Nissan X-Trail test drive since 2007 SUV

Conservation of success

To create a new car, almost completely preserving the concept and external data of its predecessor, Nissan solved such a paradoxical task, working on the second generation of the X-Trail SUV.
 
Nissan was forced to follow the conservative path when creating a new X-Trail due to the fact that the previous generation of the SUV was very successful. For example, according to the results of sales in Russia, since the appearance of the X-Trail in 2001, takes an honorable 2nd place in the Compact SUV class, second only to the Toyota RAV-4. All these six years, the demand for the X-Trail was stably high. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the owners around the world expressed a wish to change anything in the car. But time goes on, the model one way or another needs to be updated. Was Nissan was able to take into account the wishes of customers to this question was helped to answer the chassis presentation arranged by the Russian representative office of the company in early August; The route was laid along the roads of the Moscow and Tver regions.
 
Outwardly, everything is in the spirit of the predecessor. However, this is not restyling. The power structure of the body is processed, increased torsion rigidity. All external panels are completely new. The front and rear headlights, the grille of the radiator, the shape of the door handles, the rear -view mirrors and the rear side windows have changed. Yes, and the dimensions are also a newcomer longer-shire-and-last (increase 175, 20 and 10 mm). The wheelbase increased by 5 mm. But even with grown sizes, the new X-Trail is difficult to distinguish from the previous one. We put a checkmark, the external similarity is undeniable. The audience will be satisfied.
 
The interior has changed much more. The quality of the materials has improved markedly. But the main event should be considered a transfer to the usual place on the left, above the steering column of the dashboard. Whatever excuses the Nissanists find its location in the center, it is obvious that to control the devices had to strain, squinting to the right. And the aesthetic advantages of such a solution are controversial. The design of the central console is also different. It houses an audio system, a couple of compartments for trifles and a microclimate block, rotating rings strongly reminiscent of a colleague on Mitsubishi Outlander XL.
 
On the tunnel between the front seats there were a circle of control of the transmission modes, the variator lever, the heating keys and the control systems for descent and upholstered and uphill and uphill Start Support). All over the cabin, useful containers, including naughty, cup holders (two on the sides of the front panel are cooled) and a spacious boxing box, also with air supply from the air conditioner. A nondescript four -spoke steering wheel is replaced by a multifunctional with three knitting needles, made in the Nissan style. A pleasant leather steering wheel with tide in the seals of the grip. The hatch has become much more.
 
The luggage compartment has also increased, the X-Trail leader in the class according to this indicator. In the lower part of the trunk can be installed a false floor with a drawer, where, for example, to shove dirty things. The cargo volume is 603 liters (479 liters with a false floor) and 1773 liters with a lifted -up and completely folded rear seats (they can also be folded in the proportion of 40/20/40). Thus, even with a false floor, a useful volume is greater than that of the predecessor, by 69 liters. In the filling of the SUV, the changes affected all important components and assemblies. But the changes are not very serious. Engines of the previous volume. But if the 2.5-liter is the modernized former (now it develops 169 hp and 233 nm), then the 2-liter new one, it is borrowed from the younger brother Qashqai (141 hp and 196 Nm). There are no diesel engines for Russia, and it is not known whether they will be at all. New gearboxes appeared. On both engines, you can install either 6-speed mechanics or CVT variator. On the version with a 2.5-liter engine, it is called M-CVT and offers a manual selection of six pseudo-transmission. The moment for four wheels is supplied by the All-Mode 4x4-I system. The principle of work remained the same. There are no rigid connections in the transmission, everyone is controlled by electronics. The modes are provided: 2WD drive only to the front axle; Auto, when slipping the front wheels, part of the torque (up to 50%) is transmitted back. In Auto mode, turning the ring on the central tunnel to the locust position, the moment is forcibly distributed equally between the axes (at speeds up to 40 km/h). In this case, you can disable the ESP stabilization system. There is no more power steering, there is an electric power, the goal of saving engine and fuel power. He is quite decent. The suspension of the previous design: in front of MacPherson, a multi -link behind. But they worked with them. The front is installed on a stronger subframe and has a larger diameter stabilizer, and the rear shock absorbers are tilted stronger, which contributed to an increase in the luggage compartment.
 

Our test drive was very fleeting. For 150 km of a route for two with a colleague, it is difficult to get a complete picture of the car. But I can say: on the go, the new X-Trail looks like the previous one (again the joy of conservative fans). First, about the tandem of a 2-liter engine and variator, the lion's share of the path was made just in such a car. What can I say, weakly. Explicit shortage in dynamics. Gas to the floor of the engine buzzes monotonously, and the X-Trail slowly gains speed. Official acceleration figures to hundreds (11.9 seconds) look too optimistic. And on the highway, at speeds above 100 km/h, before overtaking you need to properly evaluate the situation. A two-liter X-Trail with a variator is heavy.
 
With 2.5 liters and six cylinders, another thing. The sound of the motor is more pleasant, the dynamics are good. But most of all was surprised by a 2-liter version with a manual box. And where that is taken by subjective sensations, acceleration at the level of a 2.5-liter version. Most likely, this is due to the convenience of traction control, good gas responses and a good switching mechanism. I didn’t like only a flimsy gearbox lever.
 
On a good road, the car goes confidently. And there is comfort, and the necessary elasticity. The rolls in corners are very small for the crossover. The last twenty kilometers to the banks of the Volga have been laid along a break in a broken asphalt and a crossed country. Here the sounds made mainly by the rear suspension were alerted, and the blows transmitted to the body. Loudly and tough even at innocent speed. The suspension is not enough energy intensity. Despite the fact that I found out very decent moves, hanging a diagonal in the X-Trail forest. By the way, the All-Mode 4x4-I electronic all-wheel drive even on two wheels slowly dragged the car on a rather steep hill. So on average off -road, the car, most likely, does not save. Summary. Despite the small flaws inherent in the first parties, and the obvious lethargy of the 2-liter version with the variator of the new X-Trail should be recognized as luck. Including because he is very similar to his predecessor.

Prices and configuration

Russian dealers have already begun to sell the new Nissan X-Trail. The cheapest car with a 2-liter engine, manual transmission and a fabric salon is offered for 873,000 rubles. But in this configuration (SE V-V) there is no hatch in the roof, rear athermal glass, rails with additional headlights and the Hill Descent Control system. All this is in 2- and 2.5-liter versions of SE BD-V or VA with a pen or variator. They cost from 910,000 to 988,000 rubles. The most expensive set lee. Leather salon, seats and heated folding mirrors are regulated by electric drives, the doors are opened by the Intelligent Key system, there is a xenon with auto -correction. Nissan X-Trail LE is sold with the only checkpoint with a stranded variator. With a 2 l engine, the price is 1 004,000 rubles, with a 2.5-liter 1,070,000.
 
Dmitry Krotov
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Source: Motor magazine [September 2007]