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The all-new X-TRAIL continues the styling themes set by the highly successful original, but is now larger in all dimensions.

It offers higher degrees of refinement, comfort, safety and quality in a package that abounds in clever innovations and offers greater practicality, yet retains the basic elements that made the original X-TRAIL such a hit in Australia.

For the first time, X-TRAIL is available with an optional stepless CVT automatic transmission that not only improves driveability in all situations but also helps reduce fuel consumption.

The new X-TRAIL also benefits from the “intelligent” ALL MODE 4x4-i four-wheel drive system as well as a revised version of the proven 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that provided the sparkling performance and excellent economy that set the original X-TRAIL apart.

While the power has increased slightly, it is the revised torque curve that helps the new X-TRAIL deliver improved mid-range response while still returning excellent fuel consumption figures that, in the CVT version, are actually an improvement over both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic versions of its already frugal predecessor. The all-aluminium engine produces 125kW of power, along with 226Nm of torque to continue with the lively nature that was a feature of the original X-TRAIL.

With twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, the 2.5-litre engine also uses a sophisticated CVTC (Continuous Valve Timing Control) system to ensure a useable spread of power and torque over a wide operating range that assists performance both on and off-road.

The three-model X-TRAIL range – ST, ST-L and the range-topping Ti – are all equipped with Nissan’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) including Stability Control and Traction Control with Active Brake Limited Slip, hill descent control and hill start assist.

Hill start assist and hill descent control, as part of the electronically controlled ‘intelligent’ ALL MODE 4x4-i four-wheel drive system, are new to X-TRAIL and help extend its offroad capabilities.

All models are equipped with four-wheel disc ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Passive safety is enhanced with the fitment of dual front, front side and full-length curtain airbags on all models, along with front active headrests, side intrusion bars and a collapsible steering column.

Nissan employed extensive customer research to design an all-new car that offered more of everything that made the previous model such a success, while retaining the vital X-TRAIL essence.

The new body is designed to maximise interior space while continuing with the traditional X-TRAIL’s functional, yet stylish look. Driver vision is assured by the generous glasshouse, while the increase in all body dimensions improves passenger and luggage space without sacrificing performance or economy.

The new X-TRAIL gets a new chassis based on the Alliance C-Platform that contributes to enhancements in driveability on the road as well as abilities off-road. With MacPherson strut suspension at the front, and a multi-link system at the rear, the new X-TRAIL offers a more refined, comfortable ride, while efficiency and handling are assisted by the adoption of electric power steering. Despite the larger body, the new X-TRAIL retains the same 10.6-metre turning circle as the previous model.

Wheel sizes are also increased in the new X-TRAIL, to 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65R16 tyres in ST models and to 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with 215/60R17 tyres in ST-L and Ti versions.

The new X-TRAIL offers even more space for five passengers as well as a luggage area that can be expanded to a maximum of 1773 litres when the new 40/20/40 rear seats are folded and the clever two-level floor with its sliding drawer is removed. In true X-TRAIL style, the luggage area has a practical, durable and easily washable plastic surface.

The new X-TRAIL also offers improvements in trim quality to enhance impressions of style and luxury, while the dashboard layout now places the instrument binnacle directly ahead of the driver to improve overall functionality.

Familiar X-TRAIL innovations include the cup holders at either end of the instrument panel that are able to heat or cool drinks, enhanced now by two similarly heated or cooled cup holders for the rear-seat passengers as well.

Standard in all new X-TRAIL models are a trip computer, exterior temperature gauge, cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, 12-volt cargo area power outlet, cargo area tie-down hooks and roof rails. ST-L and Ti models gain 17-inch alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning, a leathertrimmed steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with six-stack, in-dash MP3- capable CD player, while the Ti comes with a glass sliding power sunroof, heated front leather seats with power adjustment and rear parking sensors.

Despite the high standard specification level on the X-TRAIL ST, pricing remains unchanged from the previous model at $31,990* for the manual and $33,990* for the CVT automatic.

