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- Pricing starts from R649 900. All new X-Trail models use a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine.
- There is no diesel option in the new model range.
- Its closest rival is the Toyota RAV4.
Nissan's all-new fourth-generation X-Trail has arrived in South Africa. We experienced the SUV on the streets of Cape Town.
From the Almera to the NP200 and the X-Trail, Nissan has some generational stalwarts in their local line-up that has been around for what feels like forever. Other than the Patrol, the X-Trail is the next robust offering for those who want a modern ride capable of both daily and off the beaten track driving at a whim.
More than two decades on, people still love the X-Trail and the new kid on the block arrives at a time when SUV supremacy is at its peak in every market across the world. SUVs make up almost 80% of automakers' line-ups locally, so it makes sense that the big-bodied chassis are the 'in thing' at the moment.
According to Naamsa sales figures for March, Nissan sold an impressive 3 012 units, the fifth highest in the country. The NP200 (1 404), Navara (475) and Magnite (682) stole the show with solid numbers, while 99 units of the (previous generation) X-Trail found new homes. But before you think that is not an impressive number or worth mentioning, factor in that it costs more than half a million rand (R520 900 as listed on the Nissan SA website).
Enter the X-Trail
For starters, three derivatives are on offer - Visia, Acenta and Acenta Plus - with only a single engine option in the range. All models are powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with maximum figures of 135kW and 244Nm (9kW and 11Nm more than the outgoing model) and paired to a CVT transmission. Nissan claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.4-litres/100km from a 55-litre tank.
There are also five driving modes to swap between from a console dial. Nissan confirmed no diesel powertrain is on offer, and enthusiasts would be thankful about the previous-generation six-speed manual transmission being removed.
DRIVEN | Nissan's new Qashqai drives so well, it might be better than a Mercedes-Benz
The entry-level Visia is packed with some nice tech like a reverse parking camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, emergency braking and lane departure warning. The Acenta and Acenta Plus derivatives offer more goodies like an eight-way adjustable power driver seat, a 10.8-inch heads-Up display and dual-zone automatic temperature control - to name a few. The standard features list is quite a mouthful - check out the full trim inventory here.
We tested the top-specced Acenta Plus derivative that comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and all-around leather seats. The Visia and Acenta come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity all come standard across the range.
Refined across the park
Nissan did away with the boxy shape of the first two generations; now, you have something more rounded, modern and attractive. The exterior features a 'V'-shaped front grille with electronically-controlled slats, integrated headlights (and Daytime Running Lights), and a choice of alloy wheels - 17, 18 and 19-inch - depending on the trim level chosen.
One feature you won't immediately pick up on is that the rear doors open by as much as 85 degrees, making ease of ingress and egress much better. The cabin has few plastic sections to detract from the interior, and everything is well-proportioned.
Kabelo Rabotho, Managing Director at Nissan South Africa, says that the model's fiercest rival locally is the Toyota RAV4 (priced from R678 300). The X-Trail (99 units) actually outsold the RAV4 (74 units) during March, so it already has a good start where it matters most.
Upon driving the vehicle along winding roads through places like Darling and Franschhoek, the X-Trail impressed by how well it stuck to the road. It's convenient to say that every new car drives and handles like a dream, but the X-Trail really does. This is primarily down to the stiffer and reinforced chassis that mitigates body roll and improves wheel-to-road handling.
Plenty of overtaking was done on the day, and the 2.5-litre had enough grunt to do the job with extra passengers and luggage. The infamous CVT drone is largely inaudible and drives close to a regular automatic at times. Nissan's smaller Qashqai is a 2023 South African Car of the Year finalist, and according to News24 Motoring editor, the compact crossover's handling dynamics were hugely imposing at the recent testing days for the competition. The X-Trail is clearly cut from the same cloth.
Nissan is known for making good cars, and they've surely taken a few pages from their own books to build on their success. Hopefully, this new X-Trail doesn't become an underrated offering and consumers will see its value-for-money offering as a product.
Some people prefer forced induction for acceleration and quicker response, which is nice to have, but there's nothing wrong with a proper NA engine. With a top speed of 195km/h, its purpose is not to rival the GT-R but be a premium SUV that can offer the best of both worlds.
Pricing
Visia CVT - R649 900
Acenta - R709 900
Acenta Plus CVT - R759 900
All variants come standard with a three-year or 90 000km service plan and a six-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty.
