Nissan X-TRAIL 2007 Review - International

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0 
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0 
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
If you're wondering why the new Nissan X-TRAIL doesn't look so new it's because the company believes its years-old compact SUV formula didn't have to change too much.

Nissan says it wasn't forced to follow rivals Honda and Toyota with their city-duty CR-V and RAV4 because it now has the Dualis crossover in the role of high-riding compact softroader. Problem is, now that page boy duties can be left to Dualis, the 'tougher' X-TRAIL's offroad ability is under the spotlight.

The X-TRAIL already has a good reputation for its light duty offroad efforts. Unlike other compact SUVs it has a real four-wheel drive system, which Nissan has enhanced for the new model by adding up and downhill assistance features, now staples in off-road systems.

Its restyle is subtle but Nissan has revised and fortified X-TRAIL for the new model. New X-TRAIL is bigger in all dimensions and uses partner Renault's C-platform, which Nissan says gives its littlest offroader better on road manners.

The X-TRAIL is also more 'civilian' inside, with extra space, features and higher quality materials for the interior treatments, while maintaining all of its robust selling points which made the competent compact SUV popular among parents and fun seekers everywhere.

Pricing and exact specifications will be announced at October's Australian International Motor Show but expect to add around 2 per cent over the outgoing model's price before runout discounts are applied.

Initially, at least, Australians will be offered just one of four engine options available internationally for new X-TRAIL. We’ll get the "old favourite" 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which has been revised yielding a slight increase in performance (see Mechanical below).

The new model is offered with a revised six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic options in the previous X-TRAIL.

New X-TRAIL uses an updated version of the four-wheel-drive system used in the outgoing model now called ALL MODE 4X4-I, featuring 'smart' hill start and descent assistance functions.

Base model X-TRAILs come with 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels while up-spec models have six-spoke 17-inch alloys. The Australian model X-TRAIL will come with full-sized spare.

New X-TRAIL's standard equipment list includes Bluetooth connectivity, CD-player and auto air-conditioning. Options such as 'Hyper' roof rails, leather seats and auto lights and wipers should make it to local X-TRAILs, but we won't be offered sat-nav, reversing camera or keyless entry.

We expect local X-TRAILs will follow a similar spec line to the outgoing model's ST, Ti and Ti-L options but wait 'til Nissan Australia releases full specification details at the Australian International Motor Show in October for confirmation.

MECHANICAL
The new X-TRAIL is offered with three new engines overseas, including low and high-output Renault-sourced 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines, and a new Nissan-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine as used by the Dualis.

The turbodiesel four-cylinder, known as M1D, comes in two states of tune: 110kW/320Nm and 127kW/360Nm. The 2.0-litre petrol four is rated at 104kW/196Nm.

The fourth engine option, which Australia sees as a solus offering (for the moment at least), is the same 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder powering the outgoing model. The engine has undergone some revisions for its re-release including the adoption of twin chain-driven counter-rotating balancer shafts for refinement but gains only a nominal increase in output: 124kW at 6000rpm and 233Nm at 4400rpm (up from 123kW at 6000rpm and 230Nm at the 4400rpm).

Nissan says it focused on the 2.5-litre petrol engine's low to mid-range torque in an effort to maintain similar characteristics while towing as the 70kg (approx) lighter outgoing model. The manual X-TRAIL's maximum braked trailer tow rating is 2000kg.

X-TRAIL comes standard with a six-speed manual, formerly available on overseas models but replacing the five-speed version offered in Australia. The manual was revised for the latest model X-TRAIL with a new gear shape design and surface finishing which Nissan claims makes the gearbox 30 per cent quieter.

The 2.5-litre X-TRAIL is also offered with continuously variable transmission with manual override. The 'M-CVT' has six set 'ratios' that can be accessed manually, "motorcycle style" says Nissan.

New X-TRAIL is based on the Nissan-Renault alliance C-platform, shared with the upcoming Dualis crossover and uses strut-type front suspension and multi-link rear. The multi-link system has been repositioned for the new model, now attached via a rear sub-frame which has reduced intrusion of the struts into the rear cargo area.

X-TRAIL's ALL MODE four-wheel-drive system is now 'intelligent', using sensors which monitor G forces, yaw rates and steering angles (to ensure ideal distribution of engine torque). The system detects loss of traction based on throttle position and wheelspin, and transfers as much as 50 per cent torque to the rear. In normal conditions X-TRAIL is front-drive.

The new ALL MODE-I system features Downhill Drive Support (DDS) and Uphill Start Support (USS), engaged when the system is in 'Lock' (50-50 torque split) mode. The downhill system controls vehicle speed and uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain descent at around 7km/h. The DSS also works in reverse.

The uphill assistance system works in all conditions on an incline of more than 10 per cent, preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards for a moment to help manual drivers move from brake to throttle pedal.

The Lock mode will disengage if the car is restarted or travelling at speeds over 40km/h, reverting to the system's default Auto mode. Drivers can also select two-wheel drive only.

X-TRAIL gets disc brakes all round and electric power steering.

