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We drive: New Nissan X-Trail for SA

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<B>READY TO WORK:</b> Nissan has launched its new, stylish X-Trail in South Africa. <i>Image: Nissan SA</i>
<B>READY TO WORK:</b> Nissan has launched its new, stylish X-Trail in South Africa. <i>Image: Nissan SA</i>
Nissan SA

  2014 Nissan X-Trail in SA
  Prices and gallery
  X(trail) marks the spot

SERGIO DAVIDS

Nissan’s third-generation X-Trail has arrived in South Africa, sporting a stylish new design, a tech upgrade and a five-star safety rating. We have specs, prices and gallery of Nissan’s latest crossover.

Mere months after the launch of its Qashqai in South Africa earlier in 2014 Nissan has brought yet another crossover locally with the arrival of its third-generation X-Trail.

The X-Trail borrows much from its Qashqai sibling in terms of styling, tech and safety systems and is completely redesigned, based on Renault-Nissan’s Common Module Family platform, to become the fourth crossover* in Nissan’s line-up.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Nissan X-Trail

The new SUV is here in three specifications (XE, SE, LE) and engine options (1.6 diesel, 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol), and can be ordered in either two or all-wheel-drive. The X-Trail is priced from R327 000 for the entry-level 2.0 XE to R473 000 for the top of the range 1.6 LE.

It's 4.6m long (increase of 5mm), 1.8m wide (+30 mm), 1.7 tall with a wheelbase of 2.7m (75mm longer).

ENGINES

The 1.6dCi turbocharged diesel is capable of 96kW/320 mated to six-speed manual and a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 5.3-litres/100km with emissions of 134g/km

The two non-turbo engines, 126kW/233Nm 2.5-litre petrol SE derivatives, mated to a Xtronic CVT, are available in all-wheel drive and a choice of five or seven seats. The two-litre XE units are capable of 106kW/200Nm but also have a six-speed box.

Fuel consumption for each is listed as 8.4/100km with emissions of 197g/km.

ALL-MODE 4x4i

The new Xtrail is available with Nissan’s All-Mode 4x4i system (2.5 SE 4WD, 1.6dCi SE 4WD and 1.6dCi LE 4WD). The system provides three driving modes, selectable via a rotary knob on the centre console – 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock.

In auto mode, Nissan says, “constant monitoring of throttle position, engine speed and torque distribution, to anticipate wheelspin, dictates when the system seamlessly distributes torque between the front and rear axles as needed, at up to 80km/h".

Above 80, it reacts to wheel\spin and shifts torque to the rear wheels. In 4WD Lock all-wheel drive is permanently engaged for rough and low-traction terrain.

Five chassis control systems are also available; active ride control, active engine brake, active trace control, hill-start assist and hill-descent control.

Active Ride Control, fitted to all models, monitors road surfaces to detect undulations and alters damping to compensate. Active Engine Brake, fitted to both Xtronic derivatives, uses  Xtronic to add engine braking while cornering or decelerating.

Active Trace Control, fitted to all models, monitors vehicle speed, steering angle, throttle position and braking, to “brake wheels as required to reduce understeer and assist the driver in steering a safer path through bends – particularly effective on slippery roads”.

PRACTICAL NISSAN SUV

As part of its EZ Flex seating system, the second row of seats has legroom adjustment and reclining backrests. In seven-seat guise, the rear seats fold flat, increasing load capacity from 135-litres to 1310. Five-seat versions offer 550-litres to 1405 with the seats folded.

LOADS OF STANDARD EQUIPMENT

The four entry-level XE units are equipped with a rear spoiler, power windows, Nissan’s advanced drive-assist display, cloth upholstery, multi-function steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, aircon, audio system (radio, CD, MP3/WMA), USB, Aux, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, daytime running lights, power side-mirrors, chromed door releases 17” alloys, active ride control, active trace control and electronic parking brake.

Seven-seat models are equipped with EZ Flex seating system, a rear-only luggage partition with tonneau cover and an extra two cup holders.

Roof rails with a brushed metal finish and 18” alloys are the only available options on XE models.

The three SE 4WD derivatives add ALL-MODE 4x4i, eco driving mode, auto headlight and wipers, chromed fog lights, leather steering wheel, auto aircon, six speakers, hill descent control, active engine brake on Xtronic models, roof rails with a brushed metal finish and idle start/stop technology on diesel models only.

SE derivatives can be boosted with optional 18” alloys and the Techno Pack, along with individual options like satnav side- and rear collision warning systems.

The range-topping 1.6 dCi LE 4WD adds 18” alloys, power sunroof and tailgate, LEDs keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, power front seats and rear seat lighting. The Techno Pack is also available as an option on the LE.

TECHNO PACK

Available as an option on SE and LE derivatives, the Techno Pack adds the NissanConnect system which uses satnav on its 7” touch screen, heated side-mirrors and 18” alloys on SE versions.

The new X-Trail s equipped with a host of safety systems to help achieve its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard features include six airbags, three-point seat belts for all occupants, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, BAS, vehicle dynamic control, hill assist and Isofix child seat anchors. All units have remote central locking with auto-locking doors.

The Nissan Safety Shield, which forms part of the optional Techno Pack, includes advanced safety systems such as the Around View Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection.

Around view monitor uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Moving object detection alerts the driver of potentially-unseen objects such as children or animals while parking. Lane departure warning detects road markings and assess whether the vehicle is moving out of its lane unintentionally, and lastly, the blind sport warning uses side-mounted cameras to warn if a vehicle is in the X-Trail’s blind spots during lane-changing maneovres.

*Nissan Murano, Juke, Qashqai and Xtrail

PRICES
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 XE 6MT - R327 700
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 XE 6MT (seven-seat) - R334 100
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 SE Xtronic 4WD - R364 200
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 SE Xtronic 4WD (seven-seat) - R 370 600
Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi XE 6MT - R351 000
Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi XE 6MT (seven-seat) - R357 400
Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi SE 6MT 4WD - R388 300
Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi LE 6MT 4WD - R473 600

The Nissan X-Trail is sold with a six-year or 150 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan with roadside assistance.

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