Nissan X-trail – Nissan's mid-size SUV is equally at home on the highway as well as off-road

Nissan X-trail as a model, it always held a special place among off-road enthusiasts, and they counted on it four-wheel drive capability and also the insensitivity to overtaking outside of regulated roads. A much smaller role, however, has always been played by the modern and pleasing exterior image and also the ability to turn the heads of passers-by.

Because fashion trends and the associated likeability of the exterior image is largely driven by favorable sales figures, at Nissan they have given the new generation of this medium-sized SUV much more modern touches and brought it closer in design to the very successful Qashqai. So you could say that the new x-trail is essentially new qashqai +2, which is confirmed by both the measurements and the fact that it was retired with the Qashqai model renewal.

So we can easily claim that the new X-trail looks much better and is capable of some of the performance that was missing before, but nevertheless we would at least distance it a little (more) from the previously mentioned "baby" X-trail, which is qashqai. In terms of measurements, the meter shows slightly more in all directions, as expected, and the trunk volume data, which from the basic 550-liter you simply increase everything up to the huge bad "two cubes" (1,982 liters). It is quite enough for the average Slovenian family, even when it is necessary to go to the sea for a long time. We have to praise serial LED lamps, which look great and also glow.

Viewed from the side, several observers will be confused as to which model is actually standing in front of them, part of this is also due to the fact that the qashqai has been stretched, and the new X-trail hides its dimensions well. At the rear, however, observers are convinced of the model differently LED lights, but if that doesn't work either, at least the description of the model. We also praise serial 19 inch shoe, including two-tone rims, but it is true that together with road tires, the off-road purpose of the model falls.

The interior tells a similar story to the exterior, as the driver's workspace and dashboard are very similar to those of the Qashqai, but the cabin is more airy and, thanks to the extra inches, also more spacious. If you need all that space, the X-trail is literally perfect for you, if you don't, then you should go for (or at least consider) a cheaper Qashqai. From the point of view of equipment, the tekna package brings everything you want, need and dream about, including cameras with a bird's eye view, factory navigation, practically everything known today advanced technique, leather upholstery and heated front seats and electric driver's shift. But don't forget about the LED lights and serial electrically sliding tailgate, whose qashqai just can't stand it. Practically perfect equipment, so that's what we're talking about missed only radar cruise control.

Not enough varietyand currently shows range of engines. With this mid-size SUV, buyers do not have any choice in terms of motorization, as there is currently only a 1.6-liter diesel engine available, which we have been counting on for quite some time, but still...some variety wouldn't hurt, even in the fight against fierce competition , which also offers (much) more power. So you would expect at least a stronger - biturbo version of this engine, which certain Renault models are already familiar with, while Nissan models are apparently still on the waiting list. 1.6-liter dCi can do as in qashqai 96 kW and 320 Nm of torque, which, at least on paper, seems a bit much. But in practice, the X-trail managed to break even this prejudice, because the engine fits it nicely, it is cultivated and likes to rev, and above all, it is powerful enough even with a little more load. We did not load the car, as in the case of the family summer migration to the sea mentioned in the introduction, but with three to four people in the vehicle, the car is still bouncy enough and does not require excessive shifting of the pleasingly fast and precise six-speed manual gearbox. In its place, a continuously variable transmission can also be installed on request CVT automatic, which we tested in Qashqai and we praised it despite initial doubts.

Four-wheel drive it is, like its predecessor, electric connectable, which means that basically only the front wheels are driven, but if necessary (in auto mode) the electronic differential lock sends the required amount of torque to the rear wheel pair as well. The driver can also lock the drive via the rotary knob, and the electronic aids for safe descent on slopes and going uphill are also helpful. Z 21 centimeters off the ground this means that it is capable of overcoming even more difficult transport terrains, but as mentioned in the introduction, it is held back a bit by road shoes and 19-inch wheels, as well as the fact that most people will not even want to get their x-trail dirty, let alone try to meet the limits of its off-road capabilities. capacity.

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The consumption of the engine is also commendably low, which is 6.5 liters considering the dimensions and weight, it is extremely favorable, but the performance is limited 186 km/h and even more with 11.0 second acceleration up to a hundred, very average. The expected difference compared to the repeatedly mentioned Qashqai is also in the price, which is equally equipped and motorized, around five thousand euros cheaper, which already calls into question the purchase of the x-trail and puts the smaller brother in the foreground. So think about whether you need such a big car and appreciate its more performance, because if not, you'll get along just as well with the Qasqai.

In addition to the lack of variety in terms of engines, the fact that an automatic cannot be thought of together with a 4WD drive is surprising. This calls into question the potential premium mission, as the majority of buyers of larger SUVs practically demand automatics.

The series LED lights not only look great, but also illuminate the road perfectly. But they also bring advantages in terms of energy consumption and lifespan, which should be the same as the age of the car.

The interior is practically identical to that of the Qashqai, but there is slightly more space in all directions, and the passenger cabin also feels more airy.

The trunk convinces with 550 to 1,982 liters, and for an additional payment of 820 euros, you can place two additional reclining seats under the double floor.