Drive
New diesel engine aside, you’re looking at the same package as other X-Trails. The diesels are, however, defined by new model designations and occupy a higher price range. They kick off at $36,990 for the TS dCi, or $5000 more than you’ll pay to get into the cheapest ST petrol model, but the diesel specification roughly mirrors the $35,990, and similarly specified, ST-L. Topping the diesel line-up is the $39,990 (or $41,990 if you go for the auto) TL dCi tested here, which is costlier than its petrol Ti equivalent but is still good value for a compact four-wheel-drive.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder has been sourced from Nissan’s alliance partner, Renault, and delivers the goods. Manual versions punch out a class-leading 127W of power and 360Nm, while the auto’s lower 110kW/320Nm output is still enough to match it with the greater diesel competition.
Driving reinforces the favourable impression. We tested the auto and it’s a usefully strong and flexible performer, with the kind of low and mid-range go that comes in handy in city driving, and an unflustered demeanour on the open road.
The six-speed auto, too, is smooth and, apart from an occasional reluctance to engage top gear at cruising speeds, usefully adept.
It’s comfortable on the open road, too, with a nicely absorbent ride and above-average noise suppression. And while it’s no bush-basher, the switchable part-time four-wheel-drive system is easy to use and endows the Nissan with decent mud-slithering abilities.
Just don’t expect a sports car through the bends. The Nissan is obedient, unerringly predictable and has plenty of grip from its 17-inch tyres, but foggy steering, some body roll and those slippery seats ensure you don’t want to push it too hard. Comfort and practicality
The boot is big and clever, with unique underfloor drawers that can be easily disassembled for space. Takeaway-bag hooks, a 12-volt outlet, a hard, washable floor and a full-sized spare tyre are other nice touches.
Up front, the design is simple and less kooky than the old X-Trail, which had its instruments in the centre of the dash. The controls are simple and easy to use, everything is nicely assembled and there’s a huge selection of cup/bottleholders (heated and cooled) and other handy storage spots.
With six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control and a four-star NCAP crash test rating, the X-Trail’s safety credentials are more or less line-ball with a host of rivals.
In ceding to VW’s five-star Tiguan, however, it’s not quite class-leading. Parking sensors, too, would be welcome.
