MOTORING NEWS - Nissan SA has launched the updated version of its X-Trail sport utility vehicle to remain relevant and attractive. First launched locally in 2015, the current X-Trail arrived shortly after the Qashqai was updated.
The much bigger X-Trail was also offered with the option of seven seats, which gave it a slight edge over its Qashqai sibling.
Since 2015, one of the X-Trail's main drawcards was its price. Now the company has taken the cosmetic knife to the model and the updates seem to work fairly well.
The headlights now have LED daytime running lights and the model now has a V-Motion grille.
There are new 17" and 19" wheels, while the tail-lights have been given a smoky, darker look.
The cabin has also been updated, with the infotainment interface and some materials having a good overall tactile quality.
You can still opt for a seven-seat option on the Visia specification or standard on high-specification Tekna variant.
These vehicles include a 2,0-litre petrol with 106kW and 200Nm, a 1,6-litre dCi producing 96kW and 320Nm and a 2,5-litre petrol engine mustering 126kW and 233Nm.
The entry-level model comes with six-speed manual as standard while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered for the 2,5-litre petrol models.
The diesel models are paired to a six-speed manual, which the company says is due to little demand for a diesel automatic in the segment.
Autodealer drove the model at its launch in the Eastern Cape and the 2,5-litre motor performed well at the coast.
The sound of the gearbox takes some getting used to.
My co-driver and I both preferred the diesel options as the most relaxing drive, in spite of it only being offered in manual guise.
It's a great little engine with gutsy performance and exemplary fuel consumption published as 5,1 litre per 100km.
With a comfortable ride quality, the X-Trail is a particularly fuss-free, no-nonsense proposition that should appease a family looking for a spacious mid-size SUV.
Ride quality was particularly good, even over gravel with 19" tyres, while the all-wheel drive did its best to keep traction on the moving surface.
The new model's build quality seemed sound, even while driving over rough terrain.
The Tekna models come with a host of safety functions including blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, cross-traffic warning, forward collision warning and lane-keep assist.
The latter was rather too sensitive and beeped incessantly at the slightest movement of the vehicle towards the lane markings.
You can turn the system off, although you would do well to leave it on if you are driving long distances.
Among its rivals, the X-Trail manages to pull the rug out from under its competitors through its pricing.
Starting at R369 900 and rising to R469 900, it plays in a price spectrum most of its competitors are unable to.
This can be attributed to the company having simplified its range in the segment. If you are looking for utility space at an appealing pricing point, then the X-Trail ticks all the right boxes.
It is advisable to compare with the recently rationalised Kia Sportage which seems to offer comparable value, in particular the entry-level 1,7 turbo-diesel variant.
The segment continues to be oversubscribed by various models, but this is a good thing for consumers.
To stand out from the crowd, a manufacturer has to ensure it has the best possible offering in the segment, and this largely equates to best value for money. The Nissan X-Trail offers that in spades.
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