Nissan X-Trail test drive since 2007 SUV

The main thing is the content

Recently, a curious tendency has begun to see the car market: in models with a bright appearance, running qualities often turn out to be far from ideal. What, all the money went to the design, but there was not enough funds to set up the engine and suspension? At the same time, there are also directly opposite examples, when the representative of the new generation externally differs little from its predecessor, but significantly exceeds it in consumer qualities. A vivid example of the new Nissan X-Trail.
 
The crossover combined time -tested design techniques that ensured success to its progenitor, and the fundamentally new functional characteristics of the latest generation car. Nissan X-Trail has grown noticeably compared to the ancestor: the wheelbase increased by 5 mm (2630 mm), the total length of 175 mm (4630 mm), it became 10 mm (1685 mm) and 20 mm wider (1785 mm (1785 mm ).
 
However, despite changes in the general format, the machine remained a compact and practical SUV with an impressive road clearance of 200 mm and short front and rear overhangs.
 
The central design element of both the former X-Trail and the modern model became the original line of the roof. Among other crossovers, the car is released by almost a square body without narrowing to the rear rack and the square luggage compartment of the maximum capacity. The line of the side windows and the smoothly expanding side panels, which go parallel to the level of the roof and cause a feeling of power and respectability, emphasize the nature of the machine.
 
The roof has additional stiffeners to increase strength, as well as luggage rails. As an option, it is possible to install special rails with built -in headlight headlights, which is not only of practical importance, but also makes it possible to feel the special power of the car. The hood line goes almost horizontally from the base of the windshield, and the back door is strictly vertically, due to which the dimensions of the SUV are clearly visible from the site of the driver.
 
Despite the fact that the previous and new models are largely similar in many ways, the latter used a number of original design solutions, among which it is necessary to highlight the rear side window in the form of the letter D, emphasizing dynamism and strength.
 
As in the old X-Trail, the overall lights flow out the glass of the rear door, but they are completely updated and do not turn on the rear lamp, now located in the bumper, in a single block with fog lights of greater brightness.
 
The front headlights have undergone significant transformations and look more modern, especially in the specifications where xenon is established. The front and rear bumpers have also been changed.
 
The design of the decorative grate of the radiator stylistically resembles the front of the prototype, but is characterized by larger cells under V-shaped chrome details typical of all Nissan SUVs.
 
The crossover palette is represented by eight colors, three of which are new for X-Trail, and three more for the entire Nissan model range. In addition to the existing classic red and silver metallic, black and white pearl, as well as beige metallic, appeared. For the first time, the manufacturer used colors such as Lego Blue (light blue metallic), Precision Grey (dark gray) and Mauve (purple metallic).
 
High quality design and exquisite design of the X-Trail salon create an atmosphere of increased comfort. To finish the surfaces with which the driver and passengers are in contact (door panels, armrests and other elements), soft materials are used. Doors's handles are chrome, edging devices and controls are painted in silver, on the threshold of the luggage compartment there is a silver overlay. The internal space of all versions of the car was decided in two colors: a wide strip of lighter color runs through the salon from the center of the dashboard. The front stand is also light. In the SE version, the salon is covered with a black cloth with gray inserts, and in the LE version to choose black or beige skin.
 
Thanks to the wide windows and a large hatch in the car, it is light and spacious. Equipped with the function of automatic closing the hatch about 80 cm long (area 0.59 sq. M) now captures the zone above the rear passenger seats.
 
One of the significant changes in the interior of the cabin was the movement of the dashboard from the central part of the front panel to a more familiar place in front of the driver.
 
The new X-Trail model provides more opportunities for placing and storing various things. Documents department, previously located behind the steering wheel, is now located in the center of the dashboard and has a large container: ten CDs in standard holders will fit in it. An enlarged glove box provides 15.7 liters of useful volume for storing trifles and a special department for technical guidance to the car. A special box with a cooling function for four bottles with 350 ml drinks is placed between the two front seats. The two -level boxing cover serves as a armrest. Each of the two front doors is equipped with special compartments, one of which is so deep that it can accommodate a folder of A4 format or a bottle of water with a volume of 500 ml. In addition, a convenient pocket is provided on the back of the front passenger seat, and in the ceiling console a case for glasses.
 
The salon is equipped with six cup holders, four of which are equipped with a cooling or heating function and placed one on each side of the dashboard, two in front of the rear seats next to the ventilation grilles, and a couple more in a closed compartment between the front seats.
 
