FirstDrive: Nissan X-TrailNissan has called time on the X-Trail being classified as a so-called "soft roader". While its sales were always strong, the arrival of the Qashqai meant that Nissan had to reposition the X-Trail away from its road car, if rugged-looking, roots. The previous version was firmly a tarmac traveller, suited to the school run. This new model continues to fit that bill, but this time it has been given more off-road mettle.
The reason is that Nissan has decided to introduce models like the Murano and Qashqai to win over SUV fans who don't really leave the tarmac, while retaining its reputation for off-roading with vehicles like the Patrol and Pathfinder.
The new X-Trail joins the latter group, though it is a little more refined and aimed at those who might consider the likes of the Land Rover Freelander.
Aesthetically, the rather boxy exterior-look remains, only this time it's even bigger. Nissan claims the decision to leave the exterior shape alone was due to the benefits it brings to the cabin. While the new car still lacks any wow factor, internally it allows maximum load space in the back and plenty of headroom up front.
The new cabin features good quality soft-touch plastics and the new Nissan central console. The dials have also returned to their traditional location in front of the driver - rather than in the middle - and that clears up space and gives a cleaner line to the dash.
A high seating position up front - one of the big selling points for SUV-style vehicles - is enhanced by a higher-set rear bench that gives rear passengers better visibility. One rather odd feature is the inclusion of eight cupholders, six of which are up front for the driver and passenger. Clearly X-Trail owners are a thirsty lot.
Whatever about the improvements in interior trim, the greatest enhancement to daily family life with the new X-Trail is in the rear, where boot space is now best in its class. With the rear seats up it offers 410 litres to the rear window height, increasing to 603 litres if you take away the false plastic floor that uncovers a host of cubby holes. Flip the rear seats down and this increases to 1,773 litres, offering over 1.7 metres of load space length. Those are figures that would do a small van proud.
The boot lip is also quite low, so you don't have to lift items too high to load them in.
The ample space does beg a question, however: why didn't Nissan add another optional row of seats in the back and make this a seven-seater? Perhaps that's something that will be addressed in the coming years.
In terms of power, three new engines have been added to the range, with two petrol versions - a 2-litre 139bhp and 2.5-litre 167bhp - and an impressive new 2-litre diesel unit, developed with sister company Renault, available with either 148bhp or 171bhp. It replaces the 2.2-litre diesel in the current range. Tranmission choices are between six-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
We tested both 2-litre petrol and diesel - in its 171bhp format - and clearly the diesel is the best option of the lot. Along with being marginally faster, the added torque or pulling power gives it a far more impressive surge when pulling off or towing, while the manual transmission is better suited to the ever-changing pace of Irish roads. The optional CVT box is good for long cruising, but what it makes up for in avoiding the noticeable changes in a regular automatic, it loses in ability to pull away smoothly without the engine roaring to its peak.
Our test route was largely narrow country roads and the diesel manual excelled, where the petrol version with CVT transmission suffered from engine noise and a lack of potency when pulling away from corners. Buyers would be best to opt for 2-litre diesel with manual transmission.
In terms of underpinnings, the new X-Trail shares its chassis with the Qashqai, and features a fully independent, multi-link rear suspension that helps its on-road ability. It also has Nissan's new All-Mode-I system.
Controlled by a rotary knob in front of the gear lever, it allows you to opt for front-wheel-drive, thereby improving fuel efficiency on the road, or automatic four-wheel-drive that splits the torque 50:50 between front and rear axles. It also has a centre differential lock for when things get really muddy.
Other off-road features include individual braking for all wheels and a hill descent control and hill holder system. These are not the sort of features commonly found on your typical suburban school run "soft roader" and pit it against the likes of the Land Rover Freelander in off-roading technology.
That said, the new car does suffer slightly from a wallowing suspension on twisting roads and though it never leans too far, it doesn't feel as sharp as the Freelander on tarmac, though it does seem up to the task on muddy fields.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but we can expect them to rise above the current level, given the extra space, improved interior and the extra off-road gadgetry.
While we might regret the decision to leave unchanged the boxy shape of the previous version, the new X-Trail is a far more serious proposition than of old, and both for its off-road capability and its vastly improved practicality, it moves it up as a serious player in the smaller SUV market.
Factfile
ENGINES:2-litre petrol: 1997cc; 139bhp @ 6,000 rpm; 196Nm of torque @ 4,800rpm; Top speed - 184km/h (manual); 0-100km/h - 11.1 secs (manual) 2.5-litre petrol: 2488cc; 167bhp @ 6,000 rpm; 233Nm of torque @ 4,800rpm; Top speed - 197km/h (manual); 0-100km/h - 9.8 secs (manual) 2-litre (148bhp) diesel: 1995cc; 148bhp @ 4,000 rpm; 320Nm of torque @ 2,000rpm; Top speed - 188km/h (manual); 0-100km/h - 11.2 secs (manual) 2-litre (171bhp) diesel: 1995cc; 172bhp @ 3,750 rpm; 360Nm of torque @ 2,000rpm; Top speed - 200km/h (manual); 0-100km/h - 10.0 secs (manual)
NEW FEATURES:Expanded boot area that varies from 410 litres to 1,773 litres with rear seats folded down; eight cupholders; new roof rails with optional roof lights fitted; six or 10 CD changer; steering wheel audio controls
PRICES:Unconfirmed, but expect them to start just below €35,000 for the 2-litre petrol
ARRIVING IN IRISH DEALERS:October/November