The mid-specification ST-L is priced from $35,990* for the manual and $37,990* for the CVT automatic while the range topping Ti is priced from $38,990* and $40,990* respectively for manual and CVT automatic variants.

Nissan’s managing director and CEO, Shinya Hannya, said: “The new X-TRAIL is clearly an evolution of the previous model yet offers more of everything – passenger and luggage space, safety, on and off-road capabilities - without compromising driving dynamics and performance.

“X-TRAIL is a great success for Nissan both globally and here in Australia and we are confident the new X-TRAIL will improve on the sales success of its predecessor.”

THE GENUINE ARTICLE

Many compact SUVs claim to be off-roaders - some even have four-wheel drive - but, with Nissan’s latest generation intelligent ALL MODE 4x4-i system there can be little doubt that the new X-TRAIL is even more capable than before.

At a glance

• All-new chassis
• Genuine SUV credentials, with:
• Intelligent four-wheel drive system
• Advanced hill start and descent controls
• Enhanced on-road comfort and handling

At the heart of the new X-TRAIL lies a sophisticated electronically controlled four-wheel drive system called ‘intelligent’ ALL MODE 4x4-i. It is the latest version of the Nissandeveloped

ALL MODE system that has been central to the success of iconic off-road vehicles such as Pathfinder and the original X-TRAIL.

The primary improvements that have led to the development of ALL MODE 4x4-i are the inclusion of sensors monitoring side, front and rear G forces, yaw rates and steering angles. They improve the X-TRAIL’s stability and offer added dynamic reassurance in marginal conditions by sending the power to the wheel with the most grip. This applies in normal road conditions to reduce understeer and oversteer, as well as off-road.

The X-TRAIL’s ‘intelligent’ ALL MODE 4x4-i system works in tandem with the other advanced on-board systems, such as the eighth generation electronic stability program, (ESP), traction control (TCS), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

In addition, ALL MODE 4x4-i works in parallel with two further electronic systems designed to give the driver greater control when driving down steep inclines, hill descent control or when starting off uphill, hill start assist.

EASY TO USE

ALL MODE 4x4-i is exceptionally easy to operate. Controlled via a large two-position, three-mode rotary knob situated behind the gear lever on the centre console, the system allows the driver to choose between front-wheel drive or fully automatic four-wheel drive: the ‘AUTO’ setting is the default mode, while the third ‘LOCK’ setting is for use off-road.

In AUTO mode, ALL MODE 4x4-i constantly monitors all the sensors and uses yaw rate feedback to ensure ideal distribution of the engine torque between front and rear axles – as much as 50 per cent of the available torque can be sent to the back wheels if needed.

ALL MODE 4x4-i includes a predictive mode, which anticipates the risk of wheel spin based on throttle position and engine torque, and transfers torque to the rear before the front wheels start to lose grip. Four-wheel drive systems on most other compact SUVs do not have the benefit of ALL MODE 4x4-i’s predictive capability.

FUN TO DRIVE

On the road, this makes the all-new X-TRAIL more fun to drive. It has more neutral handling, as understeer is virtually eliminated regardless of vehicle speed, while high speed stability and steering feedback are also enhanced. The system also works exceptionally well on low surfaces when the constant monitoring of grip levels guarantees traction where it is needed.

Off-road capability is enhanced by the ability to lock the system to ensure torque is split equally between both axles for ultimate grip. Set by twisting the rotary knob beyond the AUTO position (to which the switch reverts once set), LOCK operates at speeds of up to 40 km/h, above which it is automatically over-ridden. The setting is also over-ridden each time the engine is re-started, when the system automatically reverts to AUTO mode. There are times, when driving off-road, that wheel spin can be an advantage – finding grip in mud and sand for example – and as a further refinement on the new X-TRAIL, ESP can be deactivated to permit wheel spin.

