Facelifted Nissan X-Trail goes on sale

Since its launch in 2001, Nissan X-trail has sold over 36 000 units in SA and with the ever-expanding and competitive C-SUV segment, Nissan saw fit to update the X-trail with some modern touches for this, the 2018 iteration.

Exterior

Most of the changes are outside with new bumpers, side skirts and daytime running lights.  The front “V Motion” grill is in keeping with Nissan’s current theme that runs across its models.  Parking the X-trail next to your GTR now makes perfect sense. Wheel options now range from 17 to 19”, up one from 18” and X-trail is available in three new colour with signature gold colour, made popular by 370Z and the halo GTR being my pick of the bunch.

Interior

Inside a few minor touches have been added such as the flat bottom steering wheel, door trim and centre console wrap. The seat fabric has also been changed for a  fresh new look.

Inside you’ll find a nifty surround view screen comprised of four wide-angle cameras. Similar to Volvos system, which is incidentally our favourite, the Nissan system works well.

Another convenience is the optional 7 seat layout, which according to Nissan, makes X-Trail the only 7- seater in this segment.

Drivetrain

Nissan X-Trail is available in 2.0 petrol, 2.5 petrol and 1.6 diesel. For now the 96kW, 320NM diesel is only available in manual with claimed fuel consumption figures of 5.1l/100.  The entry-level 2.0 Visia is equipped with the 106kW 200Nm engine and has fuel figures of 8.3l/100.

Surprisingly the 2.5 4WD CVT models boast the same figures of 8.3l/100 but you get 126kW and 233Nm of torque. The Xtronic CVT gearbox has predictable slip when revving high but when cruising it’s just what one would expect from a belt driven gearbox. Smooth and unintrusive.

Safety   

Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility software is now a mainstay with X-Trail boasting technologies such as blind spot intervention, and lane intervention. These two technologies alert the driver to the presence of other vehicles in the blind spot and when the X-Trail strays from it’s lane. Intelligent Emergency braking and forward collision warning is now also available along with many other tech titbits that will make sure X-trail keeps you safe.  It’s great to see this technology permeate into C-Segment cars making sure practical safety measures stays top of mind when it comes to all cars, not just flagship models.

Verdict

Still the same dependable Nissan X-Trail that fairs well on gravel and tar. Fuel consumption is not the best in class but considering you could opt for 2 extra seats that might be worthwhile trade off.

Service intervals are at 15,000km and the new X-Trail is priced as follows:

• 2.0 Visia                                       R 369 900
• 2.0 Visia 7s                                   R 374 900
• 1.6 dci Visia 7s                              R 392 900
• 2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD                     R 425 900
• 2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD 7s                 R 429 900
• 2.5 Acenta Plus CVT 4WD 7s          R 444 900
• 1.6 dci Tekna 4WD                        R 457 900
• 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD 7s                  R 469 900

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