Nissan X-Trail 1.5 VC-T Mild-Hybrid - different, but good
Nissan has added the X-Trail to its compact Qashqai as a spacious alternative. The almost 4.70 meter long Japanese model offers much more than just a stretched body.
Is Nissan's new X-Trail just an extended Qashqai? Not at all. Rather, the large SUV with its powerful, angular styling takes its guests into a somewhat different Nissan world with plenty of space, comfort and technology as well as an exotic drive. If you are prepared to accept a few idiosyncratic, but not necessarily bad solutions, you will experience a versatile and relaxing everyday hero of the mid-size class, which is particularly well tailored to the needs of families.
One of the X-Trail's greatest assets is its size. The Japanese car, which is actually also built in Japan, is 4.68 meters long and its interior is correspondingly airy. In the five-seater version we tested - there is an optional third row with two emergency seats - 585 to 1424 liters fit in the trunk. This can be adapted to requirements in several stages. The rear bench can be moved lengthways and the backrest can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio.
There is also a two-part luggage compartment floor called Flexi-Board, which can be used to adapt the luggage compartment to different transport tasks. Practical side compartments and lashing eyes for a luggage net make it easier to transport small items. However, the payload is somewhat meagre at 356 to 436 kilograms, depending on the equipment.
Rear footwell almost as airy as in an electric car
In addition to luggage, passengers also have plenty of room to maneuver as they enter the interior via wide-opening doors. Thanks to the flat cardan tunnel, the rear footwell is almost as airy as in an electric car. The rear seats even offer seat heating. In addition, there is a homely ambience with high-quality materials and good workmanship. Our specimen with N-Connecta equipment features black and brown plastics and leather surfaces, some of which are pleasantly soft to the touch. There are also high-gloss surfaces, a little chrome trim and inlays with an alienated wood look. The ensemble has a certain retro charm, as some surfaces are reminiscent of Nissan interiors from the 80s and 90s.
The large display behind the steering wheel primarily shows the driver driving-related content, which is also projected onto the windshield via a head-up display. The digital display landscape is flanked by a wide touchscreen with an infotainment system that also integrates Android Auto via a cable connection. The X-Trail dispenses with the very large display solution for all functions. Accordingly, it still offers a control island for the 3-zone automatic air conditioning with real physical buttons. This also helps you to find your way around quickly.
Mild hybrid helps to save fuel
The center console also houses the engine start button and a flat gear selector lever, which the driver grips with his right hand to switch between D, R and P by pushing or pulling. In our case, a technically idiosyncratic but thoroughly pleasant and fairly frugal three-cylinder petrol engine provides the propulsion. As is common today, it is a mild hybrid, which is slightly assisted by a starter generator and helps to save fuel. A look at the data sheet is curious, as it lists a displacement of 1477 to 1497 cubic centimeters. The highlight: the turbocharged cylinder trio can vary the compression ratio. Actuators on the pistons are responsible for this, with which the stroke can be changed.
In practice, with a relaxed driving style, the 120 kW/163 hp drive is experienced as a comfortable little engine that harmonizes well with the continuously variable CVT transmission. If a lot of power is demanded at the accelerator, the sound becomes rougher. However, the maximum 300 Newton meters of torque only put pressure on the front wheels after a noticeable delay and with a slight rubber band effect from the CVT.
Of course, the power is more than sufficient for any situation, but it is only moderately spirited. Nevertheless, the X-Trail can sprint to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h. A peculiar juddering in the drive is sometimes disturbing. With a fuel consumption of 7.0 liters when driving mainly at 130 km/h on the freeway, fuel consumption remained moderate.
Pleasant on long journeys
We found the X-Tail particularly pleasant on long journeys, especially as the Pro-Pilot safety package was on board and takes the strain off the driver. If desired, the control technology keeps the distance to the vehicle in front and adjusts the speed to the applicable speed limit. Sometimes the system is a little overzealous in warning of potential dangers and repeatedly reminds the driver to put both hands on the steering wheel again, especially under autopilot control.
The strict governess and the drive have trained us to adopt a primarily leisurely pace. In keeping with this, the classic steel chassis without adaptive dampers makes the X-Trail a relaxed glider. In city traffic, however, the underbody is a little stiff-legged when driving over manhole covers and potholes.
The price list for the crossover with mild hybrid starts at 35,500 euros. For this money, however, you get the Visia basic equipment, which can still be upgraded. The N-Connecta version of the X-Trail, which costs 42,800 euros, is particularly impressive as a family car, as it also has 3-zone climate control and heated rear seats. Other useful additions are the Pro-Pilot-Assist (700 euros) with its automated driving aids and the head-up display (635 euros). This brings the total price to around 44,000 euros, which seems a reasonable price considering the many talents on offer.
Nissan X-Trail 1.5 VC-T - technical data
- Five-door, five- or seven-seater mid-size crossover
- Length: 4.68 meters, width 1.84 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.07 meters), height: 1.72 meters, wheelbase 2.71 meters, trunk capacity: 585-1424 liters
- 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 120 kW/163 hp, max. torque 300 Nm, front-wheel drive, CVT automatic transmission
- Vmax: 200 km/h, 0-100 km/h: 9.6 s
- Fuel consumption (WLPT): 7.1-7.6 liters/100 km, emissions standard: Euro 6d-ISC-FCM, CO2 emissions: 161-172 g/km, test consumption: 7.0 liters/100 km
- Price: from 35,500 euros, test car price: 45,325 euros
The X-Trail, being one of Nissan's offerings, also includes models like the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid, which leverages efficient hybrid technology. Nissan, known for its innovative approach, continues to expand its lineup with models such as the hybrid X-Trail, catering to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Source: www.ntv.de