HOW IT WORKS

When operating under normal conditions in AUTO mode, engine torque is transferred to the transmission and the front transfer case. The transfer case, in turn, is in constant mesh with the prop shaft, driving the shaft but not the rear wheels at this stage.

Sensors linking the engine’s ECU, wheel speed, steering angle, plus longitudinal and lateral G and yaw rates, continually monitor and anticipate wheel slip.

Just ahead of the rear final drive is an electronically controlled coupling which enables drive to be fed through both front and rear axles. Its main clutch is connected to the prop shaft, while a control clutch connects to the rear drive.

The control clutch features a cam system comprising two plates with asymmetric grooves on both faces, separated by a series of ball bearings. To activate rear-wheel drive, the control clutch is engaged electro magnetically, causing one of the plates to be slowed down and allowing the bearings to move to one end of the grooves.

This forces the plates to separate, which in turn applies pressure to the main clutch, and torque is transmitted between the two to supply drive to the rear wheels. The main clutch transmits torque relative to the current applied to the electromagnet and the resulting engagement pressure. A torque-limiter prevents excessive torque being sent to the rear wheels.

When LOCK is selected, the control unit supplies the maximum amount of current to the electromagnet. This causes the control clutch cam plates to apply maximum pressure to the main clutch to give a fixed 50/50 torque split at lower speeds.

HILL HELPERS

Two further features of the new ALL MODE 4x4-i are hill descent control and hill start assist. Hill descent control is engaged manually when the system is in LOCK mode and uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a controlled descent speed of about 8km/h. With the system looking after the vehicle speed, the driver can concentrate on taking the safest path. Hill descent control works not only if the X-TRAIL is driving downhill in first gear, but also when reversing down a descent.

Hill start assist, in contrast, operates automatically both on and off-road. It comes into play when the X-TRAIL starts off from rest in any gear on an incline of 10 per cent or more, and prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards for the second or so it takes the driver’s foot to go from the brake to the throttle. Hill start assist also works when reversing up a hill.

NEW SUSPENSION LAYOUT

To match its new 4x4 system, X-TRAIL has a new chassis and suspension system. Based on the Alliance C-platform, which also underpins the upcoming Nissan DUALIS SUV, X-TRAIL has fully independent suspension for improved on-road comfort without compromising off-road ability.

Strut-type front suspension with combined coil-over-strut assemblies and a forward lower link is mounted on a sub-frame. The sub-frame has compliant rubber mounts to isolate road noise and vibration from the platform, improving both general refinement and ride comfort. A front anti-roll bar is attached directly to the strut assembly for more effective control of body roll while cornering.

At the rear, a fully independent multi-link system has been used for precise handling and high-speed stability. Attached to the vehicle via a rigid rear subframe to keep unwanted noise and vibrations to a minimum, the compact assembly features an aluminium rear upper link to reduce weight: the saving is in the region of 4kg. The design also ensures minimal intrusion into the boot area.

Friction control dampers are fitted to the front and rear suspension. Within the damper, a tiny valve controls the flow of oil according to the speed of the piston movement. This means that ride comfort is improved, but handling responsiveness is not compromised as the dampers react to different piston movement characteristics within the damper to give optimum damping control.

LARGER ALL ROUND

Dimensionally, new X-TRAIL is marginally bigger all round. Like the DUALIS it sits on a 2630mm wheelbase, some 5mm longer than before, while overall length has increased by 120mm to 4630mm. New X-TRAIL is also taller by 10mm and wider by 20mm at 1685mm and 1785mm respectively. The front track remains at 1530mm, while the rear has been increased 5mm to 1535mm.

The all-important off-road dimensions, however, show X-TRAIL remains capable with a minimum ground clearance of 200mm, approach and departure angles of 26 degrees and 22 degrees respectively. Wading depth is 350mm.

Depending on the version, X-TRAIL has 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65R16 tyres or 17-inch alloys wearing 215/60R17 tyres.

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

Handling and manoeuvrability are aided by the adoption of electric power steering (EPS).

