Nissan X-Trail. Trust but verify

Nissan X-Trail. Price: from $33,320. On sale: soon.

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

The compact SUV X-Trail became one of the most successful models of Nissan. And all because it turned out to be the right car at the right time. The new X-Trail, as shown by the test trials conducted in Greece, has preserved and enhanced the best features of its predecessor.

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Five continents. One hundred and seventy countries. More than eight hundred thousand cars sold. Here is the geographical statistics of the sensation that the first-generation X-Trail produced over its seven years of life. And although with such results one could long exploit the inertia of success, time demands change.

Marketing "sighting" at customer opinions showed that the client is quite satisfied with the "hero of our time" and recommends "not to look for good from good." Therefore, solving the seemingly unsolvable problem of generational continuity, the creators of the new X-Trail took not a revolutionary but an evolutionary path.

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Despite the fact that their creation is a hundred percent new, in essence it is a product of rethinking, adjustment, and correction of the nuances of the previous model. Here he is, the Nissan recruit — basking in the bright sun of the Greek hinterland. Here, on the border with Albania, the kingdom of gigantic mountains. The rough asphalt serpentines of the route offered by the organizers, seasoned with rocky off-road, persistently beckon to the journey. However, consciousness suppresses the urge to get behind the wheel as quickly as possible and requires first to conduct a visual analysis of the new model. "Scanning" the painfully familiar appearance, a close look one by one fixes the signature features of the current model: high-tech head optics, an elongated rear, a modified rear roof pillar... In general, every body panel was developed anew, but it is done so unobtrusively that in the appearance of the new X-Trail one unmistakably discerns family kinship with its predecessor.

Built on the universal C-segment platform of the Renault-Nissan alliance, the current X-Trail has outgrown its spiritual mentor. But not by much, that is, it has retained compactness. With this arrangement, the interior cannot be called royal chambers. But it would be a sin to complain. The luggage compartment has significantly increased in volume and now, having the best indicator in its class, is capable of accommodating much more various utensils. Moreover, the cargo area has a two-level floor. Moving the instrument panel from the center of the dashboard to the traditional place in front of the driver made it possible to place the rear-view camera display and navigation system in the upper part of the central console. Now, being behind the wheel, you feel at ease, especially since the location of buttons and switches raises no complaints. Neat owners are guaranteed order in the car: there are many spacious compartments for small items in the cabin. Moreover, the central box (also the armrest) is equipped with a cooling function in case of storing drinks there. And four of the six cup holders (two at the edges of the front panel and two in front of the rear seats) can both cool and warm drinks. All traditional amenities, such as a high-quality audio system or a "weather" installation, are present in full in the new X-Trail.

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Now it is time to start the 2.5-liter gasoline engine under the hood (for the new X-Trail, three more new engines are also provided: a 2-liter gasoline and a pair of turbodiesels; however, the latter two are not destined for Russia). Known from the previous generation car, only after modernization it has become a bit more powerful and torquier, this balanced in all respects unit briskly pulls the 1600-kilogram car during acceleration. The engine clearly does not suffer from a lack of power. Their number is a compromise between power and efficiency. As a result of a ten-second sprint, the speedometer records 100 km/h, after which there are still plenty of reserves for further acceleration. At the same time, acceleration occurs surprisingly smoothly, thanks to the continuously variable automatic transmission. The car tries to cling to the surface of the asphalt highway with the persistence of a maniac. Although, given its versatility, this is not easy for it. During tense 180-degree turns or during an unintentional lane change provoked by the abundance of turtles crossing the road, the rear axle begins to noticeably drift.

Activating the automatic all-wheel drive mode somewhat softens the situation. But in any case, on the path of dangerous development of events stands the anti-skid system, dormant until then. The new X-Trail steers quite confidently. It cannot be said that the power-assisted steering is as "transparent" as, for example, the informative and therefore very understandable brakes, but it allows you to write a trajectory without significant errors. The completely redesigned fully independent suspension swallows all road imperfections without choking. However, it truly reveals itself when you leave the asphalt. On a rocky dirt road strewn with boulders about fifteen centimeters high, you can move painlessly at road pace, practically on the verge of traction properties. And only overly treacherous potholes respond in the suspension with hard impacts. Despite the fact that in essence the X-Trail is a "parket" SUV, it copes excellently with most possible obstacles. The engine's potential is enough everywhere, the two-hundred-millimeter ground clearance — in most cases. To assist the All Mode-i 4x4 all-wheel drive system, the new X-Trail has a couple of very useful additional functions. This is a hill descent control system, with which the car itself maintains a speed of 7 km/h regardless of the steepness of the slope. And there is also a hill start assist system.

The new Nissan X-Trail has shown itself to be a fine fellow. In general, a universal vehicle suitable for all occasions. With such an arsenal, its prices, starting from $33,320 (2.0 engine) and from $36,920 (2.5 engine), do not seem biting. And, it seems, the new model will have many fans.

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Driving
On paved roads, it demonstrates handling similar to a passenger car. Off-road, it is obedient and reliable.

Interior
Well-planned, spacious, well-equipped. Distinguished by thoughtful ergonomics of controls.

Comfort
A fairly high level, especially in top versions.

Safety
The equipment with active and passive safety means and the body design suggest a high degree of passenger protection.

Price
Adequate to the capabilities and qualities of the car.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Predictable handling, good off-road qualities, spacious interior.
- Not too much space for rear passengers, low informativeness of steering.

Our opinion

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

The new Nissan X-Trail is a successful car. A worthy successor to the first-generation model. It demonstrates good manners when driving on paved roads. It behaves confidently off-road. Moderately comfortable. Decently equipped. In a word, the new X-Trail is worth its money.

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso

2007 Nissan X-Trail
© Photo: 5 Koleso