Nissan X-Trail 4WD 1.6-litre Diesel 130CV Tekna review

Despite selling 766,000 cars worldwide last year, making it the world’s best selling SUV, the Nissan X-trail hasn’t really made it on fleet managers’ radar here in the UK.

Higher CO2 emissions and a seven-seat version previously being available in its popular sibling, the Nissan Qashqai, have been big reasons for this, however all may be all about to change with this latest model.

The revised version of the X-Trail has seen Nissan make many adaptions. We took to the road in Vienna to test the SUVs on- and off-road abilities and to judge whether the X-Trail can finally prove an ideal match for fleet.  

Engine and driving

Earlier this year, Nissan launched some new engines for the X-Trail range, including a new 2.0-litre 177hp diesel engine, which it says will meet the needs of customers that require a higher-output powertrain.

However, the best news can be found under the bonnet of the X-Trail we drove where the 130hp 1.6-litre diesel lives. This turbocharged engine is expected to be the biggest seller in the range with the best CO2 and fuel economy, averaging 53.3mpg and emitting 139g/km of CO2 – not bad for a 4WD – and less than the Honda CR-V. It is not as strong in the mpg department as the Kodiaq, which gains 51.4mpg, but emits less CO2 than the Skoda Kodiaq‘s 144g/km.

For a 4×4 it car rides smoothly and comfortably and boasts commendable manners on the road, with light steering making town and low-speed turning easy. While the CVT engine is good and makes for a relaxing drive, it feels artificial at times compared to a conventional automatic and overall, we prefer the six-speed manual , and recommend it for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Although the diesel engine seems to settle down on the move it is noticeably noisy when idling too.

A premium appeal

The range-topping Tekna trim which we drove will be the most popular in the range with Nissan saying it will account for over 50% of X-Trail sales overall. The trim comes with many premium features such as 19-inch alloys, roof rails, power tailgate, NissanConnect satnav and internet connection, a 360-degree camera view, LED headlamps, leather seats, blind-spot warning and Driver Attention Alert, plus Park Assist automatic parking.

At nearly £35,000, this X-Trail is far from cheap, and is more expensive than top-spec rivals such as the Kodiaq in the SE L trim, although arguably coming better equipped with the Skoda missing out on a reversing camera and parking sensors as standard.

The X-Trail has always been known for its sculpted and muscular styling, with chiselled lines and high wheel arches. All of those characteristics remain, but the manufacturer has added more premium styling cues such as the redesigned bumper at the rear of the car with new chrome detailing.

Nissan’s ‘V-motion’ grille is wider than before for what Nissan says is a more impactful appearance on the road and echoed in the design of the bumper beneath. The rear lamp signature has been upgraded to LED and parking sensors have been improved and the Tekna grade also offers the addition of a chrome side moulding across the base of the two doors.

Practicality and comfort

The interior is a practical and versatile affair, with the choice of both five- and seven-seat versions. Ours was the five-seater, which provided ample room for front and rear passengers. The boot has been improved by 15 litres up to 565 litres, on par with its class, while a total of 1996-litres with the seats folded down puts it far ahead of the Ford Edge and Honda CR-V.

The quality of materials around the cabin have been upgraded and soft materials cover the dash accompanied by a non-tacky glossy black finish around the centre console,while heated seats for both front and rear occupants in the front and second row are new to the range and standard on Tekna grade.

With the X-Trail, as with the Qashqai, the manufacturer has focused on safety technology including intelligent emergency braking, standstill assist and an intelligent 4×4 system.

Nissan announced that its ProPilot will be brought in on the new X-Trail around autumn next year which will control steering, braking and acceleration on single lane highways during heavy congestion and high speed cruising, ideal for those high-mileage business drivers. .

The manufacturer says it is planning to sell 2,000 fleet units of the X-Trail this calendar year with start of sales from August, representing a sales share of 4.7% and a year on year growth of 25% in the same period, so it looks like the X-Trail will be making its way into fleet after all.