This state-of-the-art system offers greater assistance at lower speeds with more steering feel provided as speeds rise. The system checks speed inputs every 40 milliseconds and is speed sensitive to 0.01 km/h. It provides a strong self-centering action at lower engine speeds for easier town driving and greater feel at higher speeds.

The brushless DC motor results in lower friction losses which, in turn, means reduced wear and lowers service costs while the lack of a hydraulic pump means there are fuel consumption benefits as well.

BRAKING

Discs brakes all round with standard anti-lock (ABS) are boosted by Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Brake Assist maintains maximum deceleration during an emergency stop while EBD constantly alters the front-rear balance to achieve optimum brake performance, automatically compensating for differing load conditions.

EVOLUTION OF THE SPECIES

The all-new Nissan X-TRAIL might have a familiar look and a similarly broad range of abilities, but with a new chassis, a revised and more efficient 2.5-litre engine, optional CVT transmission, more equipment, enhanced comfort, greater interior space and added ‘X-TRAILNESS’, it does everything the original did... only better.

”The new X-TRAIL builds on a highly successful formula to bring an even more comfortable, spacious and capable Nissan SUV to Australian customers. The new model underlines the X-TRAIL’s role as a key player in the local market”. - Nissan Australia General Manager, Marketing, Ross Booth

At a glance

• All-new chassis and body design
• Genuine off-road credentials, with:
• Intelligent four-wheel drive system
• Advanced hill start and descent controls
• Greater interior space with innovative double deck luggage area
• Enhanced on-road performance and comfort
• Improved interior quality, fit and finish

Those best able to judge whether a car delivers on all its promises are the customers. Owners who live with, and understand their vehicles are uniquely placed to give the ultimate verdict.

So while the all-new X-TRAIL was at the planning stage, Nissan turned to owners of the first generation model to understand what they thought the original X-TRAIL did well and where it could be improved.

The winning formula of the original X-TRAIL provided Nissan’s designers and engineers with a formidable challenge when it came to providing the next generation X-TRAIL with even greater levels of performance, ability and practicality.

The latest X-TRAIL is an all-new vehicle, but one which builds on the strengths of its predecessor rather than trying to be something completely different.

The 2008 X-TRAIL boasts a new chassis and new body and an upgraded 2.5-litre engine as well as the option, for the first time in X-TRAIL, of Nissan’s stepless CVT automatic transmission. There’s more interior space, a much larger luggage area and greatly enhanced interior quality.

COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO DRIVE

Although slightly larger, the all-new X-TRAIL remains a compact SUV, one that is comfortable and easy to drive on-road. It continues to be a thoroughly practical and functional vehicle, with all the toughness for which X-TRAIL has been recognised.

With the adoption of the Alliance C-Platform, the new X-TRAIL has better on-road manners, with a more refined and stable ride. Yet it has even greater off-road ability, which is assisted by the adoption of Nissan’s latest electronically controlled ‘intelligent’ ALL MODE 4x4-I system.

The ALL MODE 4x4-i system works in parallel with hill start and descent control systems – two new features on X-TRAIL – and, as well as reinforcing off-road capability, ensures stable, secure and predictable on-road performance. Understeer and oversteer are neutralised by sending power to the wheels that have grip, leading to a more enjoyable, positive driving experience.

THE POWER TO PLEASE

The new X-TRAIL uses a revised version of the proven 2.5-litre CVTC four cylinder engine.

At a glance

• Twin overhead camshafts
• Strong low to mid-range torque
• Six speed manual transmission standard
• CVTC Continuous Valve Timing Control improves efficiency
• All-aluminium construction

PETROL POWER

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is a familiar Nissan power plant that also served in the original X-TRAIL, but which has been further improved for its new application. A member of Nissan’s QR range of engines, the four-cylinder unit displaces 2488cc produces 125kW at 6000rpm, while torque peak torque of 226Nm comes in at 4400rpm.

