According to Nissan, it pioneered the crossover segment. The first Nissan X-Trail with its sturdy box shape became a dearly loved family member for many when it launched in South Africa in 2001. Between 2001 and 2013, it underwent some changes and enhancements and the smooth, flowy look, which has now undergone some upgrades, arrived in 2014.
The X-Trail was one of the top five best-selling vehicles globally in 2016, so those loyal Nissan X-Trailers will be happy to know that the new X-trail is now available countrywide. You'll recognise it by its exterior and interior facelifts as well as major improvements when it comes to technology.
The X-Trail comes in a couple of variants and specifications, making it quite accessible for those wanting a bigger, tougher vehicle. I got behind the wheel of two variants at the recent media launch in Port Elizabeth, the 1.6-litre DCI Tekna 4WD and the top-of-the-range 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD.
We tested the cars on various surfaces - cruising comfortably around bendy roads and gliding securely over gravel. The adrenaline surely started pumping once my (way more experienced) driving partner got behind the wheel on a gravel section. However, I could clearly feel the X-Trail's surefootedness and agility and never felt unsafe. (Maybe a couple new grey hairs on my head will tell you otherwise).��#thenextX #nissanXtrail #Xtrail #Nissan @nissanza pic.twitter.com/Azf9B9ajT7
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The new X-Trail has the super-smart technology that provides the ability to tackle any on-road or off-road adventure. Loaded with Nissan Intelligent Mobility, smart technology includes intelligent blind spot and lane intervention, intelligent cross traffic and forward collision warnings, intelligent emergency braking, auto headlights, and intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection.
The car is also extremely spacious – perfect for those who don’t know what it means to pack light, those adventure seekers, and even those brave enough to go camping with little ones. I reckon the travel cot and pram can fit easily among all the diapers, the toddler’s skopfietsie and giant Alex the Lion soft toy. And let’s not forget mom and dad's surfboards and mountain bikes - perhaps not inside, but on top...
'Back seat drivers' can keep their mouths shut and simply enjoy the ride with copious amounts of legroom. As the only seven-seater vehicle in its C-SUV segment, chances are, your family will find it to be the perfect vehicle to simply get you from A to B, or to take you on the ultimate family adventure.
The interior features an upmarket design with new styling for the steering (the steering wheel is D-shaped), the door finishes, the console wrap and the seat fabric has been upgraded to a plush material. The centre console and the console lid have also been improved.
The 'next X' features a V-Motion grille and bumper, revised headlights, and signature day-time running lights. The front also sees integrated fog lamps while the rear has LED boomerang taillights and the rear bumper has been harmonised with the latest face of the X-Trail. Customers can also choose from 17- and 19-inch alloys together with new exterior colours.
The car comes with Nissan’s six-year/150,000km warranty, a three-year/90,000km service plan and24-hour roadside assist. Service intervals are at 15,000km.
The next X-Trail will for sure become a much-loved family member – responsible for some life-long memories. NeXt-level adventure awaits in this capable, comfortable crossover.
