When it comes to SUVs, Nissan’s reputation is second to none with the iconic Patrol leading the pack on and off the road in the UAE. Amongst others, they also have the X-Trail, a compact SUV, or what some call a crossover.
The X-Trail has been around since 2001 but has had a complete facelift and in the words of Nissan has re-invented the compact SUV. This new X-Trail, which also replaces the Nissan Qashqai in the UAE, is more refined than its predecessor, so much so, that it seems better suited to driving in the city than on more rugged off-road terrain.
That’s because people who opt for this vehicle probably rarely stray into a more risky environment than the Sheikh Zayed Road which, at times, is scary enough.That’s not to say it couldn’t cope with a tougher terrain because it is well equipped to do so by selecting four-wheel drive mode, but it just seems more at home in front-wheel drive or Auto mode on tarmac.
To look at, this vehicle is nicely designed, although personally, I would have liked to have seen it given a slightly more aggressive stance.
Inside, the car is extremely spacious with a modern instrument cluster with a small information screen between the rev counter and the speedo. We had the basic S edition which did not have sat-nav which I found a little disappointing for an SUV, although it is available as an option and in the more highly-specced models which carry the fully loaded NissanConnect system.
Apart from that small grumble, the cabin of this vehicle is a pleasant place to be with practicality the main aim. It can carry five people normally but there is an optional seven seats available.
From a technology and safety point of view this car is impressive. It has two world first systems for this sector – Active Ride Control which monitors the road surface to detect undulations and therefore provides a smoother ride and Active Engine Brake which harnesses the power of the transmission to assist with braking while cornering or decelerating.
It also has Active Trace Control which uses sensors to monitor driving style and brakes the wheels individually, if needed, to reduce understeer on slippery roads.
The car is powered by a four-cylinder 2.5-litre engine which has 170bhp and puts the power down through a CVT transmission system. I’m not a big fan of Continuously Variable Transmission which is effectively one gear but it works perfectly well and saves on fuel.
I’m not sure about reinventing the compact SUV but the X-Trail is a very good family vehicle which lives up to Nissan’s high standards in this sector and with a starting price of just Dh82,000 it offers exceptional value.
I wouldn’t buy the basic model because with no sat-nav and 7-inch colour monitor that comes with it I felt a bit short-changed. But fully-loaded it’s the perfect vehicle for those looking for an affordable SUV which, thankfully, steers clear of the beaten track of mediocrity.
X-Trail S – specifications
Manufacturer : Nissan
Production : 2001 to present
Class : Compact SUV
Body style : Five/seven seater
Layout : Two or FWD
Engine : 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Output : 170bhp
Torque : 233nm
0-100km : N/A
Transmission : Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Kerb weight : 1,443kg
Top speed : N/A
Price : From Dh82,000
Rating: 7/10
