07 Mar 07
Nissan's X-Trail is one of Europe's most popular SUVs, with 60,000 a year sold since its launch in 2001. Sensibly, Nissan's decided not to mess with a winning formula, so this little-changed Mk2 model 'builds on the strengths of an already successful formula', according to chief product planner Carlos Tavares. Nissan has gone for 'subtle improvements in key areas', he says.
The launch of the car-like Qashqai has enabled to Nissan to keep the X-Trail as a more rugged, dual purpose model. 'The Qashqai is more for the city,' says Tavares, 'but with the X-Trail families can enjoy outdoor adventure together.'
Of course, if you want a proper 4x4, best opt for the continuing Terrano, but the high-riding X-Trail does have switchable two- and four-wheel drive modes, the latter with torque automatically divided between the front and rear axles as necessary, plus hill descent control and hill start assist. It's certainly up to some gentle adventuring and light towing work.
Under that rather retro boxy exterior shell is the same basic set of underpinnings as the Qashqai, with multilink rear suspension and front MacPherson struts. The X-Trail's longer than before, with a longer wheelbase and a much bigger boot (up to 603 litres), and it's shaped for better load-carrying (if not rearward visibility) with its squared-off structure, fat rear pillars and top-hinged tailgate.
There are two new engines for this range: a 2.0-litre Renault-sourced diesel with 150bhp and 173bhp outputs, as in the Qashqai, joining the continuing 169bhp 2.5-litre petrol. Equipment has been generally upgraded, with all models now having air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, side and curtain airbags, and Bluetooth phone kit; options will include xenon headlights, roof rails with integrated driving lamps, and sat nav with a full-colour screen and rear-view cameras.
Sales start in mainland Europe in April, with right-hand-drive models arriving in the UK in June; prices are expected to rise around 5% from the current model's.
