Nissan X-Trail E-Power Video Review
X-Trail is the latest model to get Nissan's new E-Power technology
Highlights
Solid and reliable
Neat styling for a seven seater
Drives like an EV
Infotainment a little dated
Back row best kept to occasional use
Still needs fuel
Overview
The Nissan X-Trail is a well-known and much loved workhorse that has been a firm fixture on Irish driveways since it first arrived nearly 25 years ago. Its popularity in recent years has been helped hugely by the option of seven seats, something that is always in high demand for larger families.
Interior Gallery
Space & Practicality
Rating
As with all seven seat SUVs, the boot space depends on whether or not you are using the back row of seats. When they’re up, it’s pretty small. Still usable, but might be a struggle when it comes to carrying anything larger than a lightweight stroller. When you fold them down, which is pretty easy to do with the pull of a lever – it’s a lot more impressive, and should be well equipped to deal with most travel systems, sports equipment, Ikea trips or whatever it is you need the space for.
The X Trail comes with a sliding seat mechanism in the middle row which will allow you to trade off space between the middle and back rows depending on where you need it more. This will determine how much legroom each passenger has, and depending on the chosen set up, the back row can be very spacious. There's enough room to fit at least one extended rear facing carseat in the middle row and still leave room for an adult passenger in the front. It's also got quite a wide rear bench, increasing your chances of fitting three children in a row depending on their seating requirements. The back row, while finished very nicely, can feel a little cramped and is probably best left to occasional rather than everyday use. Or better still, as extra bootspace when not in use - although the same can be said for most of its rivals in this class.
Equipment and Safety
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The X-Trail range starts at approximately €50,000 for the five seat model, or €60,000 for the four wheel drive seven seat model. You can get both versions in a choice of trim levels. The range kicks of with the SV which comes generously equipped as standard. Highlights include 18 inch alloy wheels, a drive mode selector and touchscreen infotainment as well as a generous list of safety features such as Lane Departure warning, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring.
SV Premium adds ambient lighting, a digital cockpit and a sunroof. The top of the range SVE gets pretty much every luxury you can think of including an upgraded interior with wooden inserts, leather look upholstery and one of the best surround view parking systems you will find on the market.
The infotainment system is pretty foolproof even if the graphics aren’t the sharpest or most modern on the market, and the SatNav is powered by Google Maps making it very easy to use. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you prefer to use your phone's interface.
Performance & Running Costs
Rating
The X-Trail is powered by a combination of a 1.5l petrol engine and two electric motors which works as a sort of reverse hybrid system. The petrol engine never actually turns the wheels but instead works as a generator to drive power to the battery, which then powers the electric motors. The result is an electric feeling drive. It’s quiet and smooth and also quite dynamic with a power output of over 200 hp. And just like an EV, that power uptake is immediate. You also get the benefit of a fully automatic, hassle free drive.
Nissan call it an unplugged electric experience, which gives you the benefits of an EV drive without ever having to plug it in. This also improves the fuel economy, although not to the same extent as a Plug-In Hybrid might with a combined official figure of 6.5l per 100km. We saw closer to 7.7l/100km during our test drive, but for a four wheel drive seven seat SUV, that is still not bad.
It's a very nice car to drive and surprisingly agile despite its large dimensions. The e-force system does give an enhanced feeling of control, sending just the right amount of power to the front and back wheels where needed. The electric element also makes for a nice relaxed experience behind the wheel and a general feeling of refinement that’s a huge improvement on X trails of old which had a more rugged, utilitarian feel. All in all, the X trail feels very well matched to the e-power system.
Reliability & Residuals
Rating
The X-Trail faces tough competition in the growing seven seat market from the likes of the the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008. However, the familiar name, well-established reputation for reliability, and now this new Hybrid technology, the Nissan remains a standout choice. If you need a car that’s both practical and capable in equal measures, it's definitely worth considering for your shopping list.
