Muscular, modern and packed with technology, the new Nissan X-Trail has made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Building on Nissan’s respected 4×4 heritage but adding world-leading crossover know-how, the new X-Trail redefines the compact SUV segment.
A hugely important car for Nissan, X-Trail will be built at nine different manufacturing sites around the world for a vast array of markets, with other market versions also revealed today. After its global reveal, new X-Trail will be launched in the first quarter of 2014 with worldwide sales starting in July 2014. Globally, its predecessor was one of the company’s biggest selling vehicles and the new version is expected to make a significant contribution to Nissan Power 88, the company’s mid-term business plan covering fiscal years 2011-2016.
Design
The design brief behind new X-Trail was to blend the sleek and stylish lines of a modern crossover with the robust appeal of a typical SUV. In place of the rugged, squared off lines of the previous generation, new X-Trail has a premium and dynamic appearance.
Sculptured muscular lines create a distinctive silhouette framed by elegant curves and high wheel arches and feature a number of Nissan signature cues such as the ‘boomerang’ rear lights, structured headlights with LED daytime running lamps and the characteristic D-pillar shape. LED headlights – for both high and low beams – are standard on high grade models while 19-inch alloy wheels also give new X-Trail an imposing look.
Inside, premium features include chrome, geometric metallic and piano black finishes. Options include a sophisticated cloth fabric covering plus a full leather offering with contrasting stitch accents. The spacious interior has theatre-style seating and the option of two extra seats to make room for seven inside.
Practical touches include rear side doors that open to almost 80 degrees – far wider than normal – to allow not just easy access but also to ease the loading and unloading of a child’s safety seat. Middle row seat comfort has been improved thanks to extra knee room generated by the longer wheelbase and the new front seats having more heavily sculpted seat backs.
The middle row seats recline and slide while, where fitted, the third row folds forward to increase luggage space.
Helpful touches include, for example, a large between-the-seats console box. The box itself is large enough to take an iPad or 10-inch tablet.
The versatility pioneered in the previous model goes further in new X-Trail thanks to a smart and innovative double load floor providing flexible storage options. The cargo area can be portioned into upper and lower areas in a simple single-handed move. In its top most position, the board can hold up to 10 kilograms of luggage, or 75 kilograms in its lower position. This split cargo solution enables the user to store, for example, a stroller and large items below while creating a fully usable upper load surface for smaller, lighter items.
Chassis
In keeping with the class leading standards set by the previous generation model, new X-Trail adopts Nissan’s advanced electronic four-wheel drive system, ALL MODE 4x4i. Controlled via a rotary switch on the centre console, it offers a choice between two-wheel drive, Auto mode or Lock offering permanent four-wheel drive.
Two world firsts are Active Ride Control and Active Engine Brake. Active Ride Control monitors the road surface to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the car body and alters the damping to compensate. Active Engine Brake, meanwhile, harnesses the power and controllability of the Xtronic transmission to add a degree of engine braking while cornering or when decelerating to a standstill. The benefits are greater braking control and enhanced feel with less pedal effort.
The third system, pioneered in the premium segment, is Active Trace Control. By using on board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle opening and braking effort, Active Trace Control brakes wheels individually, as required, to reduce understeer and help the driver steer a safer path through bends: it is particularly effective on slippery, wet roads.
Drivetrain
During new X-Trail’s development, refinement, environment and economy targets were to be best in class.
This has been achieved on all counts by reducing weight wherever possible, even though new X-Trail has a larger surface area than the previous model. The tailgate, for example, is largely plastic, saving seven kilograms.
A great deal of attention has been paid to the car’s aerodynamics with carefully shaped door mirrors, and even a spoiler that covers the exhaust box and rear panel.
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