Nissan X-Trail

Expert Review by Maxabout

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After getting into the driver’s seat of the 2024 Nissan X-Trail, there is that familiarity blended with the newness. This fourth-generation model was Nissan’s re-entrance into the prestige SUV market in India, and they appear to be gunning for it. As the seventh generation of the global bestseller with sales exceeding 7.8 million copies worldwide, X-Trail has become a CBU product entering the Indian market as a full-fledged premium segment offering from Nissan.

My first impression? It’s quite a daring decision on Nissan’s part, mainly given the current state of the Indian market for SUVs. That position is now because the X-Trail, priced at Rs 49.92 lakh (ex-showroom), is entering a ring with well-settled players. However, as I start my relationship with this Japanese contender I am waiting to see if it has all it takes to fiercely compete and find its own market.

Design and Aesthetics

Among the important changes we can point out that exterior design of X-Trail reflects new tendencies in Nissan’s stamping. From the outside, the car, or rather an SUV has an uncluttered and sleek look besides having a very upright and authoritative structure. The front side features the large V-Motion grille accompanied by the LED headlights split in the middle, creating an association with MICRO-MAX protective mask. Slashed line of the shoulder is more apparent in side view with a perfectly balanced side profile suggesting a tendency to move even when parked.

What stands out for me most is that it has 20 inch alloy wheels – the largest of any car in the compact segment. They not only seem aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but also fit into wheel arches providing a bigger and bolder stance to the SUV. Another pleasant surprise lies on its posterior, new angular LEDs for the taillights and a beefy imitation skid plate that gives that SUV vibe.

Entering the attics, literally and figuratively, there is no doubt that inside the cabin is practical as well as beautiful. The design of the dashboard is simple and logical, materials are soft with a glossy black inserts. While it doesn’t look like it has Oru’s sleek wooden construction, the build quality is strong and everything feels well made. There is, however, something missing and that is the extra luxury that one might associate with this kind of money spent on an interior design, which is unoffensive but does not especially stand out.

There is one aspect that causes me confusion: the materials that are used for furniture upholstery. As far as ergonomics, especially the climate control is concerned, it would indeed be most useful for the Indian climate though I must say that it does take a bit of sheen off the otherwise ‘premium’ Hatch segment. The seats should also also be grey coloured and they give the impression that they do not really gel with the rest of the luxurious interior.

Performance and Powertrain

But under the skin, the X-Trail comes with a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol unit, which boasts mild-hybrid capabilities. It is intriguing and even more so given that there is no diesel or even robust hybrid variant hence common in this segment in India. The engine delivers 163 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque, which, considering the pretty considerable size of the car in question, is than decent on paper, at least.

When I first step on the gas and take the X-Trail out, I am impressed. The only notable efficiency-related feature on the 2012 model is the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that does a laudable job in ensuring the engine stays within the power band and produces linear power thus achieving a pretty linear acceleration. It may not get your adrenalin pumping, but it does a very credible job in bumper-to-bumper traffic as well as on long highway runs.

They are very good by inventing unique or modifications of already existing designs that have a better ride quality. One positive change Nissan has handled with efficiency is the suspension tuning where comfort and stability has been ironed out to perfection. While it can almost float over distasteful road surfaces, the X-Trail genuinely doesn’t mind being hustled through bends. The steering is light at low speeds to aid in maneuverability but firms to a nice, heavy, authoritarian feel when you’re really going flat out.

However, one element which may send potential customers to the other side of the fence is that the Equinox comes only with the front-wheel-drive system. There is a segment of vehicles that it is unthinkable to launch without an off-road all-wheel-drive system, and it is even more unthinkable at this price level, and its absence here is felt. Nevertheless, I do not see it as a disadvantage in most of the urban and highway succedaneum driving situation in India.

Features and Technology

The X-Trail comes as standard with a host of equipment but there are some notable and in my opinion obvious absences for a car costing this amount of money. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is functional, but clearly lacks the latest generation of both, size and operating system. This feels like a missed opportunity though inside an age where bigger screens are gradually becoming the standard.

On the positive side, the fully digital instrument cluster is clearly readable and provides several choices. Having the 360-degree camera system proves useful in situations where a car is parked in a confined space as the feeds received are clear and in high definition. Others include the suncontract opened panoramic roof, wireless charging of phones, and a dual zone climate control.