PACKAGING
New X-TRAIL is bigger in all dimensions. At 4630mm, it is longer by 175mm than the previous model, including a 5mm-longer wheelbase at 2630mm. It is 10mm taller, at 1685mm, and 20mm wider at 1785mm.

Nissan has made clever use of new X-TRAIL's added cargo space, availed by the repositioning of the rear suspension and exhaust muffler (now fixed vertically), to incorporate a 'double floor' design with extra underfloor storage and drawer storage in the rear. The new model retains X-TRAIL's reclining rear backrest but features a 40-20-40 split-fold seat for long items.

Nissan says X-TRAIL has class-leading load capacity, claiming a maximum 1773 litres with the rear seats folded and the new rigid plastic false floor removed. The false floor is hinged but the tailgate must be opened for access to the storage compartments and drawer beneath. Cargo space is 1649 litres with the floor in place, and 603 litres with the rear seats upright.

New X-TRAIL's interior has been upgraded with the use of better quality, 'soft-feel' materials and plastics, and lighter colour scheme for the interior's two-tone treatment. X-TRAIL's spacious cabin benefits from the makeover in looks and comfort, complete with cooled cupholders for front and now rear passengers.

Apart from a rear cargo tonneau cover, the soft feel stops behind the seats, in exchange for X-TRAIL's waterproof, easy-clean surface that's a favourite among campers and the like. Nissan's head of marketing in Europe told The Carsales Network: "Customers said they would stop buying the car when we suggested putting carpet in the cargo area!"

Nissan says response to customer research on returning the driver instrumentation behind the steering wheel, rather than centre-mounted as in the previous model, was split 50-50. Sensibly, it opted to return the instrument cluster to its rightful place for the new X-TRAIL, moving the dash-top 'document box' to the centre.

SAFETY
New X-TRAIL is 30 per cent stiffer than the outgoing model, according to Nissan, and has a ribbed roof for added strength. The company also says the C-platform offers better stability.

X-TRAIL's active safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

X-TRAIL comes with six airbags including dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, thorax side airbags mounted in the front seats and curtain airbags.

COMPETITORS
Leaving Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 to the city, X-TRAIL's more sturdy opponents include Subaru Forester, Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute and Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Outlander, Forester and Suzuki Grand Vitara are closest to X-TRAIL on price -- at least at the projected levels for the new X-TRAIL.

The compact SUV field also includes Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson and, notably, Hyundai Santa Fe which comes with a turbodiesel. To say buyers are spoiled for choice in this category is somewhat of an understatement.

Once local pricing and specifications are announced it’ll be easier to judge where the new X-TRAIL sits in the pecking order. We’ve little doubt, however, it will remain a favourite of those that actually indulge in a touch of off-bitumen work, rather than just buy the vehicle for its elevated driving position and (relatively) compact wagon proportions.

The engine hustles the X-TRAIL's 1500kg-plus (70kg heavier than the outgoing model) bulk along proficiently. It is strong off the line and reasonably brisk on its way to open road speeds but quick overtaking or hilly cornering needs plenty of gearbox work.

Fortunately, both transmission units are up to the task: the six-speed manual is smooth and light, while the CVT's manual mode is fuss-free, affording good engine response between its six speeds. Its otherwise fully automatic mode is best left to city street runs.

Steering is somewhat heavy in the 4WD system's default Auto mode, noticeably lighter when the system is switched to two-wheel drive. X-TRAIL handles hard cornering like any other SUV with offroad, rather than sporting, aspirations and prefers a conservative approach to turns. That said body roll is well controlled. It's one of the more wieldy of the current crop.

Some harmless-looking potholes made surprisingly loud crashes up front but otherwise X-TRAIL is well-mannered and comfortable on road. Settings for suspension ride, which was on the soft side for the Euro-spec cars on launch, may have to toughen up for Aussie roads, however.

The launch route included a few kilometres of coarse gravel roads shared with Greek goatherders. Left in Auto mode the X-TRAIL was surefooted despite the loose surface, twists and deep ruts. Ground clearance is 200mm; approach angle is 29deg and departure 23deg -- this compares to 28deg and 25deg respectively for the outgoing X-TRAIL.

A small-scale offroad track was arranged to demonstrate X-TRAIL's abilities including the 4X4 system's "hill helpers". The uphill assistance system holds braking for around four seconds, while the downhill version maintains a composed descent but doesn't have variable speed control.

X-TRAIL's cabin is comfortable and quiet, keeping out most road noise. The seats are flat but supportive over the long haul. The leather treatment available for seating, as fitted to the cars on launch, is high quality and attractive.

Vision is good despite the longer rear cabin 'cave' but short owners may want reversing assistance, even if we can't expect the Euro-only rear camera. The cargo area features new raised ribs but rear baggage kept moving about in corners.

Nissan's figures (not ADR 81/01) for consumption are 9.6lt/100km for the CVT-equipped model and 0.3lt less for the manual. Official Australian-only results will have to wait with other Oz X-TRAIL details, 'til October.

Nissan makes no apologies for maintaining X-TRAIL's straightforward looks, arguing its time-tested styling appeases a loyal buyer following and keeps appearances along Nissan's 4WD family line. This makes sense and looks good enough to us, but we're not sure about the petrol-only tactic. There's still time to change Nissan Australia's mind…

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