The torque curve has also changed to deliver improved response in the all-important mid range.

With twin overhead camshafts, 16 valves and CVTC (Continuous Valve Timing Control) its excellent low to mid-range torque means the engine continues to be ideal for towing.

The engine has been designed not just for strong performance but also for excellent refinement with potential vibrations minimised by the adoption of twin chain-driven counter-rotating balancer shafts.

Low friction materials are used wherever possible. The aluminium block has a ladderframe construction, which improves strength while also reducing weight and resonance.

Further weight reduction is achieved by the adoption of a resin intake manifold.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

The combined ADR 81/01 fuel consumption figure with the standard six-speed manual transmission is 9.5 l/100km, while the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) transmission with manual over-ride reduces this to 9.3 l/100km - a 0.5l/100km improvement over previous four-speed automatic transmission versions.

6-SPEED MANUAL

The six-speed manual gearbox has a wider range of ratios and reduced friction, which is good for fuel efficiency. Improvements have also been made for diagonal shifts, from second to third gear for example, and from fourth to fifth, thanks to the adoption of a shift guiding plate. The gearbox is 30% quieter than before, due to a new gear shape design and surface finishing.

CVT ADVANTAGES

CVT is a computer-controlled ‘stepless’ transmission providing a virtually limitless number of ratios, ensuring the engine is always working as efficiently as possible. The result is smoother acceleration, lower emissions and better fuel economy. Indeed, ADR 81/01 combined fuel consumption figures for the CVT-equipped X-TRAIL are 0.2 litres/100km less than the manual version.

For a more sporty drive, the CVT system offers a manual override. Operated via the central gear stick, six set ratios can be accessed manually by nudging the lever forward or back, motorcycle style.

FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

Although every panel has been changed, the 2007 Nissan X-TRAIL bears a strong resemblance to the original. The reason is simple: that’s the way the customers like it. With strong shoulders, deep side windows and a thoroughly practical shape, the new X-TRAIL delivers exactly what it promises.

“Our customers clearly liked the original X-TRAIL’s looks, which is why the new model has such strong visual links with its predecessor.” - Nissan Australia General Manager, Marketing, Ross Booth

At a glance

• Longer, taller and wider than before
• Robust stance with strong shoulders
• Good ground clearance and short overhangs for off-road use
• Practical squared body shape
• Deep rear door with low loading sill

Although the new X-TRAIL has been re-styled – indeed, every body panel is new – it deliberately bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor.

Customers liked the no-nonsense styling with broad shoulders that accentuated its robust stance; they liked the deep glasshouse that made for a bright and airy interior with excellent visibility; and they liked the roof and window lines which helped make it practical and roomy.

As a result, the new X-TRAIL incorporates many of those key styling cues, allowing it to capitalise on the strengths of the original... but it also has new features to appeal to a new generation of buyers.

BIGGER THAN BEFORE

New X-TRAIL is bigger overall than its predecessor. At 4630mm, it is longer by 120mm, while the wheelbase has increased by 5mm to 2630mm. It is also slightly taller – up 10mm to 1685mm – and at 1785mm is 20mm wider than before.

Despite the increase in overall dimensions, however, it remains an off-road vehicle with a generous 200mm ground clearance.

STRENGTH AND SOLIDITY

A central design element common to the first generation and latest generation X-TRAIL is the roof line. By not tapering away to the rear of the car, a square, almost box-like, luggage area for maximum load carrying ability is preserved. This is matched by the side windows and the gently flared shoulders which run parallel to the roof, creating an impression of strength and solidity. The roof is ribbed for extra strength and incorporates roof rails.

At the front, the bonnet line stretches out almost horizontally from the base of the windscreen, while the tailgate is near vertical, meaning the extremities of the car are easily visible from the driver’s seat.

UNIQUE STYLING FEATURES

Though the overall silhouette is similar to the original, the new X-TRAIL does have many unique aspects, notably the ‘capital-D’ shape of the rearmost side window which gives the D-pillar a more dynamic appearance to strengthen the haunches of the car.

