All-new X-Trail raises the bar

Nissan’s fourth generation X-Trail is here.

It’s structurally more rigid, more aerodynamically efficient, introduces a host of new active and passive safety features, has a revised cabin layout with premium features and materials and introduces a raft of new technical aids including adaptive cruise control and more standard additions to the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine lifts power by 9kW to 135kW, with torque boosted by 18Nm to 244Nm and five drive modes: Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sports.

No mention of the hybrid e-POWER which is supposed to be arriving early next year, along with the smaller hybrid Qashqai.

Available in five- or seven-seat versions, the all-new model is slightly shorter than before (4680mm) but is wider (+20mm to 1840mm), taller (+15mm to 1725mm) and provides more rear legroom, with larger door openings for easier access — but a slightly smaller luggage capacity.

The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2705mm.

Towing capability is up too, to 2000kg, with Trailer Sway Control standard equipment.

An all-LED slimline lighting package front and rear, with bright multi-reflector LEDs for high and low beam driving and wraparound boomerang-shaped tail lights, complements Nissan’s signature-V-motion brand identity across all models.

Adaptive beam matrix lighting, which splits the headlight beams into 12 individually controlled segments, appears on Ti and Ti-L models.

Inside there’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.8-inch widescreen head-up display.

X-Trail ST gains a 7.0-inch driver infot panel and 8.0-inch central display with DAB+ digital radio and six speakers, upgraded to a 10-speaker Bose audio system on the Ti-L and above.