There goes the time when the Nissan X-Trail was known only as a “boxy” SUV destined (almost always) for some off-road adventures. Don't get me wrong: the third generation (in the 4×4 version) doesn't stand back… It's still ready for curves – and mountains – but in a more contained and presentable way. The third generation Nissan X-Trail arrived and brought with it a complex mission, but it turned out to be successful. The new model takes the place of the old Nissan Qashqai +2 (model that was discontinued in the previous generation) and, at the same time, wins the eye to customers considering purchasing a MPV.
On an aesthetic level, there is a “new” X-Trail. The light years of past generations, it now assumes a bolder, more modern and premium design, inheriting the construction base and lines of the current Nissan Qashqai. Leaving this for kids: the Nissan X-Trail is a “big point” Qashqai.
Having 268mm more in length and 105mm in height, compared to the Qashqai, makes the new model not go unnoticed at tolls and pays class 2 – or class 1 with the Via Verde service. This is the price to pay for the very generous exterior – and interior – dimensions (4640mm long, 1830mm wide and 17145mm high). Thanks to the increased wheelbase (61mm), the Nissan X-Trail accommodates seven people, naturally compromising the luggage space when the two “extra” seats are fitted, going from 550l to 125l.
For cases of greater need, they are impeccable, but we must bear in mind that these two places are difficult for adults to use – whoever remembers the old Qashqai+2, knows what I'm talking about. We're not talking about a built-in minivan, but a crossover.
In terms of driving, the Nissan X-Trail has very good stability at any speed and, for a crossover of this size, it doesn't do too bad in corners. It only has the 1.6 dCi block of 130 hp and 320 Nm that emits 129 g of CO2/km and can have a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic with continuous variation Xtronic.
Moving away from the concept of city dwellers at seven feet, riding the X-Trail in town can be more challenging, mainly due to its lack of agility – they still say that size doesn't matter… This crossover is not intended for the most hurried: it has an acceleration from 0-100km/h in 10.5 and reaches 188km/h top speed. Despite this, the high riding position helps to compensate for its size.
On a technological level, Nissan has put “all meat on the roaster”. From the large infotainment system, to the on-board computer whose information is projected on a screen placed between the speedometer and rev counter, to direct access to cruise control, telephone and radio through the steering wheel, 360º camera with parking sensors, roof with panoramic opening, automatic tailgate, nothing has been forgotten on the X-Trail.
The Nissan X-Trail is available in both two-wheel drive (tested version) and four-wheel drive format, the latter with Nissan's latest All Mode 4×4-i transmission. As for prices, they vary between €34,500 and €42,050, depending on the level of equipment chosen.