Nissan has thrown down the gauntlet to its competitors with a comprehensive upgrade of its long-running X-Trail compact SUV accompanied by what it calls a “price re-alignment” that sees all-wheel drive models in particular actually reduced in price.
Nissan SA marketing manager Ollivier put it thus: “The revisions have put the 2011 X-Trail head and shoulders above other small SUV's, with authentic 4X4 qualities in a modern, stylish package.
“We've also reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without any sacrifice in driving pleasure or outright capability, making this the complete SUV.”
Most of the cosmetic changes are at the front, with a smoother front bumper under a chromed Nissan “family” grille, neater headlamp clusters and subtly enlarged front and rear wheel arches, necessary to accommodate bigger rims.
The entry-level XE model has painted black headlight housings, the LE and SE versions are chromed; LE also has new 18” alloys, while 17” double-spoke rims replace the 16” hoops on previous SE and XE models.
Tyre sizes are up from 215 to 225 in both cases but low rolling-resistance rubber equates to an eight percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
The rear now has distinctive, vertical LED tail-light clusters and a clean, uncluttered rear profile.
Inside, Nissan's backroom boffins have scored an extra 10mm of rear knee-room by revising the front-seat, tidied up the bottom of the A pillar, specified plusher upholstery on fabric-trim models and added new chrome-look switch and air vent surrounds.
There's a double slide-out luggage “drawer” compartment under the rear load bed and the glove compartment and front and rear cup holders have heating and cooling functions as standard.
A new instrument cluster includes a new trip data computer with a number of new information options.
Slip the gear lever into reverse on the range-topping LE model and an 85mm rear-camera display - a first for Nissan - lights up in the rear-view mirror, its trajectory markings showing exactly where X-Trail will go based on steering angles.
The LE also has an “intelligent” transponder key; don't dig in your pocket, just walk up to the car, lightly touch the rubberised button on the handle, slide behind the wheel and turn the moulded ignition switch to fire up the engine.
SE models now have automatic headlights and wipers and Bluetooth connectivity controlled from the multifunction steering wheel, which also has controls for the entertainment system and cruise control.
Even the base XE version boasts curtain and front side airbags and speed-sensing automatic door-locks.
The 2011 X-Trails have the same drivetrains as before, which have proven so efficient that reducing emissions required intelligent engineering in other areas rather than further tweaking of the engines.
XE customers can choose between a two-litre turbodiesel or free-revving two-litre petrol engine, each driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
SE-grade diesel X-Trails have a six-speed auto transmission while petrol X-Trail SE's have a 125kW, 2.5-litre engine and six-speed manual shift.
The range-topping LE has either a 2.5-litre petrol engine, this time with a smooth-running, constantly variable transmission, or the two-litre turbodiesel and six-speed auto set-up.
The X-Trail's 203mm ground clearance and all-mode, all-wheel drive with active brake limited-slip centre differential keep it surefooted on even the most slippery surfaces while a new hill descent control allows the driver to specify the rate of descent, from 4-15km/h, depending on prevailing conditions.
Hill-start assist also makes ascending gradients as easy as stepping off the brake and on to the throttle, without any handbrake juggling, for unfussed progress up and over the obstacle.
On the road, vehicle dynamics control monitors an array of wheel and yaw sensors to maintain traction and control at all times.
PRICES
2.0 Petrol 4x2 XE - R289 200
2.5 Petrol 4x4 SE - R323 900
2.5 Petrol 4x4 LE - R395 000
2.0 dCi 4x2 XE - R306 900
2.0 dCi 4x4 SE a/t - R385 900
2.0 dCi 4x4 LE a/t - R435 900