Nissan has unveiled an all-new version of its X-Trail SUV with chunky styling, seven seats in some models and electrified powertrains across the board.
The new X-Trail is an altogether more imposing car than the previous model, looking better placed to take on the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander. The Nissan's new styling is more muscular than before, with the front-end now featuring a bigger grille framed by separate headlights and daytime running light units that sweep around the wings along the shut-line of the bonnet in a reminiscent fashion to the Nissan's electric Ariya.
Flexible interior
Nissan's use of the versatile CMF-C Alliance platform that underpins everything from vans to MPVs to SUVs from Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi and even Mercedes has resulted in a spacious and flexible interior available in both five- and seven-seat combinations.
The second row of seats get their own heating and air conditioning controls, as well as USB type-A and C outlets for charging devices. Splitting 60:40, there's also a central hatch to facilitate long loads such as skis or, perhaps more commonly in Ireland, timber or shelving from the hardware shop or garden centre.
That optional pair of seats in the rear folds out of the boot floor, and both seats are designed to accommodate occupants up to 160cm tall (about five foot two) with the second row of seats sliding forward to give those further back a bit more legroom. When those rear seats aren't in use, total boot space is a competitive 585 litres.
In front of the driver sits a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel displaying things like the car's speed, but also navigational information. As well as the instrument panel, an optional 10.8-inch head-up display relays navigation, driver assistance and other information to the driver. Another 12.3-inch screen crowns the centre of the dashboard, which is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
Hybrid systems
Two different types of hybrid systems power the new X-Trail, though it's the first kind, the e-Power system, that Nissan anticipates will be the biggest seller. The X-Trail e-Power is a series hybrid meaning that although there's a petrol engine (in this case a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit), it only functions as a generator to charge the batteries that supply power to the 204hp electric motor driving the front wheels.
The big benefit of systems like this is that by delegating demand for driven power to the electric motor, the engine can operate at an efficient constant and isn't subject to the need for sudden large gulps of fuel due to, say, an overtaking manoeuvre. The result is a quieter, more efficient car, with the fast, linear torque of an electric vehicle. Another benefit is the ability for such a system to offer one-pedal driving similarly to an electric car, allowing drivers to accelerate and brake using the accelerator pedal alone, removing some of the strain from stop-start driving (Read our review of the same system in the Nissan Qashqai).
Also using the e-Power system is an all-wheel-drive model that employs a 94kW electric motor in the rear to deliver torque much more quickly to the rear wheels than a mechanical four-wheel-drive system could and more traction in trickier conditions.
As well as the series hybrid models, the X-Trail will also be launched in mild-hybrid form using the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine as the e-Power models, but with the engine sending 163hp directly to the front wheels, with the 12-volt hybrid system helping with power delivery, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Nissan Ireland expects the X-Trail to arrive in time for the '231' registration prefix in January 2023. Irish pricing for the new X-Trail has yet to be confirmed.