Although the tail-lights still frame the rear window, they have been completely restyled and no longer incorporate the reversing lamp, which moves down to the bumper assembly.

The high mounted stop lamp has also been moved, and is now located at the top of the tailgate above, rather than behind the rear window.

DEEP TAILGATE MEANS A LOW SILL

The tailgate is deeper than before to ensure the lowest possible loading sill, while the lower tailgate/underbody is covered in a robust plastic cladding for better body protection.

This is finished in a dark graphite colour and links through to the front of the car via graphite trims which frame the wheel arches and the similarly coloured sill protector.

At the front, the headlights have been totally revised and have a more technical look.

Bumpers at both ends are more aggressively contoured to add graphic detail.

The grille is similar to the original X-TRAIL but now has a bigger honeycomb design behind the double strut motif found across Nissan’s 4x4 range.

CHROME IDENTITY CLUES

The grille also acts as a visual model identifier: on entry-level ST versions, the double struts are body coloured, while on ST-L and Ti versions they are chromed. ST models have black door handles, while they are chromed on the ST-L and Ti. The handles themselves are more elegant, a single bar straddling an ovoid cutout in the door in place of the raised panel used before.

ST models have 16-inch steel wheels, while ST-L and Ti models have 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels.

NEW COLOURS

A new colour palette provides seven shades, including White Diamond, Platinum, Electric Blue, Flint, Diamond Black, Precision Grey, and Twilight.

INNOVATION INSIDE

Even better quality materials and a more sophisticated cabin layout can be found inside the new X-TRAIL, giving an atmosphere of classy comfort and refinement. But that’s not all. X-TRAIL is considerably bigger than before and now boasts a best-in-class luggage area featuring a clever drawer that slides under a false floor to provide secure storage for valuables.

“The new X-TRAIL follows the practical design of the original, but is even more innovative than before” - Nissan Australia General Manager, Marketing, Ross Booth

At a glance

• High quality interior
• Clear controls and instrumentation
• Well specified
• Further improved comfort for all passengers
• Innovative double deck boot floor
• Clever sliding drawer storage

Two clear targets were set when designing the interior of the new X-TRAIL: it was to be even more versatile and the fixtures and fittings were to be of an even higher quality. Both targets were achieved.

SOFT FEEL MATERIALS

All surfaces that occupants are likely to touch, including door trims, arm rests and other fittings, have been finished with soft feel materials. Interior door handles are chromed on the ST-L and Ti versions, which also get silver finishes around the instruments and controls.

All versions have a two-tone interior treatment with a lighter band of colour running around the cabin from the centre of the dashboard via the tops of the doors to the rear.

Thanks to the generous greenhouse and the large sunroof – standard in the Ti – the interior of the new X-TRAIL has a light and airy ambience.

REPOSITIONED INSTRUMENTS

The most obvious change inside the cabin, however, is the repositioning of the instrument cluster, which is now located behind the steering wheel rather than in the central stack.

Although the vast majority of owners liked the central positioning of the speedometer, tachometer and fuel and temperature gauge – partly because it allowed a large dashtop storage box to be located in front of the driver – the dials have been moved for purely practical reasons.

GENEROUS STORAGE OPPORTUNITIES

Not that the driver has lost out when it comes to storage opportunities. The document box previously located ahead of the steering wheel is now mounted above the centre console and is even larger than before.

Each front door has two storage slots – one deep enough to hold an A4 magazine or map book and a water bottle – while Ti specification models have a capacious pocket on the back of the front passenger seat and a sunglasses holder in a roof console.

SIX CUP-HOLDERS

There are no fewer than six cup-holders, four of which can be cooled or warmed as required. Two of the cooled/warmed holders are located at either end of the dashboard while the other pair can be found by the rear ventilation outlet ahead of the back seats.

Another pair of cup-holders resides in a lidded compartment between the front seats.

