Nissan X-Trail 2,5 Acenta Plus 4WD

The most accomplished version of the X-Trail is yet another compelling addition to a competitive segment

Price: R759 000 0-100
km/h: 9,65 seconds
Top speed: 195 km/h
Power: 135 kW
Torque: 244 N.m
CAR fuel index: 9,36 L/100 km
CO₂: 183 g/km

The Nissan X-Trail is a popular compact SUV that fan base in Mzansi ever since its introduction in 2002. Over the years, the X-Trail has undergone several upgrades, becoming a top contender in the mid-size-SUV category. And now, in its fourth generation, the X-Trail is poised to become one of the very best.

Initially introduced as a compact crossover SUV and designed to cater to the growing pubic demand for adventurous, practical and versatile vehicles, the X-Trail has grown, literally and figuratively, to not only provide the usual commanding SUV driving position and gravel road readiness, but also cater to growing families (the range topping Acenta Plus model tested here is the only one in the line-up that offers seven seats) but also keeps up to date with must-have modern technology and safety specifications.

The X-Trail really has grown up. Comparably, the 4 680-mm long, 1 840-mm-wide and 1 725mm-high measurements overshadow the 4 510 mm, 1765 mm and 1 675 mm of the original model sampled at CAR, a 2,2-litre 4x4 variant tested in December 2001.

More pertinently, Nissan has addressed on concerns over the increased likeness of the previous-generation X-Trail to the smaller Qashqai. Up front, the single headlamps have been replaced with split units, while the fog lamps have moved inside the recess for the lower airdam instead of sitting in the extremities of the bumper like before.