We drive Nissan X-Trail 1.5 163PS M-CVT: The Mainstream midsize SUV

Undoubtedly the X-Trail is a landmark model of the modern Nissan, which reflects the change of direction, but also the "know how" in modern mid-size SUVs. The fourth generation of the model, more modern than ever, seeks to continue the Japanese company's leadership in the segment. They coincide for a week with the mild hybrid X-Trail, we analyze the chances to achieve this goal! 

The World's Best-Seller

The first Nissan X-Trail was introduced in 2000. From the very first moment, thanks to its sophisticated design and adventurous details, it became a landmark for Nissan, highlighting its strengths in an emerging segment. Now in its fourth generation, it has sold a total of more than 10,000,000 units worldwide, giving the mid-size SUV the designation of Best Seller .

Evolving the Family Look 

Nissan's designers have curated the X-Trail's appearance, reflecting the company's new design language, having developed and adapted the Family Look, differentiating the model from the rest of the range, as a rule not to stray from the timeless features that have made it recognizable for more than 20 years! 

The front in particular looks modern and is distinguished by the large and imposing trapezoidal grille. The two-tier Led headlamps closely follow the company's design language introduced on the smaller Juke and Qasqhai.  

The exuberant side part does not hide its volume and dimensions. The clean lines, muscular surfaces, sharp ribs, and distinct edges seal the timeless silhouette of the mid-size SUV, which looks contemporary without deviating from previous generations of the model. 

The rear end wins the design impressions. The large, curved headlamps with LED graphics hug the body and extend inside the fifth door, which is vertically mounted and has a low loading sill, enhancing practicality. However, it remains modern, distinctive and characteristic of the car, exuding a sense of dynamism! 

Spacious and comfortable 

Nissan's designers have curated the cabin's image and interior design to deliver a modern spacious interior, focusing on ergonomics and practicality, without neglecting quality and good assembly. Very good materials have been selected with a good tactile feel, leaving a premium air! 

The lines that make up the dashboard are simple and unpretentious, without being provocative. At the same time, the leather upholstery with white stitching and the imitation aluminium at the bottom create a beautiful visual effect! The 12.3-inch screen of the multimedia system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay, dominates the centre. 

The centre console is wide enough and has spacious compartments, as well as the necessary cup holders. Attracting attention is the admittedly beautiful airplane-style selector for the automatic transmission!  

Behind the minimalist, retro three-spoke steering wheel is the easy-to-read 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that provides all the necessary information for the driver! 

The seats offer excellent passenger body support, with an emphasis on comfort! We should note that the X-Trail in the test was in five-seat configuration, as the Japanese company also offers it in seven-seat configuration in the same body!  

Nissan has also thought about ergonomics, so that all the necessary switches are located in places where the driver can easily find them, without distracting his attention from the road!

The five-seater X-Trail has 585 litres of luggage space to satisfy the most demanding, and with the seats fully folded, it has a capacity of 1424 litres. 

Efficient downsizing 

The test car is powered by the basic powertrain, which is at the base of the range and consists of a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder variable-compression petrol engine that continuously varies the piston stroke between 88.9 and 90.1 mm, changing the compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1. It produces 163bhp at 4,800rpm and 300Nm of torque at 2,800-3,600rpm and is mated to Jatco's eight-speed M-CVT continuously variable automatic transmission, which Nissan calls Xtronic. Additionally, Nissan equips it with a mild hybrid set, which is integrated into the starter. It recovers energy during deceleration and stores it in the lithium-ion battery, while giving it an extra 6 Nm of torque! 

Integrated modern SUV

The bar has been set extremely high in the mid-size SUV segment. Nissan wants to keep the reins with the new generation X-Trail, which is more modern than ever. Its driving experience in real-world conditions and situations illustrate the conclusions for the base model in the X-Trail range.

In the city its exuberant dimensions are an inhibiting factor. The driver will prefer to avoid the narrow streets and move on central arteries. However, it remains pleasant and comfortable. The high driving position compensates for the feeling in the urban fabric, as it provides excellent peripheral visibility! 

On the provincial and mountain network the X-Trail's 'touring character' is highlighted. Balanced and with a very good grip, it focuses on comfort, despite the tight suspension setup, which is perfectly suited to the car. As a touring car it drives safely and typically on mountainous and winding roads. In stressful situations, the three-cylinder engine will sound a little more than expected. At the same time, the long 231 mm ground clearance allows off-road driving... but with caution, given that the test version lacks four-wheel drive! 

On the motorway The X-Trail's robust chassis leaves a positive impression, contributing to the very good rolling quality, as it grips the tarmac very well, even at high speeds, with sound insulation at a very high level! 

General the new X-Trail is pleasant as a touring car, with good handling, quality and safety! Capable for mild Off-Road routes... However, the very good chassis is not justified by the 163 hp three-cylinder engine, as the weight... bodywork, makes it difficult and results in an average combined fuel consumption of 9 litres/100 km, despite the mild hybrid assistance!  

Touching real needs 

In the difficult D-SUV segment, Nissan clarifies its commercial objectives and, based on the timeless success of all generations of the X-Trail, differentiates itself from the competition, driven by the needs of modern family owners and the "know how" to satisfy them. Therefore, the profile of the buyer who will choose the new X-Trail is primarily the family man who will value functionality and comfort, disregarding luxury and sensationalism, without compromising and having quality and safety as an unquestionable priority and yet economical to use. Also, the Nissan X-Trail, will be highly appreciated by lovers of excursions and getaways! 

Within reason 

Nissan doesn't get away with pricing and stays within a reasonable range. It offers the 163 hp X-Trail from 38.590€ in the entry-level Energy version and reaches 50.490€ in the Techna Plus version. That's it for the 5 seater configuration. With regard to the 7-seater, the basic Acenta, costs 43,590€ and the N-Connecta 45,390€.

Technical characteristics 

photo gallery

Conclusion

The new Nissan X-Trail adopts all the best-selling features of its predecessors and redeems the Japanese company's experience in utilitarian SUVs. Building on the success stemming from the Qashqai, it presents a modern and functional mid-size SUV, with plenty of space and excellent ride quality, with an emphasis on safety. The result is a travel-oriented car with satisfying handling and an excursionist character, which is enhanced by its long ground clearance, allowing for gentle off-road driving! Nissan, with the new X-Trail, renounces the Premium D-SUV trend, following the well-trodden path of Mainstream offerings! 

Interior & practicality

7.9

Current expenditure

6.8

Road behaviour

7.2

Performance

6.6

Enjoyment factor

6.5

value for money

6.7

Comfort

7.2

What grade do you give him?3 Votes

8.3

SYN

Places

Comfort

Design

Perimeter Visibility

PLEEN

Consumption

Engine noise

7