FULL details on all the refinements and improvements to the world’s best-selling SUV, the Nissan X-Trail, have been released ahead of its arrival in dealerships in August.
With a robust exterior redesign and higher-quality interior, the new X-Trail comes with a host of new technologies including ProPILOT autonomous drive.
The enhancements come as a response to consumer insight and customer feedback, and have been designed to reinforce the X-Trail’s position as the perfect car for family adventures.
On the outside, the X-Trails characteristics are retained but have a bolder edge — with Nissan’s latest ‘V-motion’ grille at the centre. Either side are new headlamp clusters, with much clearer design differentiation between the halogen units on Visia, Acenta and N-Connecta grades and full LEDs on Tekna. Both feature a contemporary new version of the X-Trail’s ‘boomerang’ Daytime Running Light signature.
For models with full LED lamps, dipped beam now features Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), providing better visibility on corners, while on high beam the beam patter is now wider than before.
The front fog lamps have evolved. Cleverly integrated into the new front bumper, they have changed from a round shape to a rectangular one. They are standard from Acenta grade.
Parking sensors on the front and rear are now flush to the bumpers, for a sleeker appearance, while the rear of the X-Trail features a redesigned bumper and rear lamp signature.
The biggest change to the profile of the new X-Trail is the addition of a chrome side moulding across the base of the two doors, creating a more dynamic appearance (standard on Tekna grade).
A new range of 17-inch (Visia and Acenta) and 18-inch (N-Connecta and Tekna) alloy wheels, are now fitted as standard, with the existing 19-inch wheels (optional on Tekna) carried over from the previous model.
The upgrades have resulted in a very slight change to the overall length of the car – an increase of 50mm — while six of the eight existing exterior colours have been carried over, with four vibrant new additional shades added; Monarch Orange, Palatial Ruby, Sapphire Blue and Picador Brown.
Inside, there’s a whole range of improvement with a D-shaped steering wheel with a smaller central hub for better instrument visibility, and new four-way controllers. Whether customers select the five or seven-seat version of the X-Trail, the leather upholstery that’s standard on Tekna grade features enhanced quilting to create more defined seat contours.
Heated seats for both front and rear occupants (not third row) are new, and standard on Tekna grade. For customers seeking something different, a new tan and black two-tone leather interior is available as an optional extra on Tekna.
The new X-Trail has a wider range of interior door trims to distinguish the different grades, while the central armrest storage area has been redesigned. On models with the CVT XTronic automatic transmission, the gear selector has been restyled and features a new leather-style gaiter.
Another new addition is hands-free functionality for the electric tailgate, while the boot is larger than before, with an increase of 15 litres to 565 litres on the five-seat version. Capacity on seven-seat interiors (445 litres) remains unchanged. Total space with all seats folded flat increases to 1,996 litres.
In terms of entertainment and connectivity, DAB digital radio is standard for the first time from October, while the NissanConnect touch-screen satellite navigation unit (standard from N-Connecta,) features a smart new user interface that’s more app-like in appearance. Where NissanConnect is fitted there is a ‘shark fin’ roof antenna for improved reception.
Additionally, the Tekna grade of the new X-Trail comes with a BOSE Premium Audio eight-speaker system as standard.
Among the new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies on the X-Trail are Rear Cross Traffic Alert, for safety when reversing out of a parking space, Pedestrian Recogition to add to the Intelligent Emergency Braking system, and Stand Still Assist to complement Hill Start Assist, which holds the car in a stationary position for up to three minutes, after which time the parking brake is automatically activated.
From 2018, the X-Trail will also be available with ProPILOT, which will control the steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane on highways during heavy traffic congestion and high-speed cruising.
The X-Trail continues to be offered with numerous other safety technologies including Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Park Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Warning — maintaining its 2014 five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The range of three efficient engines also remains, including the 2.0-litre 177PS diesel launched in 2016. It means customers have the choice of petrol or high and low-powered diesel, six-speed manual or CVT XTronic automatic transmissions, and two or four-wheel drive to meet every type of customer need.
Every new Nissan X-Trail comes with six airbags as standard, plus driver assistance systems including anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control. Other standard equipment includes cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity, manual air-conditioning, electric folding / heated door mirrors and alloy wheels.
Depending on the grade chosen, other available features include an opening panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, privacy glass, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and roof rails.
Additional options include exterior styling plates and side styling bars. Genuine Nissan accessories include a dog guard, roof bars and a fixed towbar with electric hook-up
Philippe Saillard, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Nissan Europe, commented: “Demand for crossovers is growing all the time, and for the Nissan X-Trail to be the number one for global sales is a huge honour. With these enhancements, the new X-Trail is delivering more of what our customers want. The Nissan X-Trail is the perfect car for family adventures.”
