Test drive Nissan X-Trail: family friend

Impressive comfort, state of the art technology and plenty of interior space

The partial renewal of the model is recognizable at first glance by the new radiator grille, almost all of the central part of which has a black surface. Boomerang-shaped LEDs are presented in a slightly smaller form compared to the previous one.

The main headlamps are redesigned and, on request, are available in a fully LED version. At the rear, the X-Trail has been given new light-colored graphics as well as a more durable chrome trim.

Modern technology

In terms of technology, the model traditionally relies on a wide arsenal of auxiliary systems. Among the most interesting proposals in this area are the automatic emergency stop assistant with pedestrian recognition, as well as the system for safely exiting places with limited visibility in reverse.

For its part, Propilot technology shows Nissan's next step towards autonomous driving and can, under certain conditions, take over control of the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel.

The base model is powered by a 1,6-hp 163-liter petrol turbo engine, which is only available in combination with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. In both diesel variants - 1,6-liter with 130 hp. and a two-liter unit with a capacity of 177 hp, which has recently replenished the line. Customers can order dual transmission and continuously variable automatic transmission.

As for the balance between good performance and moderate fuel consumption, the massive X-Trail works most convincingly with the larger of the two diesels on offer. Whether one settles for a manual transmission with precise shifting or prefers the convenience of a CVT is a matter of taste.

Those who will be using the X-Trail as a towing vehicle for towing a trailer are advised to keep in mind that if the model is equipped with a CVT, the maximum weight of the trailer is 350 kg less than the two tons it can tow in the manual version.

Convincing on any surface

X-Trail is not only spacious, but also very comfortable for long journeys. The chassis is tuned for a pleasant ride and does not burden passengers with unnecessary rigidity. On-road behavior is predictable and safe, and off-road performance is very convincing - especially for a model that spends most of its life on asphalt roads.

The ALL MODE 4×4-i intelligent all-wheel drive system also successfully manages the balance between efficiency and good grip - the driver can choose between three modes 2WD, Auto and Lock. As the name implies, the first of them completely transfers the drive power to the front wheels, and when the second is activated, depending on the current situation, the system provides a flexible distribution of torque to both axles - from 100 percent to the front axle to 50 percent to the front and 50 percent to the rear. .

When the situation gets really bad, moving the rotary switch to the locked position "locks" the transmission to the front and rear wheels in a 50x50 ratio.