Nissan refreshes X-Trail

The words “powerful family SUV”, “fuel economy” and “low prices” come together about as well as Julius and Helen around election time. Both seem to have competing end goals in mind, require different resources and development and generally end up sticking together as a no-win compromise. So when the latest incarnation of Nissan’s stalwart X-Trail SUV was announced with much fanfare about its reduction not only in fuel consumption and emissions but prices as well, the stage was set for a bit of a bunfight.

The MY2011 X-Trail is not a complete overhaul, but rather a rather extensive sharpening up of the interior, certain features and front end grille to match Nissan’s new family face, with revised headlamp clusters and slightly more bulged wheel arches to accommodate the larger alloys dressed in low rolling-resistance tyres, which is said to produce an 8% reduction in carbon emissions. At the rear, the vertical LED taillight clusters have been neatened up as well.

Inside, some clever innovations have been added to provide a slightly roomier cabin with more creature comforts, such as keyless entry and start, revised upholstery and colour ranges, a more advanced on board computer and information display system and a rear view camera option as well. Upgraded interior materials and dashes of chrome trim improve the overall cabin ambience, and ample storage binnacles, cup holders and hidey holes found in most family SUVs are prevalent.

Automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and bluetooth communications control amongst the multifunction steering wheel cluster also find their way into the mix. The model will be available in entry-level XE, SE and top spec LE derivatives, offering varying levels of the available bells and whistles.

We’ve always believed the X-Trail to be a properly capable, value for money bush bashing tool first, and a safe, reliable, softroading family SUV a close second, and this message seems to continue in the 2011 model, despite the included niceties mentioned above. Which leads on to the engine specs. The 2.0-litre petrol manual powertrain is still available as the XE entry model with 102kW on tap, as is the common-rail diesel version in the same guise. Moving up to the SE option, customers can select from (additional to higher trim levels) a 2.5-litre 125kW petrol or 2.0-litre 110kW diesel with automatic gearbox.

The range-topping LE offers the top levels of trim such as the onboard reverse camera, and uses the same diesel engine/gearbox combination as the SE model, while the petrol variant gets a CVT gearbox mated to the 2.5-litre powerplant. The 2011 X-Trail diesel offers carbon emissions of 178g/km for the manual 4×2 and 196g/km for the automatic 4×4 models, and a combined cycle of 6.8 litres/100km and 7.4 litres/100km respectively, which is comparable to many modern sedans on our roads.

The lack of diesel engine options should not be seen as restrictive or inadequate in terms of intended market or performance. The fact is that, as an off roader, the 110kW and 320Nm of torque, which is beefed up with options such as hill start assist and hill descent control, 203mm of clearance and intelligent All-Mode 4×4 with independent torque control, is perfectly adequate for most trips into the bushveld and over the koppies. Move to a tar surface and the brisk acceleration with a top speed of 186km/h are suitable for almost any form of family SUV motoring.

Passive and active safety features on the X-Trail include a pretty impressive VDC setup (Vehicle Dynamics Control) to improve traction and stability, ABS with EBD and the usual array of crumple zones, safety cells, impact beams and four airbags for the front occupants to fight over.

Nissan have kept the X-Trail range’s pricing down to incredibly competitive levels, and in some cases have even managed to reduce the pricing on the 4×4 models, making the range an extremely good value proposition. So, with market leading prices, impressive driving dynamics and capabilities, along with efficient engines and low emissions, it looks like the fight is over. Everybody wins.

The 2011 Nissan X-Trail is on sale now at the following list prices:

Nissan X-Trail 2.0dCi 4×2 M/T XE R306 700.00

Nissan X-Trail 2.0dCi 4×4 6A/T SE R385 900.00

Nissan X-Trail 2.0dCi 4×4 M/T LE R435 900.00

Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Petrol 4×2 M/T XE R289 200.00

Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Petrol 4×4 M/T SE R323 900.00

Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Petrol 4×4 CVT LE R414 900.00

- Kevin Willemse