Nissan X-Trail

One of the endearing traits of the Nissan X-Trail has been its unique boxy styling. In a segment full of lookalikes this has made it popular with buyers and established a loyal following among those who love it for its versatility.

But in its latest form, and now suddenly termed a crossover, its styling has become generic, following the design cues of its smaller Qashqai sibling.

While very different from its predecessor, it now looks similar to the rest, and you’ll be hard pressed to distinguish the third generation X-Trail from other smaller SUV’s… It’s also bigger (5mm longer, 30mm wider with a 7 mm-longer wheelbase) and while it still competes with the likes of Toyota’s RAV4, the Hyundai iX35 and Kia Sportage, it also now compares to the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Eight variants, including two-and four-wheel drivetrains, five or seven seats, petrol and diesel engine options as well as manual or Xtronic CVT transmissions, are available. Based on the same CMF platform underpinning the Qashqai, its swoopy exterior is complimented by a modern cabin with split-level dashboard and infotainment centre console with ventilation controls, as well as colour Advanced Drive-Assist Display.

The cabin ambience is enhanced by the use of quality softtouch materials and neat chrome detailing, while the EZ Flex system ensures multiple seating arrangements in seven-seat models with ample loading space.

Four XE, SE and LE derivatives come in Qashqai’s peppy 96kW 320Nm 1.6-litre turbodiesel, six-speed manual and two or four-wheel drive that does feel a bit gutless the with pronounced turbo-lag in the bigger X-Trail. Two 126kW 233Nm 2.5 SE petrols come exclusively in Xtronic CVT, allwheel drive and five or seven seats, while two six-speed manual 106kW 200Nm 2.0 XE petrols round off the range.

There’s no visible nomenclature so one can only distinguish different models by their wheels but all are quiet and composed on-road, with good road manners and excellent ride quality. New X-Trail is quite capable off-road courtesy of 6mm taller ground clearance, impressive 90kg lighter weight, AllMode 4x4i and chassis control with ride control, active engine brake, trace, hill start and hill descent controls.

Options include low-cost satnav, side and rear collision, lane departure and blind spot warnings, moving object detection and around view as part of the Techno Pack.

Priced between R334 100 and R473 600 the new Nissan X-Trail is a compelling new offering in a highly competitive segment, however, how it will be accepted by the X-Trail faithful in particular, remains to be seen.