Nissan X-Trail 2014 Review

The Nissan X-Trail is a mid-size SUV that has become one of the Japanese maker's most successful models in Australia – around 140,000 have been sold since 2001.

Starting life as a compact SUV with leanings towards the bland, the X-Trail has morphed into a mid-size five-seat crossover vehicle incorporating innovative technology and exceptional comfort with the option of seven seats.

Designers have given the SUV a modern street presence by taking cues from the highly successful crossovers Qashqai, Juke and Murano to create a capable, all-weather, family wagon.

Available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants, with the choice of two petrol engines – 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre – the Nissan X-Trail comes to market starting at a competitively priced $27,990, with drive-away for around $31,155. Our test vehicle was the entry-level 2.0 ST six-speed manual. Nissan says turbo-diesel variants are just around the corner. 

The X-Trail continues to bulk up with the latest model adding five millimetres in length, 30 mm width, 10 mm height and 75 mm wheelbase. 

Ground clearance, at 210 mm, has been lowered by 5 mm, moving it away from the off-road scene, though a lot of competitors have less clearance than that of the Nissan. 

The X-Trail wagon stands tall on 17-inch alloy wheels, high wheel arches adding to the high-and-mighty character. Nissan signature features include ‘boomerang' rear lights, structured headlights with LED daytime running lamps and the characteristic D-pillar shape.

Inside, the ST is a mix of premium features which include chrome, geometric metallic and piano black finishes. Seats are covered with hard-wearing stylish black fabric. The ST has seating for up to five adults – a seven-seat option is available in the upper spec ST-L and Ti models – which leave room for Nissan's unique Divide-N-Hide flexible cargo storage system which comes up with 18 ways to cart stuff.

Two luggage boards allow the area to be split into upper and lower areas in a single-handed move. In its top position, the board can hold up to 10 kg of cargo; in its lowest, maximum load is 75 kg.

Front seats provide continuous support from pelvis to chest, helping to reduce muscular and spinal loads to improve blood flow, reducing fatigue over long periods. Separating the seats is a storage box big enough to take an iPad or 10-inch tablet.

Rear side doors swing out wide (80 degrees) for easy access to the seats and rear cargo space, while the tailgate in the Ti can be automatically opened by a hand swipe of an infra-red sensor above the number plate. 

Nissan opens with an Intelligent Key keyless entry and push-button start. MP3, USB, AUX, Bluetooth telephony, NissanConnect smartphone connectivity follow, while every X-Trail has a reversing camera with guidelines projecting a 130 degree horizontal view on a colour screen on the central dashboard.

Nissan's Advanced Drive Assist Display use a five-inch LCD screen between the tachometer and speedometer. Steering wheel-mounted controls scroll through functions such as trip computer, fuel consumption information and navigation details, where fitted. 

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Nissan X-Trail is offered with either a 2.0-litre or 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.  The 2.0-litre engine, rated at 106 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4400 revs, is mated with a six-speed manual transmission and is found in the entry-level X-Trail ST only.

Making use of Nissan's DIG (Direct Injection Gasoline) technology and twin variable timing control, the combination is designed to deliver fuel economy and solid usable torque. Electric power steering also plays a part in the former, reining in petrol use by avoiding the need for an engine-driven hydraulic pump.

Nissan claims fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle with 190 grams of carbon dioxide emitted per kilometre. 

Our test X-Trail ST manual came up with a best figure of 7.1 litres per 100 km; the worst was north of 10 litres per 100 km.

SAFETY

On the safety front, the new X-Trail's monocoque body design and zone construction with structural front and rear crumple zones is augmented by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, ABS anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.

DRIVING

The 2.0-litre engine deals with most driving situations provided the transmission is in the right gear, no complication here thanks to the ST's slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox. But, lose revs and the ST soon runs out of legs.

When up to speed the X-Trail has little tendency for body roll, even when being punted through fast bends. Here Nissan can be thanked for its Active Ride Control which monitors the road surface for unevenness, which could upset the pitch of the body, and shifts suspension damping to compensate.

Grip in similar situations is optimised by Nissan's Active Trace Control, which applies braking force to each wheel where necessary. On-board sensors check speed, steering angle, throttle opening and braking effort and brakes wheels as required to reduce understeer, particularly on slippery surfaces.

Both these features give the ST driver a great deal of confidence despite its bulk and two-wheel drive limitations in comparison to all-wheel drive.