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.
At the same time as enhancing its predecessor’s go-anywhere credibility, new X-Trail takes inspiration from Nissan’s market-leading crossovers – Qashqai, Juke and Murano – to create the ultimate, all-weather, highly-capable, modern family vehicle.
New X-Trail is just as tough and accomplished as the previous-generation model, but adds crossover style and efficiency, exciting design, innovative technology and exceptional comfort to set a new benchmark in the fiercely-competitive C-SUV market.
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.
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.
New X-Trail in detail
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.
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 kilogrammes of luggage, or 75 kilogrammes 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.
In addition, access to the luggage area has also been made as easy as possible with remote operation of the power tailgate.
The result is a dynamic mix of progressive exterior styling with a spacious, functional and high-quality interior.
Technology
New X-Trail will be one of the most advanced cars on the road when sales start next year. Fully connected, X-Trail is the first model to benefit from the latest-generation NissanConnect in-car navigation, information and entertainment system. Drivers will also benefit from a comprehensive suite of assistance features that make up the X-Trail’s Nissan Safety Shield system.
As has become expected practice from Nissan, all the features have practical benefits to make life easier for the driver and occupants.
New NissanConnect is one of the foremost examples of Nissan’s engineering innovation. In its latest form, NissanConnect has evolved to offer Smartphone connectivity, to keep owners connected to the outside world wherever their journey takes them.
With access to a projected range of apps covering music, social networking, entertainment and travel through a seven-inch colour touch screen, the new NissanConnect is a the perfect fit for new X-Trail.
The latest generation satellite navigation integrates with Google to reveal a host of useful information from weather forecasts to the location of fuel stations, hotels, restaurants and many other points of interest. The ever-popular send-to-car function also allows drivers to plan a trip at home and send it to their in-car NissanConnect system at the click of a button. The system includes Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone integration as well as Aux-in and USB slots.
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.
In the ‘default’ Auto mode, the system constantly monitors throttle opening, engine speed and torque to anticipate wheel spin and to distribute torque between front and rear axles as needed, at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Above that speed, the system reacts to wheelspin, again shifting drive rearwards to restore traction as required. For tricky conditions and at low speeds, Lock gives new X-Trail permanent four-wheel drive, while drivers also have the option of a two-wheel drive only version.
Ready to exceed the expectations of compact SUV drivers, four electronic systems have been designed to make life with X-Trail more comfortable and even safer: two are world firsts and a third is currently found on the premium Infiniti M.
The 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.
Finally new X-Trail benefits from Uphill Start Support and Advance Hill Descent Control.
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.
Engineering innovation will also allowed new X-Trail to lead its class in terms of engine efficiency thanks to downsizing. By reducing power sapping friction in its drivetrains, new X-Trail provides excellent performance from the latest generation of downsized engines, providing the pace of a bigger powerplant with the economy and emissions of a smaller one.
Further details of new X-Trail engine and model line-up will be released closer to the car’s on sale date in Europe next year.