, when the grandparents do want to tag along, there is a little more room for the family.

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