Nissan's X-Trail gets new look
Nissan’s X-Trail has always won Australian fans for its innovation and creature comforts.
Things like cooling compartments for cold drinks, generous passenger room and clever storage areas.
It wasn’t without its critics, however, with some saying the body-styling was too box-like.
The 2014 model, which arrived in Geraldton this week, looks like a winner on both counts.
There is the same trademark innovation and creature comforts, as well as a body-styling update that gives the popular mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle a sleek, sporty look.
MidWest Nissan’s John McMartin unpacked the features of the top-of-the-range TI in a road test with REV this week.
He believes the car will have particular appeal with families looking for the “fun factor” with their vehicle.
“It’s the sort of car where you can comfortably take the kids and the dogs and escape for a weekend,” he said.
“It’s all about lifestyle. It suits families who don’t want to be locked in to city driving – it’s all about lifestyle."
McMartin says the biggest change in the model upgrade is the shape – from a unique, box-shape appearance, to a more stylish look.
Inside, the TI has all the creature comforts we’ve come to expect, along with some high-tech gadgets that set it apart.
These include NissanConnect, which allows you to perform online searches, follow your Facebook news feed or explore the latest tunes on Pandora – connecting via your smartphone, while the vehicle is parked, of course.
But what really impressed REV were two other nifty pieces of technology:
• The Nissan Around View Monitor, which provides a bird’s-eye camera view of the vehicle and potential obstacles when you engage reverse, as well as a digital “predictive path” so you know exactly where the vehicle will move.
• Warning systems that alert you when there is a vehicle in your blind spot, you stray outside your lane, or a stray moving object, like a shopping trolley for instance, is about to hit your car.
Other clever touches include a gently-powered tailgate which takes the effort out of lifting and lowering it.
The power tailgate also senses if it hits an object, like your head or garage door, and reverses direction.
Rear seats slide forward or back, and recline in a 60-40 split configuration.
They are also positioned higher than other vehicles to provide a better vantage point to the front of the car.
The popular storage drawers of previous models have been replaced with “divide and hide” cargo areas, which McMartin believes are a design improvement.
Drink holders with heating and cooling are provided, as well as heated seats.
Under the vehicle, the 2014 model also introduces CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, which McMartin says ensures a smoother ride as well as increased fuel efficiency.
“You don’t feel the gear changes and it modifies to your driving style,” he says.
The 2.5 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with automatic transmission produces 126 kilowatts or 226 newton metres of torque.
Safety features include six airbags and intrusion bars.
The new X-Trail arrived in Geraldton on Saturday and Midwest Nissan is already fielding strong interest.
For pricing inquiries or a test drive, contact the dealership on 9938 0505.
Pictures: Lisa Thomas
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