Nissan X-Trail. Tough nut to crack.

Nissan X-Trail. Tough Nut

"Following in the footsteps of such a successful model as the X-Trail is far from an easy task, especially considering that customers asked us to keep the concept without significant changes. But the updated X-Trail is a perfect example of evolutionary transformation, where the improvement of key functional characteristics equally impresses both new and existing customers," - this is how Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President of Nissan, described the second generation of the SUV during the presentation. It is in this dry formulation that all the tremendous work done by the development team before we saw the new X-Trail in person is hidden.

It would seem, why would a renowned Japanese automaker be interested in customer opinions? Business is going quite well anyway, models sell like hot cakes. Since 2000, when the first version of the SUV appeared, more than 800,000 units have been sold. Conservative Europe consumed almost half. The main buyers of this product turned out to be middle-aged family men who managed to have children, higher education, and, accordingly, a decent salary, who, as a rule, are very sensitive to serious upheavals (be it divorce, job change, or searching for another car). This alone promises quite decent profits. However, Nissan's marketers, seriously aiming for leadership in the class, conducted special research, surveyed a bunch of customers, and... the old X-Trail was restyled.

The automaker decided that it was time to gain a certain credit of trust from "regular" customers. The fact is that according to forecasts, the market expects an increase in the share of compact SUVs to 10%, so any miscalculation could be, literally, fatal.

So, the new X-Trail has become more masculine and mature: classic, strict contours, reasonable ground clearance, minimal overhangs, fenders emphasizing the body design, huge side mirrors, roof and door opening contours. It initially looked more brutal than its main competitors - RAV4 or the Grand Vitara, which was rejuvenated two years ago, while maintaining more or less acceptable off-road qualities, they completely moved away from the "jeep" style. Moreover, it has grown in all directions, which means it has become even more spacious and practical.

It seems that the Japanese are still being disingenuous about the unanimous conservatism of their customers, because the engineers completely changed the interior. Firstly, they abandoned the central placement of the instrument panel, which, according to the vice president of Nissan's European division, was dictated not so much by the desire to return to the traditional design for such cars, but by the need to place a modern navigation system monitor on the central console. It is not available to domestic buyers, though (even as additional equipment). But it's not worth redoing the entire interior because of a single specification, especially since the Japanese have already tried hard for us. According to the management of the company's Russian representative office, they not only refined the main components and units, adapting them to our winters, but also completely changed the interior color scheme, which was initially dominated by cream and sand shades so disliked by domestic motorists. As a result, Russian managers and Japanese designers agreed on a calm dark color scheme, which, you must agree, is much more practical in our latitudes. Otherwise, it is difficult to make reasoned claims against the interior of the new X-Trail.

So, from the inside, the new SUV has become fresher and more spacious. Comfortable front seats equipped with all possible adjustments can be tailored to anyone. There will be plenty of space in the second row even for three adult passengers. The only caveat is height. As on any other similar SUV, the rear seat cushion is located slightly higher than the front seat cushions, so people over 190 cm will feel some discomfort. However, given the ability to adjust the backrest tilt, it's not that scary. Among other things, the interior of the second X-Trail has many additional storage compartments for small items, among which it is worth noting several cup holders that are cooled (!) by the air conditioner, but much more relevant, in my opinion, is the appearance under the false floor of the trunk of a special pull-out drawer (option), where about 40 liters of various cargo can be easily placed. Its installation, however, is accompanied by a slight reduction in the useful volume of the compartment itself.

But enough talk about comfort! An SUV is primarily an SUV, and only then a car for asphalt. It would be foolish to assume that when developing a new generation of the car, the Japanese treated the off-road capability of their creation carelessly. The first thing they seriously worked on is the body rigidity, which, as you understand, is very important. If we talk about global changes, the second X-Trail "stood" on a new platform previously used on the Nissan Qashqai, while receiving refined suspensions and an intelligent all-wheel drive system All Mode 4x4-i. Let's dwell on the latter in more detail. From a control point of view, it practically does not differ from the previous version. Using a switch on the central console, the driver can choose between front-wheel drive, automatically connected, and permanent all-wheel drive (the center differential lock mode is used off-road, but only works at speeds not exceeding 40 km/h). What the first and third are for, probably, does not need explanation, but the second one is worth discussing separately. Thanks to the latest technical changes, the second mode is activated by default even at startup. In this case, the system independently regulates the traction transmitted to the axles, transferring up to 50% of the torque to the rear as needed. In addition, the All Mode 4x4-i system also provides a prediction mode that allows assessing the risk of wheel slip based on the analysis of the throttle position, engine torque, and information from the numerous sensors it uses, which makes it possible to prevent moments of loss of traction of the front wheels with the road by engaging the rear axle in advance.

Two more additional functions that the All Mode 4x4-i has been equipped with are hill start and descent assist systems. And given their presence, "off-road driving" in this car will be a real pleasure. The main thing is that your desires coincide with its capabilities, since, despite quite decent potential, this is far from a Patrol or even a Pathfinder. At the same time, it does not matter which of the two petrol engines will be under the hood of your car (2-liter 141-horsepower or 2.5-liter with a power of 169 hp), since both of these units will cope with the task without any problems. It is enough to note that about 90% of the torque in both cases is available already at 2000 rpm.

But on asphalt, the more temperamental engine wins over its sibling in all respects, at least if both are equipped with the proprietary CVT. Up to "hundred" they go almost identically: the dynamics are not impressive, but pleasing, it is worth noting almost car-like handling and stability uncharacteristic for such bulky cars. However, after 120, the less voluminous engine begins to "choke", so it is better to start high-speed overtaking in such a car with a small handicap. By the way, with a 6-speed "manual" this car turned out to be much more lively. True, it seems to me that few of the sedate fathers will want to "cut loose" in such a car - it was created for something else. But, if we still compare the new X-Trail with its closest competitors, it drives better, more confidently, and more sedately, which, in general, we expected from it. However, sales will show.

Technical specifications:

Magazine "Autogid" August 31, 2007 No. 31(31)

Source – AUTOMANIA.RU