Test: Nissan X-Trail

The third generation of the Nissan X-Trail has been driving for the Japanese automaker since 2014 and is the brand's best-selling vehicle. For the 3 facelift, Nissan is offering a new 2017-liter power diesel to complement the 2-liter diesel. The “N-Connecta” equipment line should also serve as an additional selling point in order to keep the SUV on the long-term track. The X-Trail adapts to the wishes of its customers. In addition to an off-road SUV, they want an extensive safety package and comfort equipment. The mainstream look that has been on the market since 1.6 remains in place and replaced the rough edges of the 2014nd generation. With its lifestyle charm and three engines, it starts the 2 model year. The X-Trail starts at a price of 2018 euros.

Test report: Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi N-Connecta Xtronic

On- and off-road mix from Japan

The front of the sporty compact SUV is characterized by style elements of the current Murano and Qashqai models. With this, Nissan finds a corporate language that at least allows the crossover family to appear uniformly. Aprons drawn up wide to the sides frame the chrome radiator grille, which in turn prominently displays the brand logo. The side ends of the front headlights continue in a curved bead over the entire length of the vehicle before they rise again in an arched manner near the rear lights. At the rear, the headlights ensure a dynamic appearance. The roof rails are firmly attached to the roof. That improves the aerodynamics. At just under 1,82 meters wide and 1,73 meters high, the car is also larger than its competitors. The optimized wind slipperiness has a positive effect on fuel consumption (5,8 liters in the standard test with 19 '' wheels) and exhaust emissions (152 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer) despite its Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. We do not quite achieve the specified values, but we have a lot of fun with the performance of the X-Trail thanks to the automatic transmission. Even off-road, the front-wheel drive vehicle cuts an astonishingly good figure and masters one or the other unpaved road. The X-Trail, which is only available as a five- and seven-seater, is equally comfortable in the city, although its turning circle sometimes proves to be a hindrance. The Japanese offers good seating comfort on longer motorway stretches, but we noticed the interior noise as unpleasant.

Cockpit simply structured

The self-explanatory cockpit is pleasing from the very first entry. All of the instruments that affect the vehicle, as well as the navigation system with smartphone connection in the middle of the dashboard, offer neither too much nor too little information. In addition, the Nissan Connect system provides access to the applications of the respective smartphone used. The very well-tailored front seats not only look ergonomically styled, they also provide support in every driving situation. In terms of flexibility, the X-Trail is well above the trend of its competitors. Thanks to the folding mechanism for the rear seat bench, the cargo space volume grows from 565 liters to a reasonable 1.996 liters.

Small diesel with a lot of torque

The new 177 hp diesel that we tested provides a good dose of driving fun. Because with a maximum torque of 380 Newton meters at 2.000 revolutions, the unit is powerful. When accelerating from 100 km / h, however, the X-Trail seems a little clumsy. Combined with the comfortably stepped Xtronic-CVT automatic transmission, the SUV from Japan can be efficiently steered through city and urban traffic. Its steering is designed to be lane-safe, so that very relaxed parking in the city is possible in conjunction with its reversing and 360-degree camera.

N-Connecta stands for connectivity

The driver assistance systems that we already know from the new Qashqai can also be found in the X-Trail. From the basic “VISIA” model, the Japanese engineers configured a greatly improved ESP system with hill start assist, the driver assistance package consisting of autonomous emergency brake assist, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition, LED daytime running lights, an electronic parking brake and front and rear parking assistance. The "N-CONNECTA" version, which has been re-launched from scratch, uses the NissanConnect system including the Round View Monitor for a 360-degree view. The scope of delivery here is the navigation system with seven-inch touch color display including 3 years of free map updates, USB interface, reversing camera and smartphone integration. In addition, Nissan has put together the style package for the new equipment line, consisting of 19-inch alloy wheels and tires, an electrically opening and closing tailgate and the Intelligent Key with start / stop button.

SUV at low prices

The X-Trail, which is available both as a front-wheel drive and with 4 x 4 four-wheel drive, is available from a price of 24.990 Euro. But Nissan offers an 1.6-liter petrol engine with 163 PS. The diesel engine, on the other hand, features the 1.6 dCi as both front-wheel drive and 4 x 4-driven power unit with power output 96 kW (130 PS) and a six-speed manual gearbox. The base price here is 32.630 Euro. The price differences between the five equipment lines VISIA, ACENTA, N-CONNECTA, N-VISION and TEKNA are kept moderate, but they always seduce always to the next higher equipment line.

And finally ... All in all, the X-Trail is more likely to be called an "off-road SUV" than a "compact SUV". In addition, the synergies between space, driving dynamics and a nice lifestyle look are very successful.

engine and gears

Dimensions and performance

Consumption in the test

Text: Stefan Beckmann, Image: Stefan Beckmann and manufacturer (NISSAN CENTER EUROPE GmbH) - Cover image: Manufacturer (NISSAN CENTER EUROPE GmbH)