Nissan India till now only has the Magnite in India and it is a product which has been successful but the company now wants to increase its volumes for India which includes a new product strategy plan. This means new SUVs and looking at the premium end of the segment with the X-trail. The X-trail was showcased in India before but now it is finally ready for launch while it is coming to India via the CBU route. Here is a detailed review of the same as the company gets ready to launch its Hyundai Tuscon rival.
Exteriors
While it may not look so in images, the X-Trail is a large SUV which has an elegant yet authoritative stance. In its fourth generation, Nissan has made the X-Trail bigger which means it is now similar in size to premium SUVs. In terms of dimensions, it has a length of 4608mm, width of 1840mm and a wheelbase of 2705 mm. With 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, it has a healthy ground clearance of 210mm too. The front end is the most aggressive bit with a large V-shaped grille which is the new Nissan signature along with sharply cut DRLs while the side profile has the bulky SUV look with cladding and tail-lamps which protrude in. The LEDs at the rear bring in the rain drop effect too and make it look wide. Indian market gets three colour options only while the black has excellent paint finish. Build quality is sturdy and it feels premium as well.
Hyundai Tucson
Interiors and space
Interiors of the X-Trail are quite different from rivals in the sense that they do not get the usual beige/black look as instead it gets a cloth like upholstery which is soft while the dashboard is lined up with contrast stitching as well. There are no cheap plastics as quality is impressive but that is expected. In terms of design, it is straightforward but there are some interesting details too. The three spoke steering wheel is nice to hold and there is plenty of adjustability as well. The dials are crisp and it is a 12.3-inch display with clear graphics.
The central screen meanwhile is an 8inch display with shortcut buttons below it. Operation is easy but it is not as detailed as other rivals or as modern. The centre console also gets proper buttons including ones for the dual-zone climate control while a floating centre console brings in more space plus practicality. There is enough space inside for a large coffee cup and the door pockets are quite big too. If we talk about space then the X-Trail is a three row SUV with the second row having good comfort levels with flat floor while accessing the armrest is a bit of a task while the third row is actually very small with next to no space. Plus with the third row in place, luggage space is also very less.
Features
In this segment, features are very important as well and Nissan has done a decent job. The basic features which one expects is there and some premium ones too. Aside from the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, there is an 8-inch touchscreen plus features like a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, front/rear parking sensor, electronic handbrake, wireless charging, and a dual pane panoramic sunroof. But, you do not get a powered driver’s seat or passenger seat along with seat ventilation plus Adas or even in-built apps. Safety features include 7 airbags, ESC etc
Driving performance
The X-Trail does not get a diesel engine but instead has a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 163bhp and 300Nm. There is also a 12V mild hybrid system with a small battery which provides a torque fill while helping in efficiency. The engine might seem odd considering such a big SUV, yet when you drive it, you forget that. It is refined and smooth with barely any sound. It does not feel loud or had any vibrations.
The standard CVT automatic is responsive at low speeds and makes driving in traffic easy. We felt the steering is well tuned and is light for our conditions but weighs up well. The driving position is SUV like and offers good visibility. On the highway, the big X-Trail settles into big speeds well and it is easy to get into a rhythm. There are drive modes but standard is best while Sport only means the CVT getting louder. The rubber band effect is been lessened but it is still there. Efficiency we got was low but it was a mixed driving style while a longer test we will reveal more. The big X-Trail also handles with confidence while the ride quality is excellent even though it has large wheels.
Verdict
The X-trail would be imported to the Indian market and would be sold in limited numbers only while we can expect pricing to be higher than locally assembled rivals. The X-trail has a lot going for it with its looks, interior design, and the exclusivity while it is perfect for being a comfortable family SUV. However, it does not get features which even much smaller SUVs get and that could be a big factor while its third row is not suitable for adults. It is a mixed bag but for its comfort and looks, we think it will attract a decently sized buyer base.
Hyundai Tucson
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