Success breeds a craving for more success. Since its debut in 2000, Nissan has sold approximately 800,000 units of its first compact SUV, the X-Trail, worldwide. This article delves into the reasons behind its enduring popularity and the enhancements made in its latest iteration.
Nissan's X-Trail has captivated the global market since its launch in 2000, selling around 800,000 units. This article explores the reasons behind its success, the latest updates, and why it continues to be a favorite among SUV enthusiasts. From its robust off-road capabilities to its refined on-road performance, the X-Trail offers a compelling package. Read on to discover the features, performance metrics, and why this SUV remains a top choice.
Nissan's X-Trail has been a game-changer in the compact SUV segment. Since its introduction, it has sold nearly 800,000 units globally, with a significant portion of these sales coming from Germany. Interestingly, almost half of the German buyers previously owned a sedan or a station wagon, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs.
Nissan has retained the X-Trail's proven exterior design while making substantial improvements under the hood. Customer feedback revealed that 30% of X-Trail owners use their SUV for off-road activities, and another 25% use it as a towing vehicle. Therefore, the new model had to maintain its off-road prowess while enhancing its on-road capabilities.
The interior has seen significant upgrades. The new X-Trail offers around 50 liters of additional storage space, including a trunk that can expand to over 600 liters. By removing the lower load floor, you can access an additional 120 liters of hidden storage. The rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 split, creating a flat loading area with a maximum volume of 1,773 liters.
The new X-Trail has proven its mettle in the rugged mountains of northern Greece. Built on the Qashqai platform and equipped with an automatically engaging all-wheel-drive system, it handles steep climbs effortlessly. Features like a differential lock and hill descent control, which limits speed to around 7 km/h using ABS, further enhance its off-road capabilities.
The investment in a new chassis pays off on the road. The X-Trail offers impressive straight-line stability and commendable driving dynamics. While it's not a cornering marvel, it handles mountain roads with ease, thanks to its standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Nissan offers a range of engine options for the X-Trail:
Nissan expects that nearly 90% of X-Trail sales in Germany will be diesel models, primarily due to their fuel efficiency. The diesel engines have a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 to 7.4 liters per 100 km, while the petrol engines consume 8.7 to 9.8 liters per 100 km.
Both petrol and diesel engines offer similar performance metrics. The smaller engines accelerate the X-Trail from 0 to 100 km/h in about 10 seconds, while the larger engines achieve this in approximately 9 seconds. The diesel models have a slightly higher top speed, ranging from 190 to 200 km/h, and offer around 40% more torque.
The X-Trail's interior is designed for comfort and utility. It offers high-quality materials, although the instrument panel could benefit from a more cohesive design. The seats could also use better lateral support, but overall, the interior is functional and spacious.
The new X-Trail is priced approximately €1,500 higher than its predecessor but offers more features, including diesel particulate filters and ESP as standard. It is available in three trim levels: XE, SE, and LE. Prices range from €26,900 to €35,140 for the fully equipped LE model with the powerful diesel engine.
The Nissan X-Trail continues to be a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. With its blend of off-road capabilities, on-road comfort, and practical features, it remains a favorite among SUV enthusiasts. The new model builds on its legacy of success, offering more features and better performance, ensuring that the X-Trail's success story is far from over.
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