New Nissan X-Trail on trial

The new Nissan X-Trail is the perfect balance between sleek and tough. The robust design of an SUV mixed with the stylish and dynamic nature of a crossover makes the new Nissan X-Trail ready for anything. So, wherever your next adventure takes you, ease of driving and pleasure are guaranteed.

A bigger brother to the massively successful Nissan Qashqai, the new Nissan X-Trail replaces the Qashqai + 2 from the first generation model and replaces the previous generation X-Trail too. Three specifications are available – XE, SV and SVE, while the only engine available is a 1.6-litre turbo diesel. Seating options consist of 5 or 7 seats for total practicality or carrying capacity.

First and foremost we’re talking practicality. The X-Trail knocks spots off rivals for boot space, and has class-leading passenger room. The X-Trail’s safety is peerless in the class too, thanks to an all-new Renault-Nissan vehicle architecture that supports some of the most advanced passive and active systems around. Excellent emissions and fuel economy help towards an affordable ownership experience. Co2 emissions are as low as 129g/km resulting in annual road tax from as little as €270. Fuel consumption as low as 4.9l/100km is achievable from the sweet-revving 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine, while 130bhp and 320 Nm of torque at 1750rpm are very impressive figures indeed.

A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, but buyers can opt for Nissan’s CVT automatic gearbox on SV and SVE models. A four-wheel-drive system is available as an option on these models too. Tuned for responsive, agile performance, the Nissan X-Trail’s four-wheel-drive system automatically sends power to the wheels that need it most – 30 times faster than you can blink. And that makes driving a doddle, whether in the heaviest rain or snow, or just negotiating a tight bend.

While never a hardcore off-roader, the Nissan X-Trail used to be quite utilitarian with a boxy squared-off body, and not many frills. The latest model rides the wave of fashionable crossovers, and the Nissan X-Trail for sale in dealers today is curvy, and altogether more sophisticated. The new model feels much more like a car to drive, and there’s a richer feel to the X-Trail interior as it’s packed with new technology and much better quality.

The New ‘NissanConnect’ system is incredibly intuitive thanks to its 7″ anti-glare touch-screen, enhanced navigation, and hands-free communication functions. It makes the X-Trail an integral part of your connected lifestyle in just a few clicks.

My test car was the Nissan X-Trail 7-seater in luxurious SVE specification and comes complete with a hugely impressive list of standard features including full leather seating, heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth, power moon roof, power tailgate, 19” alloys, LED headlamps, silver roof rails, Moving Object Detection, Around View Monitor, dual zone automatic air conditioning and numerous other quality features.

The new X-Trail has class-leading cabin space, including the most legroom in its class. The rows of seating are arranged in a tiered theatre-style system, where every row sits a little higher than the one in front, for better visibility. This doesn’t come at the expense of headroom, though, as there’s plenty of space in the back seats. The X-Trail’s 50/50 folding third-row seats let you take extra passengers and all their gear. The seats fold flat to create a large luggage area. The X-Trail’s Luggage Board System is practical and simple. With just one hand you can adjust shelves and dividers to set up your boot space just how you want it.

Prices for the new Nissan X-Trail start at just €29,995 (ex works) for the 5 seater model, while SVE specification models are priced from €37,350 (ex works). I was truly impressed with the new Nissan X-Trail and I am sure you will be too.