IMPRESSIVE LUGGAGE SPACE

It is in the luggage area that the new X-TRAIL really shows its versatility. Not only is the luggage area much larger than before, it also has an innovative drawer unit that slides away under a false floor where valuable items can be kept out of sight.

The key to the increase in the luggage area dimensions can be found underneath the vehicle, where the exhaust muffler has been re-routed from its original transverse position across the rear to a north/south location alongside the spare wheel well. This allows the boot floor to be mounted much lower than before, creating space for the false floor and sliding drawer.

The improvements in storage space are dramatic. With the rear seats in place, the original vehicle had a VDA measurement of 410 litres up to the lower edge of the rear window. When the double floor is removed, the new X-TRAIL offers a remarkable 603 litres, an almost 50 per cent increase. Even with the double floor in place, it has more boot space than its predecessor.

At its maximum but with the rear seats in place, the luggage area is taller by 127mm, wider by 174mm and deeper by 85mm. When the rear seats are folded, the new X-TRAIL provides a luggage area of 1649 litres, which is larger than most of its compact SUV competitors.

With the seats folded and the double floor in place, there is a flat loading bay which can extend all the way to the rear of the front seats – as before, the rear seat squabs can be removed completely to create extra load space. The false floor is a lightweight but rigid plastic moulding that is hinged in the middle to allow easy access to the storage compartments beneath. With the rear seats folded and the false floor removed, the load capacity is 1773 litres.

The drawer unit has removable partition walls that can be positioned as required to section off areas in which smaller items can be placed without fear of them rolling around. Alongside the drawer is an additional compartment, big enough to hold two briefcases or a suit carrier.

MAXIMUM PRACTICALITY

To ensure maximum practicality, the boot floor has been given a tough and easy-to-clean non-slip plastic surface. Raised ribs have been placed at unequal distances to help prevent loads shifting when the vehicle is on the move.

Full carpeting was considered but rejected for the boot, as customer research indicated that many owners preferred a wipe-clean surface.

RECLINING BACKRESTS

As before, the rear seat backrests can be reclined through 12 degrees for maximum passenger comfort. But, while the seats in the previous version folded in a 60/40 split, the new model has a 40/20/40 folding system for more flexibility. This allows loading of longer items, such as skis, while still providing seating for two rear seat passengers.

WELL SPECIFIED

All models come with air conditioning, electric power steering, keyless entry, electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable door mirrors and a trip computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, fuel range and running time.

The entry-level ST model has 16-inch steel wheels and a single disc CD player with four speakers, while the other two grades – ST-L and Ti – have six-spoke 17 inch alloys and an in-dash six disc CD player with six speakers.

SAFETY FEATURES

Active safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) while six airbags are standard on all models. As well as dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, there are thorax side airbags mounted in the front seats and full-length curtain airbags on both sides giving extra protection for all occupants in a side impact.

Front seat belts have pre-tensioners to take up any slack in the seat belt at the moment of impact. Using sensors to determine the speed of deceleration – and therefore the severity of the crash – the system triggers a pyrotechnic gas generator to rewind the retractor, thus tensioning the belt.

FULL-SIZED SPARE

All versions have a full size spare wheel, as neither a space saver spare nor a can of puncture repair foam is considered suitable for a true off-road vehicle. Using a temporary spare off-road might compromise a vehicle’s traction capability in slippery conditions, while tyres damaged off-road can seldom be repaired using expanding foam.

The spare wheel is housed under the boot floor rather than mounted on the rear door where it is more vulnerable to theft, can obscure rearward visibility and precludes the use of a top hinged door which generally provides easier access to the load area.

LARGE SUNROOF

A large sunroof is a standard Ti feature – covering 0.59m2, it is almost 80cm longer than that in the original X-TRAIL – and incorporates automatic closing.

*All prices quoted are recommended retail pricing and do not include, metallic paint, dealer delivery and on-road costs.