Nissan India is on a mission and that is to launch many new cars in the coming years while it all starts with the SUV you see here. This is the X-Trail and it is a large three-row SUV which Nissan is bringing back to India but as a more premium product. It is imported into India but Nissan already has plenty of cars in stock so that you do not wait longer
Question is should you? The X-Trail will compete with the Tucson, Kodiaq and the Meridian while also in contention with the Fortuner to some extent. For starters, the X-Trail goes off to a good start as it is a fairly attractive design.
In black, it has presence and some of the details also stand out like the large V-shaped grille plus the split headlamp treatment along with a proper SUV like stance. It is not a crossover at all and looks muscular while the 4680mm length lends it plenty of size. Plus, we like the fantastic looking 20-inch alloys with a diamond cut finish.
Swing open the large doors and the X-trail here offers a subtle but comfortable cabin. The cabin design is neat and the floating centre console is a nice touch along with the GT-R like digital dials. The centre screen is a bit small at 8-inch but is decent in terms of design, even if being basic to operate.
Switchgear quality and soft touch materials bring in a premium look and fit/finish is indeed impressive. We also liked the dual zone climate control knobs and the shift by wire gear selector.
Features wise, you get a panoramic sunroof, a 360 degree camera, powered handbrake, dual zone climate control, wireless charging, 7 airbags, front/rear parking sensors etc.
However, crucial features like powered seats with ventilation, ADAS or even a powered tailgate are curiously missing. Space on the second row is decent with a flat floor while the seats themselves are very comfortable. The third row though is very cramped and is strictly for kids while also for short journeys only. For India, the X-trail comes with a sole 1.5l turbo petrol three cylinder with a mild hybrid technology.
Total power is 163bhp and 300Nm and that is more than competitive for its class. A CVT automatic is standard with paddle shifters. The engine also borrows from the GT-R in terms of technology but where it impresses is the refinement plus the power delivery. It is extremely smooth and offers excellent refinement, so much so that you would not believe that this car has a three cylinder turbo motor.
At low speeds, it is smooth and easy to drive with the mild hybrid providing further assistance for stop-go traffic. The steering is light and the low-speed ride is also compliant despite large 20-inch wheels. Put your foot down and the CVT slightly gets noisy but as a comfortable cruise, you will have little to complain.
Believe us, this engine copes with the weight and with three passengers plus luggage, it was no issue. Despite not having AWD, the X-trail gets a limited slip differential and it does mild off-roading while the 210mm ground clearance is also helpful, It is tough but not cumbersome.
Overall, the Nissan X-trail is an interesting SUV because it looks appealing, offers comfort and refinement while ticking some boxes in terms of being a no-nonsense family premium SUV. However, it does clearly miss out on some crucial features and being an import it could be expensive as well, but it is worth a look as something which stands out amongst its rivals,
What we like: Looks, interior, comfort, engine
What we don't like: Lacks some crucial features, cramped third row, could be expensive
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