Nissan X-TRAIL – bear hugs and robotics

ROAD TEST

Nissan was quick to spot a gap in the market when it launched the original Qashqai crossover car back in 2007.

Replacing two models – the family size Primera and smaller Almera – in one fell swoop, Qashqai set the scene for a niche that has proved a real moneyspinner for the Japanese brand.

While the Qashqai has gone from strength to strength, so too have a pair of its stablemates – the radically styled Juke and larger X-TRAIL, altogether giving Nissan the most comprehensive line-up of crossover models around.

The X-TRAIL has actually been doing service since 2001 and in its latest incarnation has moved from being a more rough and ready SUV to a car-like crossover model.

It also has more than a passing resemblance to the Qashqai, though slightly larger to cater for families wanting a third row of seats – an £800 extra cost option.

Both front and four-wheel drive versions are up for grabs, though you pay an extra £1,700 for that added grip.

Toughness and resilience are guaranteed. In fact Nissan has recently revealed the extremes to which it goes as a company to ensure all its crossover models reach the highest of standards.

For instance robots are used to open and close the windows at least 30,000 times per model, while using volcanic dust imported from Japan to test against scratching.

The sound system is played at high volume for 1,728,000 minutes using carefully selected tracks – including Mariah Carey for the high notes and the thumping bass of German house music – to cover the widest range of pitch and beat.

And weights are dropped on the glass roof to ensure it can withstand the weight of a brown bear climbing on the car.

The tested model was a seven-seater and featured the company’s 130PS 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

It’s more adequate than lively but comes with the attraction of an average 50+ miles per gallon fuel return, thanks in part to being appreciably lighter than its predecessor.

The X-TRAIL’s cabin is comfortable and of high quality with shiny piano black inserts while the centre console houses the Japanese brand’s NissanConnect seven-inch touchscreen and entertainment system.

Of course crossovers need to be versatile and to that end the seats are theatre style for better visibility, the second row can be slid, reclined and folded flat and there are nine combinations for the boot floor plus a useful storage area beneath it.

If you opt for seven seats then the third row is fully integrated with improved leg and headroom – just don’t expect to cram much luggage in.

The latest X-TRAIL also introduces stuff like bi-LED headlamps and Nissan Safety Shield with its forward emergency braking, lane departure warning and traffic signal recognition.

Metallic paint raises the bill by £550, but if the tested model’s Copper Blaze paint job is anything to go by, it’s worth the money.