The Nissan X-Trail SUV looks and drives like a substantial Qashqai – and that is a compliment. How do you think?

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The Nissan X-Trail is Nissan's contribution to the quickly expanding mid-size SUV class. The auto's most immediate rivals are the Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq and SEAT Ateca, yet its striking design and great rough terrain capacity likewise make it a feasible alternative to more expensive autos, for example, the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque.

 Nissan X-Trail SUV

2017 Nissan X-Trail

 New Nissan X-Trail

 These three might be more luxurious, yet they aren't in reality significantly more down to earth or usable than the X-Trail, which influences the Nissan to appear a bargain given that the Audi, BMW and Range Rover all cost around £10,000 extra. Furthermore, the Nissan is accessible as a seven-seater, making it even more flexible and handy than any of the more expensive autos mentioned.

There are three engines to browse when buying a X-Trail. We recommend going for one of the two diesels, on the grounds that their character suits an auto of this size and sort. The 128bhp 1.6-liter is the most economical accessible, returning 57.6mpg (with 17-inch amalgams) in two-wheel-drive shape or 53.3mpg with four-wheel drive. Moving up to the all the more capable 175bhp 2.0-liter diesel sees economy drop to 50.4mpg (manual, 17-inch wheels), with the four-wheel-drive programmed show equipped for 47.1mpg.

Nissan X-Trail

New Nissan X-Trail

It costs more to purchase and to run, yet in the event that you consistently stack up your X-Trial with individuals and baggage, or will utilize it for towing, the extra pulling energy of the 2.0-liter will be helpful, particularly when combined with a manual gearbox and four-wheel drive.

The 1.6-liter petroleum engine produces 161bhp while returning 45.6mpg, which is great when you consider how enormous and substantial the X-Trail is. While the diesels will be best for most purchasers, the petroleum is a decent decision in the event that you only expect to utilize the auto for short journeys around town and your annual mileage will be under 12,000 miles. It merits bearing in mind that the petroleum show isn't accessible with four-wheel drive, so those wanting to take the auto go 4x4 romping occasionally have even more reason to purchase diesel.

The most recent X-Trail is a checked improvement on its ancestors when it comes to interior design and solace. Past models dependably felt somewhat utilitarian, however the present auto demonstrates the influence of the mainstream Nissan Qashqai. There's heaps of room, especially for those in the front and second lines, while the two optional third-push seats are best held for children or little grown-ups.

interior design Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail interior design 

The boot is a decent size; with seven seats, you get 445 liters of gear room, which increases to 565 liters on the off chance that you don't determine the third column. The only letdown inside is that a portion of the plastics feel rather on the fragile side – they're not a fix on those in the X-Trail's opponents. Our test group additionally complained that the front seats wound up plainly uncomfortable on longer journeys.

All X-Trail models are all around prepared, however you need to extend to the N-Connecta (second from best of the range) before sat nav is included. All have Bluetooth, voyage control, 17-inch compound haggles windows. Mid-range Acenta trim merits upgrading to, however, as it includes programmed lights and wipers, a superior stereo, panoramic sunroof, all-round parking sensors and a calfskin steering wheel. The Acenta is likewise a genuinely attractive model when it comes to time to offer.

The Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail

Out and about, the Qashqai's influence continues, as the X-Trail has light, simple steering, agreeable suspension and suffers from minimal wind noise, even at motorway speeds. The auto isn't suited to hard cornering, however: there's noticeable body lean and enthusiastic drivers will find little reward in driving the auto rapidly – both the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are smarter to drive. All engines have enough power for rustic driving, however models with the minimum intense diesel are a little drowsy when completely laden – overtaking maneuvers and joining quick flowing movement on motorways certainly can't be portrayed as easy.

It's a disgrace Nissan has held a portion of the X-Trail's further developed safety frameworks for higher trim levels on the options list, yet this didn't prevent Euro NCAP awarding it the full five stars. The pre-facelift X-Trail finished 64th out of the 75 autos ranked in our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction overview of autos currently marked down in the UK.

Nissan X-Trail SUV

X-Trail

In general, the X-Trail makes an awesome all-round family auto, with genuine utility and the capacity to adapt on awful streets and poor climate – few owners will need the optional four-wheel drive and the extra costs it brings. The X-Trail offers purchasers a conveniently greater alternative to the Qashqai, also has having the style to contend with more expensive models.


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