Safety features are extensive and include the following; Six airbags include- driver, passenger, side airbags and curtain ones, ABS with EBD, the electronic stability control and the hill start assist. Yet, there is no ADAS, which is quite incomprehensible given that most rivals offer these systems for a similar price.

An absence of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is another drawback too. In a premium vehicle such benefits are expected to be already inbuilt from the default options of a car.

Variants

Most noteworthy, Nissan X-Trail is available in India in one single model with all the luxury features that are incorporated in it. What is more, this approach helps to make a buying process easier but at the same time it leaves customers no choice to purchase a model with fewer functionalities but at a lower cost.

Market Position and Pricing

Priced at Rs 49.92 lakh (ex-showroom), the X-Trail currently straddles a rather precarious rung in the Indian auto market. Budget wise, it is in the same ballpark as stereotypical players as the Skoda Kodiaq and higher that the Jeep Meridian. However, some elements that are present in these competitors are missing, for instance, ADAS and leather seats.

One is left to wonder how the benchmark pricing strategy is counting on the exclusivity of the X-Trail and the general appeal of the Nissan brand. But in a country such as India, where the sensitivity of the price is relatively high, this could be a compelling task, particularly bearing in mind the formidable value selling propositions of its rivals.

Target Audience

The X-Trail will perfectly suit those SUV lovers who prefer driving in cities, expecting comfort, need a lot of space, and would like to have a car with prestigious label. It is more likely to find buyers those who seek something different from traditional German and Czech investors in this segment. The commodious interior and rather cosy ride make it fit the needs of families, but its look and equipment might appeal to young professionals looking for a flashy ride.

Value for Money

Evaluation of the value proposition of X-Trail is not an easy task. One the one hand it is comfortable, has a large cabin, and unique since it comes in a CBU. However, it misses out on some attributes that are increasingly finding their way in this segment, including advanced driver safety assistance, fitted leather, and a much bigger touch screen display for interactions.

From my point of view, the analysed automobile is quite good as an SUV which provides comfort to its passengers but as for providing the unique selling proposition Nissan X-Trail fails. The absence of some of these superior features is a factor that complicates its sales in a market that values the worth of its money.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The manufacturers recommend a fuel efficiency of 13.7 kmpl for Nissan’s new X-Trail. During my test, the combined city and highway drive gave me an approximate of 11-12 kmpl. This is reasonable for a vehicle of this size and power, but it has to be said that some other hybrid vehicle in this segment of the market is much more fuel efficient.

Competitors and Comparison

The main rivals of the X-Trail in India are Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian, and partly Toyota Fortuner is the principal rival both for Nissan’s X-Trail and Skoda Kodia_methods of data collection and analysis
Trail. Compared to these, the X-Trail is not so bad in terms of comfort of the ride and cabin space. However, it falls short in some areas:

– It has superior interior build as well as more features including ADAS, and a more potent power plant.
The Jeep Meridian gives better off-roading with better styling attributes as well as 4 X 4 system.
Lacking in refinement: Well, the Toyota Fortuner may not be as refined as the Ford’s Endeavour but it gives the required reliability and the fantastic resale value that one associates with Toyota’s in India.

However the strength of the X-Trail has the comfort in riding and large interior of the car. The second row in the model especially boasts of adequate leg room and comfortable seats – it would suffice to recommend them to people who are commonly ferried around in a car.

Conclusion

As I wind up my stay with the Nissan X-Trail, it’s the most fascinating cross over that has left me with so much confusion. On the one hand, it provides for an easy and comfortable ride, spacious and rather well-equipped and built SUV. This car has an appealing appearance and is point in its being an imported CBU product.

On the other hand, the high price and such essential components missing make it hard to sell in the cut-throat sector of the Indian economy. For this money, one should expect better interiors, including the lack of ADAS, absence of leather and a more up-to-date infotainment system.

The X-Trail is most attractive to customers seeking comfort and space with which to create a barrier between themselves and the hoi polloi, as well as something flashier than a RAV4 or CR-V while not possessing the pork swords or ultimate versatility of an Outlander Sport or Escape. It is a nice car to navigate the urban roads and does not shudder when occasionally taken on the highways.

Finally, despite being a capable car, the X-Trail is already fighting an uphill battle in India. Its success will wholly and squarely rest on how much Indian consumers are willing to pay for Nissan and how much they would want to be associated with a car that has been imported as a CBU. As for now it needs to remain a niche product in a market that wants more for less.