Nissan X-Trail test drive since 2011 SUV
Bet on "horses"
Nissan X-Trail has become one of the most powerful compact SUVs
In today's situation, even a good and stable demand for a particular model does not allow the manufacturer to relax. It is not enough to keep consumer interest, you must constantly warm it, while attracting more and more fans to the brand, and, preferably, selecting them from competitors. Here, it would seem, is a fresh model - X -Trail. And Nissan already offers in addition to the range of engines the latest power unit with a volume of 2.5 liters, which intent 165 horses. Despite the good sales of the X-Trail, I did not have time to become familiar on our roads. Its original appearance still makes car enthusiasts look around. The version with the most powerful motor is no different from the already known, both outside and inside. Nevertheless, it is still worth recalling some pleasant features of the X-Trail.
Not only is the landing convenient, there is no risk of staining clothes even in slush: the doors completely close the thresholds, providing their cleanliness. And inside everything is thought out to the smallest detail. The instrument shield is located at the top, in the center of the front panel, so that at any position of the steering wheel it does not block the scale of the devices. The dials are slightly deployed to the driver, but at the same time they are clearly visible to passengers. Under the shield - a first -class audio system and two additional pockets, in each of which a can or a bottle with a soft drink is placed. When the air conditioner is included, and it is included in the standard equipment of the X-Trail, cold air is fed into these compartments, and drinks remain cool in the heat. Next to the windshield racks there are two cup holders for the driver and the front passenger. The range of adjustments to the front seats and the steering wheel pleases. Personally, I did not like only one thing: a short seat. Not that it is inconvenient, but unusual. At the back, three passengers will accommodate with comfort. And they are not without the opportunity to adjust the angle of inclination of the back. The rear sofa can be folded both in whole and in parts, increasing the volume of the luggage compartment.
There are no barriers
I was able to fully evaluate the off-road qualities of the car a couple of years ago, when, on the official test drive of the novelty in Finland, the company's specialists laid such a route, after which I wanted to drink something. The potholes and pits were such depths that breathtaking. Why did X-Trail amaze with its cross-country ability? Because this car belongs to the class of compact SUVs, for most of which overcoming obstacles is a secondary matter. X-Trail is equipped with a load-bearing body, it does not have a frame, but its qualities go far beyond the framework that the parquet jeep contains a frivolous definition. This is the case when the appearance is deceiving. The car does not scare in size, and will feel in any city at home, but will not yield to huge jeeps on the road.
X-Trail borrowed these qualities from the senior brothers in the Nissan workshop. If we talk about the behavior of the car on an ordinary road, then when driving along asphalt is a typical front -wheel drive car. The reactions to the steering wheel and gas supply are no different from the reactions of any modern sedans or station wagons. Yes, the suspension is somewhat harsh, but it is precisely because of this that the machine is perfectly passing turns and fights off -road perfectly.
There are three buttons on the central panel - 2WD, Auto, Lock. Each of them is responsible for the mode of operation of the transmission. 2WD mode (front -wheel drive) is most often used. If under the wheels there are already soil, snow or rather heavy lifts and descents will simply have to press the Auto button. On the instrument panel, an icon confirming the activation of the all -wheel drive system will light up. In this case, the torque is transmitted to the rear wheels only if the front slipping is outlined. Moreover, he commands the electronics processes. A special block is installed in the car, which takes into account the speed of movement, the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, the force of pressing the gas pedal and the degree of slipping of one or more wheels and transfers most of the engine power to the wheel, which has the best adhesion to the road. This system works in close contact with ABS. The wheels that glide or are in the air are blocked using brakes. The standard package also includes the ESP+electronic stabilization program, insured by the driver from possible errors. It can be turned off by pressing the button to the left of the driver's seat. In addition, there are systems that provide maximum braking efficiency. By pressing the Lock button, the driver blocks the center differential, and the engine power is distributed in the proportion: 57% - on the front wheels and 43% - to the rear. This mode is used only when driving on serious off -road. 
The new power unit gives the X-Trail in a real fighting character. So, to accelerate up to 100 km/h, the machine with this engine requires only 9.9 seconds, which is a kind of record in the classroom. And if the car is also equipped with a mechanical 5-speed checkpoint, then there are few equal to it. Especially in winter, when the wheels are not dry asphalt, but something slippery and incomprehensible. The settings of the power unit are such that serious pickup is provided with almost any engine speed. The maximum torque is achieved at 3000 rpm. Creer dynamics and brakes. They are very effective, and the pedal itself allows you to control the degree of slowdown. If anything, ABS will help. In a word, the car gives confidence both when moving in a dense city stream and on a highway, where you can get not a small speed of 191 km/h.
Prospects
One thing is undoubted: already confident demand for X-Trail with the advent of a powerful version will revive. Nissan has a new trump card in competition. In the segment of compact SUVs, it becomes more and more closely. Here is Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, and Land Rover Freelander, and Toyota Rav4. True, so far only Freelander boasts a 2.5 liter engine. It is slightly more powerful than Nissan, but in terms of dynamic characteristics it is inferior to it, and it is proposed only with an automatic checkpoint. In terms of cross-country ability, the same Freelander can be compared with the X-Trail, yes, perhaps, Pajero Pinin. And for comfort in the cabin - Honda CR -V and Toyota Rav4. So, in the aggregate of all these qualities, the novelty, perhaps, looks very attractive. Warranty, as well as all other versions, 3 years. Andrey Osipov
Brief technical characteristics of the Nissan X-Trail 2.5
Engine volume, cubic meter. See: 2448
The number of valves for the cylinder: 4
Power, l. With. at about./min.: 165/6000
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min.: 230/3000
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p.: 9.9
Maximum speed, km/h: 191
Average fuel consumption l./100 km.: 9.6
Fuel tank volume, l.: 60
Dimensions, mm.: 4510x1765x1675
