All-New Nissan X-Trail, big boots to fill

A versatile new SUV released in a fantastic location. Nissan’s latest, the exciting All-New X-Trail, launched in Slovenia

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Car Reviewed: Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4ORCE

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These days Nissan doesn’t appear to be able to put a foot wrong in the SUV market; we have the Juke Hybrid, Nissan Qashqai e-Power, Ariya and now the All-New X-Trail with e-Power and e-4ORCE.

The further electrification of Nissan cars is well underway, already one of the first EVs with Leaf, now the new moniker is e-power; already a unique solution for those not ready to move to full electric… so what’s it all about? The car is driven by electric motors but is also equipped with a 1.5-litre Variable Compression Ratio turbo petrol engine. The engine’s primary purpose is to charge the battery, which means, to you, no charging cables—a unique solution where the wheels are driven by an electric motor, giving an instant response to power delivery.

Using this new technology, e-Power reduces much of the noise of an engine/On the road, the refinement in this SUV is a winner, smooth, comfortable, and quiet, almost uncannily when the electric motors are doing their stuff on a smooth road. With the 4wd two-electric motors of e-4orce power, delivery is 213PS with an 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds and emissions of 143-148g/km.

Add e-4orce to the equation and sure-footed handling is welcome on the twisty roads and trails on our Slovenian test route. e-4orce is the addition of another electric motor to power the rear wheels making the X-Trail e-power with e-4orce an electric four-wheel drive. One of the best features of this method is reaction times on the system to driving conditions are increased to 1/10,000 sec. On the off-road test we were given, the 4×4 ability of the X-Trail is quite incredible for an electrified seven-seat family SUV. Further benefits to this unique system are weight distribution, better cornering with brake torque vectoring and less pitch when braking.

To make the driving experience of X-Trail even better e-Pedal step can be used. Use the accelerator pedal to advance and slow the car as you lift off. It is easy to get used to, and I drove the car many miles on all types of roads and trails on the launch. There are additional switchable performance modes of eco, normal, sport, snow and offroad, with the benefit of hill descent control for sticky situations. Generally, on the regular road, the normal setting does it all perfectly; eco tends to make it a bit sluggish when on the move.

As you would expect, the X-Trail’s versatile interior is cutting-edge and refined and combines tactile, well-selected materials. The dash features a 12.3-inch digital display with the usual iPhone, Android connectivity as standard, and also Amazon Alexa. The cabin is a delightful place to be. It’s good to see X-Trail has easy-to-use heating/aircon controls, easy to find and use, not buried somewhere within the touch-screen. The informative head-up display was welcomed.

Nissan’s ProPILOT assist has been upgraded on the X-trail with many new safety features. It aims to reduce driver tiredness and stress and increase safety. It works in conjunction with Navilink, using the navigation system to adjust speed for bends and change speed automatically as the road speeds vary; all very clever and intuitive to use.

The seven-seat X-trail configuration is optional; bear in mind the rear seats are really suitable for larger children rather than adults. The boot space of 575 litres in 5 seat configuration is ample but not the biggest in class.

The All-New X-Trail is available now in five grades, prices starting at £32,030 for the Visia grade, mild-hybrid two-wheel drive, with three grades in between, Acenta Premium and Tekna, the bells and whistles, Tekna+is £42,520 mild hybrid £44,955 with e-power and £47,155 with e-power and e-4orce. The option of e-power £2435 and e-4orce £2200 is available on all grades apart from Visia. The 7-seater is a £1000 option.

More features of benefit to many family owners will be the 85-degree opening of the rear doors, already on Qashqai. It makes loading and unloading passengers more effortless and installing child seats a breeze. The extra large panoramic sunroof ensures the cabin is bright, a feature that research has shown helps small children on longer journeys. The X-Trail is also loaded with many innovative systems to ensure driver and passenger safety at all times.

A trendsetting new family SUV, combining its great looks and electrification. The All-New X-Trail is available in 10 colours, five with optional black roofs. Always an excellently-proportioned SUV, the X-trail with its seven seat option makes it the only electrified seven-seater option in its segment.