In the new X-Trail, the trunk capacity increased significantly. This was made possible thanks to the movement of the muffler from the traditional transverse position: from now on it is on the left or to the right of the well of the spare wheel. This transformation made it possible to mount the bottom of the luggage compartment much lower, freeing a place for a two -level floor and a hidden drawer. The volume of the trunk of the previous model with the installed seat seats was 410 liters of VDA (to the lower edge of the glass of the rear door). In the new SUV, with a fed -poll removed, made of light over -strength plastic with a hinge connection in the center for quick access to luggage compartments, this indicator reaches 603 liters. With the backs of the rear seats raised, the cargo compartment increases in a length of 127 mm, in width by 174 mm and in a depth of 85 mm. With folded rear seats and with the installed false floor in the luggage compartment, a flat platform is formed to the back of the front seats, with the false floor removed, the useful volume is 1773 liters, which is also the best indicator in the classroom. The drawer is equipped with removable partitions installed as necessary. Nearby is an additional compartment where you can place two portfolios or a small flat suitcase with clothes. The bottom of the luggage compartment is made of high -strength and easily washing plastic. A special ribbed structural coating is applied to the working surface that prevents the displacement of cargo during the movement of the car. The size of the doorway opening is increased to ensure a minimum loading height. The lower part of the opening and the lower part of the body is closed with protective plastic.
 
As in the previous model, the level of inclination of the backs of the rear seats is 12, which allows passengers to travel with maximum comfort. The principle of folding the rear seats in 40 / 20/0, in contrast to 60 /40 in the oldx-trail makes it possible to place long-sized items, such as skis in the machine, without limiting the freedom of passenger movement.
 
Thanks to the all-wheel drive system ALL Mode 4x4-I with a hand-up box and an electromagnetic clutch, a new car demonstrates on off-road outstanding ability for a crossover. A full -wheel drive transmission works in tandem with other advanced devices, such as the electronic system of dynamic stabilization of the eighth generation (ESP), the anti -operating system (TCS), ABS and the electronic distribution system (EBD).
 
In addition, the All Mode 4x4-I operates in parallel with two other electronic systems designed to ensure increased control of the machine on steep descent (DDS) or when starting at the rise (USS).
 
A full -wheel drive transmission is very simple in management. Using the switch on the central console, next to the gear lever, the driver sets the automatically connected front -wheel drive mode or permanent all -wheel drive. Automatic all -wheel drive mode is standard, that is, the default on. The third mode is used to block the center differential for off -road driving.
 
In automatic mode, the ALL Mode 4x4-I system constantly controls the operation of the sensors and uses the indicators of the angular velocity of the vehicle scream to ensure the optimal distribution of torque between the front and the rear axle. Thus, if necessary, more than 50 % of the current power indicator can be transferred to the rear axle. The ALL Mode 4x4-I also provides for the forecasting mode: based on the analysis of the position of the throttle and the torque of the engine, you can evaluate the risk of slippage of the wheels. And this allows the transfer of torque to the rear axle before the wheels of the front axis begin to lose the clutch with the road.
 
At the wheel of the new X-Trail, the user gets great pleasure from driving. Management, regardless of speed, has become clearer due to the lack of insufficient rotation of the machine. Also improved stability at high speeds and feedback on the steering wheel.
 
The designers managed to significantly increase the off -road characteristics due to the possibility of blocking the full drive to ensure identical torque between the two axes and the best adhesion. In lock mode, the system operates at speeds up to 40 km / h, when this threshold is exceeded, it automatically goes into the default mode. The setting is canceled every time when the engine is launched, and the system is returned to the automatic mode. Often, when driving off -road, slippage of wheels becomes an advantage, for example, to restore adhesion on a blurry road or in the snow. In this case, the function of disconnecting the dynamic stabilization system (ESP) is provided.
 
The X-Trail is built on the C-class platform of the Renault Nissan alliance, also used in the Nissan Qashqai model, and has completely independent front and rear suspensions, which helps to increase comfort when moving.
 
The steering with an electric amplifier (EPS) makes control more convenient, and also improves the maneuverability of the car. The latest generation system provides optimal support at low speeds and improved feedback on the steering wheel during acceleration.
 
X-Trail modifications equipped only with gasoline engines are delivered to Russia. So, a 2 liter engine is a completely new development. It is characterized by improved characteristics of torque and economy. A power unit with a volume of 2.5 liters is a modernized previous version. Due to technological modernizations (new materials, geometry and precision processing of the main rubbing parts, shaft balancing, etc.) its power, torque and efficiency are increased.
 
In the standard for all X-Trail, a mechanical 6-speed gearbox is installed, a 2-liter modification can be ordered with a bloodless CVT variator, and a 2.5-liter with a variator of M-CVT with the possibility of manual gear shifts.
 
Compared to the predecessor, the equipment of a new SUV has improved significantly. The standard package now includes the Bluetooth function, which is fully integrated into the audio system of the car, electric package, climate control with air passengers, cruise control, adjusting the steering column on the angle of inclination and departure, heating the front seats, rain and light sensors, electronic chips The key, an audio system with six speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, a panoramic hatch, roof rails, a full-sized spare wheel. The cost of the Nissan X-Trail in Russia starts with 891 thousand 200 rubles.
 

Source: Magazine Cars and prices June 03, 2008.