There’s a Nissan X-Trail parked just around the corner from where I live, usually I walk past it without so much as a second look. Last night I took more interest.
Well-worn, it’s a dCi Sport on an ’05 plate, a diesel, 2.2 if my memory serves me correctly. What’s remarkable about it is its size, by today’s SUV standards its boxy 5-seater body is actually quite compact. Burgundy, complete with a beige velour interior, and tubular chrome bumpers, it’s clearly someone’s daily-driver, 18 years old, but still going strong. It is far cry from the X-Trail I’ve been driving recently, nevertheless it provides a reminder of just how far things have moved on.
Now in its fourth generation, the new Nissan X-Trail is an altogether different beast. For starters, it now boasts seven seats, LED headlamps, more driver assist systems than there’s space to mention; Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent, Rear Automatic Braking, Intelligent Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent…. You get the idea, the new X-Trail is clearly very intelligent, not to mention altogether sleeker and shaper suited too. I think it looks like a big Qashqai, whereas someone I know said it was f… (expletive deleted) ugly. Let’s diplomatically call the styling opinion-splitting, shall we?
And then there’s drive-train…
The new X-Trail is a self-charging hybrid. Yes, I know… How many self-charging hybrid SUVs is that now? How many do we actually need? Etc. etc. Anyway, before you lose interest, at least allow me to explain how it all works. It really is quite clever
You might well be wondering how 3-cylinder 1,498cc petrol engine is meant to haul a 7-seat SUV along, but here’s the thing: the engine doesn’t do the hauling. There is no mechanical connection between the X-Trail’s engine and its driven wheels. Instead, that little 3-pot mill is there to act solely as a generator – which in turn charges an onboard lithium-ion battery – which then powers an electric motor. It’s the motor that's used to drive the wheels.
A mild hybrid version of the new X-Trail is available in which a 161bhp petrol engine does drive the wheels, albeit with the assistance of a bigger battery that enables it to coast and use stop-start for extended periods. However, the more powerful and efficient e-Power models, such the one as driven here, utilize the engine-as-a-generator system.
The standard configuration is two-wheel drive, but should your budget stretch such things there’s an X-Trail fitted with a 134bhp e-motor on the rear axle too – so it’s four-wheel drive (or e-4orce, as Nissan calls it). All you have to do is put the petrol in and select drive, a host of software and sensors sort out how much power to direct to where, an when, it’s needed. The 4×4 version of the X-Trail produces 211bhp at the wheels.
There is no diesel option, so if you’re a high miler or a load-lugger you might still take a little more convincing. That said the X-trail feels surprisingly and instantly, torquey. You don’t have to plug any cables in, or spend hours drinking coffee you didn’t really want in remote service stations that you wouldn’t otherwise have to stop at. But, the driving experience feels significantly more electric than it does good old-fashioned internal combustion.
It’s quiet, smooth, and cliché alert, quiet effortless, and unless you to stomp on the accelerator, there’s barely a murmur from the engine. There’s a little roll in the corners, – it’s an SUV after all – and the steering isn’t exactly bristling with feedback, but it’s by no means an unpleasant driving experience. The larger wheels do thump sometimes over broken surfaces, and there’s road noise too – but is that more noticeable because you can’t hear an engine?
Let’s be honest here, the X-Trail is not a car that’s suited to being hustled along. Take things a little easier, and your rewarded with a nicely relaxed ride, and yet more than enough oomph to dismiss any dawdlers. 0-62 takes 7.2 seconds, and, albeit not fully-laden perhaps, you should see near low 40s mpg on a regular basis. There’s even the option to engage Nissan’s familiar e-Pedal setting so you can maximize the regenerative braking function, drive with just one pedal driving, and bring things to a stop, with practice, without having to touch the brakes.
Sat high in the X-Trail’s nicely appointed and very solidly built cabin – Nissan have even fitted proper knobs for the heating and ventilation. I hope you’re listening VW! – there’s a very pleasing feel to the way the X-Trail goes about its business. I rather liked it, as did everyone I drove in it. It may not be exciting, but neither is dull.
In short, if you need a 7 seat SUV, but what you don’t need is the associated running costs, make sure you have a good look around the new X-Trail, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Nissan X-TRAIL Tekna e-4ORCE 7 Seats
Engine: 1,498cc 3Cyl Petrol turbo ICE e-POWER
Transmission: 1-spd reduction gear
Driven Wheels: 4WD
Power: 154 bhp
Torque: 387 lbft
0-62 Mph: 7.2 Sec
Max Speed: 111 mph
CO2: 152g/km
MPG: 42.2 (combined)
Price: £45,485 otr (Car driven £46,580)
Many thanks to Keeley at Nissan’ UK press office for the loan of the X-TRAIL
@bird_liam
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