Nissan /
2009 X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail (2009)

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Nissan X-Trail FCV

All-new Nissan X-Trail is a perfect example of evolutionary change which will appeal to existing owners and new buyers alike. It might have a familiar look and a similarly broad range of abilities to its predecessor, but it features a new chassis and body, an expanded range of more powerful engines providing better performance and economy, more equipment, enhanced comfort and greater interior space than the first generation Nissan X-Trail.

It remains a hugely capable, compact SÚV with serious off-road credentials but has even greater levels of performance, ability and practicality that build on the strengths of its predecessor rather than aiming to be something completely different.

There are three grades to choose from - TREK, SPORT and AVENTÚRA - and four engine variations, with three of the power units being new to Nissan X-Trail.

Although Nissan X-Trail has been completely restyled - every body panel is new - customer research clearly showed that the robust, strong shape was popular and well appreciated. Indeed, it was a key factor in the decision making process for many buyers. It was clear that the 'X-Trailness' had to be retained, which is why there is a clear family resemblance between the original and the new version - a perfect example of evolutionary change.

New from the ground up, the latest Nissan X-Trail shares the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai. The platform features strut-type suspension at the front with a multi-link system at the rear, both ends being mounted on separate rubber insulated sub-frames providing enhanced refinement and isolation from vibrations which in turn gives a superior ride both on and off-road.

As a result, new X-Trail is slightly larger than before: its wheelbase has increased by 5mm to 2630mm, while overall length has risen by 175mm to 4630mm. Much of this extra length can be found in the luggage area, which has increased dramatically in size.

This has been achieved by rerouting the exhaust silencer from its original transverse position under the boot floor to a north/south location alongside the rear wheel well. This has allowed the creation of an innovative double deck trunk, with space for a sliding drawer under the floor where valuable items can be stored away from prying eyes.

The drawer has partition walls that can be placed in a number of different positions or removed altogether as required. The floor and the drawer can both be removed to increase load space even further: as a result the trunk area of the Nissan X-Trail is deeper and wider and, even with the false floor in place, virtually as tall. With it removed, trunk height is increased by 127mm over the original.

But that's not all. To ensure maximum practicality, the floor has been finished in a tough and easy-to-clean plastic surface. Raised ribs have been placed at unequal distances apart to help prevent loads shifting when the vehicle is on the move. Full carpeting was rejected as customer research showed that many owners either carried dogs or outdoor sports equipment in the rear of their X-Trail and preferred a wipe clean surface.

With the rear seat in place, the original vehicle had a luggage area VDA measurement of 410 litres up to the lower edge of the rear window: in the new Nissan X-Trail the equivalent figure is 603 litres, an increase of 193 litres (including double deck trunk capacity). Even with the double floor in place, it has more space than its predecessor.

When the rear seats are folded, the Nissan X-Trail provides a best-in-class luggage area of 1649 litres, rising to 1773 litres with the floor removed. The interior improvements continue with Nissan's practice of providing much higher levels of quality and premiumness than expected for the class of car. Soft feel materials feature on all touch points throughout the cockpit, while liberal use of chrome and silver-colour finishes, flocked surfaces and improved upholstery materials provide a real feeling of quality. And as with other recent Nissan models, X-Trail has been created with versatility and practicality uppermost.

Positioning the instrument cluster behind the multi-function steering wheel has allowed greater versatility in the centre console, which can now house a larger navigation/reversing camera screen closer to eye level as well as providing space for an in-dash multi disc CD changer.

For the first time, Nissan X-Trail offers two levels of turbo-diesel power. Both engines are versions of the highly regarded 2.0-litre M1D unit already fitted in QASHQAI which combines high outputs and good economy with class-leading refinement. The 150PS unit is available on all grades and returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 39.8mpg and 190g/km of CO2. Compare the fuel economy and CO2 with the out-going 2.2dCi 136PS engine (37.2mpg/ 203g/km CO2) and improvements made are 7.0% and 6.8% respectively.

With the help of an intercooler the second version produces 173PS and is available on the SPORT and AVENTÚRA. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 38.2mpg with an output of 198g/km CO2.

Torque outputs are 320Nm and 360Nm respectively, 90 per cent of which is developed at a low 1750rpm. These engines are also fitted with particulate filters to minimise emissions.

The 173PS engine should also prove to be popular with the towing fraternity as it has a class leading maximum braked trailer weight of 2200kg.

A new lightweight all-alloy 16 valve 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 141PS and 196Nm of torque is fitted to the TREK. It was development led by Nissan and unusually for a petrol engine, much of the torque is produced low down the rev band - 90 per cent is available from 2400rpm. It returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg and has a CO2 figure of 208g/km.

Although carried over from the original Nissan X-Trail, the 2.5-litre 169PS petrol engine has been further improved for greater refinement and better efficiency. Providing excellent low-to mid-range torque figures - peak torque is 233Nm - the engine is offered in both SPORT and AVENTÚRA grades and produces 29.4mpg and 230g/km of CO2. All engines are fitted with six speed manual transmissions but if you would rather give your left foot a rest then there is now a choice of automatics on both the 150PS diesel and the 2.5 petrol engines. The latter has the latest fuel efficient, constantly variable transmission (CVT) with lower fuel consumption and CO2 than the equivalent manual - returning 30.4mpg and 223g/km CO2. The 150PS diesel has the option of a conventional 6 speed automatic.

TREK may be the cheapest model in the range, but it is not short on equipment with Bluetooth phone integration, 16' alloy wheels, full body coloured bumpers, climate controlled air conditioning, a full suite of airbags - driver, passenger, side and curtain, plus a CD / radio with 4 speakers.

The SPORT version encompasses all of TREK's equipment but the alloys change to a larger 17', the stereo system is upgraded to a 6 stack CD auto-changer with 6 speakers and remote control, the front grille gets a chrome look and front fog lamps are also added, along with a large panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, cruise control, reach adjust steering and a ski hatch. Include auto-on for the headlamps, wipers and speed activated central locking, then the package is complete.

Moving up to AVENTÚRA provides a choice of either Black or Sand coloured leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, intelligent key and electric folding door mirrors with chrome exterior door handles.

Úpgrade models are available on SPORT and AVENTÚRA to further enhance the specification list. The SPORT eXpedition includes DVD satellite navigation, rear parking camera, intelligent key and chrome exterior door handles. The AVENTÚRA eXplorer adds xenon powered headlamps, DVD satellite navigation and rear parking camera.

eXtreme is the second upgrade on both SPORT and AVENTÚRA which adds deeper roof rails with integrated lamps.

All X-Trails are equipped with Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4 system which operates in two-wheel drive only to minimise fuel consumption and transfers into four-wheel drive mode as and when the vehicle detects it is needed, or manually selected by the driver. SPORT and AVENTÚRA, however, get the very latest intelligent edition known as ALL-MODE 4x4-i incorporating Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Úphill Start Support (ÚSS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).

ÚSS is a fully automatic system that activates on any slope that exceeds a 10 per cent incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. The system also works if the vehicle is reversing up an incline.

DDS - operated via a switch on the centre console - operates when ALL-MODE is in lock mode. DDS uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a descent speed of 5mph allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like ÚSS, DDS also works when the vehicle is in reverse.

As well as reinforcing the X-Trail's off-road capability, ALL MODE 4x4-i ensures that the dynamic performance on-road is stable, secure and predictable. By sending power to the wheels that have grip, understeer and oversteer is neutralised, which in turn leads to a more enjoyable, positive driving experience.