Nissan recently updated their X-Trail SUV for the South African market.
The range now starts at just over R460,000, with the updates improving cabin features while adding additional safety systems.
The top-spec X-Trail – the 2.5 Tekna – was on the receiving end of every spec bump, and below we will find out what this includes.
Features
The Nissan X-Trail is a well-equipped SUV and the 2.5 Tekna is treated to power-adjustable leather seats, heated/cooled front cupholders, and a navigation system with a 7-inch display.
The latter supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – in addition to Bluetooth, USB, and aux – and can be controlled through touch inputs or the multifunction steering wheel.
The steering wheel also takes care of cruise control settings and adjusts the advanced multi-information display in the instrument cluster to show vehicle data.
More comforts are derived from the front dual-zone climate control system, which cools the backseats via rear vents; a powered sunroof; automatic windshield wipers; and a powered tailgate which will close or open when you swing your foot below the rear bumper.
As a finishing touch to the interior, Nissan added three 12V power sockets, six bottle holders, six speakers, and seven seats.
Safety and security systems were the next focus for this inter-generational update, and there are plenty.
Automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights have been installed, and these have additional welcome and follow-me-home functionalities.
Moreover, there are front and rear fog lights, a NATS immobiliser, privacy glass, brake assist, and hill start and descent control.
Driver assist features, coined Nissan Intelligent Mobility, were then fitted to every model no matter its placement in the line-up.
This extensive system works in conjunction with the rear view camera, and includes:
- Intelligent auto headlights
- Intelligent cross traffic alert
- Intelligent lane intervention
- Intelligent emergency braking
- Intelligent around view monitor
- Intelligent blind spot intervention
- Intelligent forward collision warning
These features will automatically spot moving objects on the outside of the SUV and, if needs be, take action accordingly.
Dynamics
The X-Trail is a practical SUV with decent ground clearance (209mm), 19-inch alloy wheels, and space for plenty of luggage.
With the rear seats up it can carry 550 litres of cargo, and with the seats down this grows to 1,310 litres.
If that is not enough, you can also tow a trailer at a braked capacity of up to 1,500kg for those weekend camping trips.
This specification is powered by a 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol engine that is mated to Nissan’s own XTRONIC CVT transmission.
The set-up produces 126kW of power and 233Nm of torque, and lets the vehicle cruise to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
A top speed of 190km/h is then achievable, combined fuel consumption comes in at 8.3l/100km, and power is sent to all four wheels.
At 4,640mm long, 1,710mm high, and 1,820mm wide; the X-Trail is not the largest SUV out there – but a gross vehicle mass of 2,230kg, coupled with the rather unspirited engine, is not doing it any favours.
Price
The updated Nissan X-Trail is available in South Africa from March 2021.
This model – the top-end X-Trail 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD 7s – has a South African starting price of R599,900.
With this you will get a 3-year/90,000km service plan and a 6-year/150,000km warranty.
It is worth mentioning, though, that a nearly identical spec with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel motor is R15,000 cheaper.
This model improves significantly on the above-mentioned fuel consumption (5.3l/100km), as well as torque (320Nm).
Power does take a bit of a hit (96kW), but the 100km/h acceleration time is still rated at 11 seconds flat – which is a negligible difference for this segment.
At under R600,000 for both these options, the new Nissan X-Trail is a competitive offering in the popular SUV segment.
Nissan X-Trail – Photos
Keyword: Top-end Nissan X-Trail – A R600,000 price tag is very competitive