New from the ground up, with the latest Nissan X-Trail it's all about more: more interior space, comfort, refinement, and equipment than its predecessor.

And it's about improvement: new engines improve driveability, economy and emissions levels; interior styling is improved and passenger and pedestrian safety are, yes, improved.

New from the ground up

New from the ground up, the latest Nissan X-Trail shares its platform with the recently launched Qashqai. So the new model is larger than before: its wheelbase has increased to 2630mm, while overall length has grown by 175mm to 4360mm. Much of this extra length can be found in the enlarged trunk area.

It's lost none of its off-road capabilities though: approach and departure angles are 28 and 24 degrees respectively, while ground clearance is 203mm. And the "All Mode" 4x4 electronic all-wheel drive system fitted to all 4x4 models allows the selection from three modes using a rotary knob on the centre console: "2WD", "Auto" and "Lock".

Depending on the mode chosen, an electronically-controlled coupling distributes the needed torque to the front and rear axles. 2WD (for on-road performance and fuel economy) is used in normal tar driving conditions. Auto (for gravel or slippery surfaces) gives on-road stability during cornering and straight-line driving with added traction and stability when driving on wet roads or during heavy crosswinds. 4WD monitors engine speed and acceleration characteristics, automatically distributing the needed torque to the rear wheels when necessary via an electronically controlled coupling mechanism. Lock mode, used at low speed, locks the centre clutch for full-time 4WD operation, with a distribution ratio of 50:50 (front/rear).

And high-spec 4x4 models get "All Mode 4x4-i" featuring HSA (Hill Start Assist) and HDC (Hill Descent Control). The fully automatic HSA activates on any slope that exceeds a 5.7 grade incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. HDC uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a speed of 7km/h, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like HSA, the system also works when the vehicle is in reverse.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, similar to the one featured in the Murano and the 350Z, improves handling, by detecting and preventing skids and slides. If the vehicle isn't going in the direction the driver is steering, then the VDC brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces excess engine power as needed to help correct under-steer and over-steer.

Performance

The new model range is initially available in five petrol derivatives, while another five diesel derivatives will follow later in the year.

The new 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol power plant produces 102kW of power at 5200rpm and offers 198Nm at 4400rpm. The other 2.5-litre petrol power plant produces 125kW and 226Nm of torque.

All manual models have six-speed gearboxes with the 2.5-litre engine available with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) option.

In safe hands

Ventilated disc brakes all round are enhanced by the latest generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) together with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as well as Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) on the high models.

That's complemented by six airbags and active headrests that limit head movement if you’re hit from behind, helping to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries for those sitting upfront.

Electric Power Steering provides more assistance and a strong self-centering action for easy town driving, with more steering feel provided at higher speeds.

Restyled

Although the X-Trail has been restyled, customer research showed that the shape of the original was popular. With this in mind, key design cues of the original — such as the solid shoulder line, deep glasshouse and static window line — have been retained.

Inside the larger and longer SUV, the catchphrase is "versatility and practicality". Nowhere is this more apparent than the trunk, which offers 603 litres of space with the rear seats in place, an increase of 193 litres compared to the original. Featuring a "double deck" layout, it has a sliding drawer under the floor for the storage of valuable items. The floor and the drawer can both be removed to increase load space further — with the drawer removed, the boot height is increased by 127mm over the original.

The rear seats fold flat to increase load space; instead of a conventional 60/40 split fold, the new model has a 40/20/40 folding system.

Air conditioning and front and rear power windows are standard across the range, while Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity is available on specific models.

The new X-Trail is available in three different trim levels: XE (entry level), SE (middle-specification) and LE (top specification).