More kit and comfort from Nissan comes at a price

January 27, 2012

Nissan’s second generation X-Trail gets a cleaner, stronger engine, more kit, more comfort and convenience.

It also costs more too, but it is now a refined machine with looks, build quality and performance to match. Nissan’s All-Mode 4x4 system is more capable off-road than many of its rivals, making it a surprisingly good performer.

The range has been streamlined to Acenta and Tekna specifications and the much cleaner two-litre diesel now packs 171hp with a revised six-speed manual ‘box. Auto box fans only get 150hp.

We managed 39.6mpg over a heavy week’s motoring with the six-speed manual, which is a bit off Nissan’s own mid-40s figure for the combined cycle, but we would expect it to improve as the engine loosens up with use.

Those extra horses also come with a noticeable amount of extra low-down grunt, delivering a refined, strong performance.

Our Tekna model was filled with goodies, including xenon headlamps, panoramic sunroof, heated leather seats, privacy glass, premium HDD sound system with a music server, USB input, Bose audio system and rear-view camera, which makes trailer hitching a doddle. It can handle a braked trailer load of 2,200kg.

There is plenty of storage around the cabin, including a lidded cubby on top of the dashboard and deep door pockets.

Does it tick all the boxes? Not quite in the cargo department: while there is a useful amount of extra pull-out storage under the boot floor, the shiny plastic surface of the load floor allows anything you put in there to slide about easier than a cow on a slurry-coated concrete yard. Everything needs strapping down, and tie-down points are not two-a-penny.

Did it need the improvements? Given the choice buyers face in the 4x4 sector, Nissan needs to find new ways of pampering off-road buyers if the X-Trail is to remain a farming favourite.