If asked to name Nissan’s first SUV in India, most would probably say the Terrano and for good reason, too. But your answer would be wrong. Nissan launched the X-Trail way back in 2005 when the company first entered India. It had a strong diesel motor and was a competent product but low sales meant the car couldn’t survive in the Indian market. Nissan recently announced plans to bring back its original SUV to India later this year in a petrol hybrid form and an all new avatar.
First look at the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid and you are surprised by the amount of presence this car has compared to the older one. The muscular wheel arches, chunky bumper, bulging sides and 18-inch wheels make this one handsome SUV. It is a complete hop and a skip over the previous generation model and is much easier on the eye. The tapering headlights with LED DRLs look edgy, while the rear with its well balanced design is distinct.
Being a hybrid I obviously did not expect much from the drive. Press the Start/Stop engine button to start the engine and the engine won’t start. Instead the Lithium-ion battery helps it get off the mark, which is later on assisted by the petrol motor in case of a slope or when the battery is nearly discharged. Surprisingly, the Nissan X-Trail gets off the line with much enthusiasm. There is a linear surge of power which can be felt, thanks to the electric motor that develops an additional 40.8PS and 160Nm to the 144PS and 200Nm this naturally aspirated 2.0-litre motor develops. The electric motor works in conjunction with the petrol engine to deliver that extra burst when required.
CVT automatic gearboxes have had a history of being party spoilers and it is no different in the X-Trail’s case. The rubber band effect is always present and will send the rev needle to the right without a comparable build up in speed. This motor though makes a sweet snarl which seems like well earned respite from the CVT than anything else.
Straightline stability is excellent and the independent suspension setup all around makes the ride absorbent. This happens at all speeds and in fact gives you more confidence. Give the X-Trail Hybrid a hard corner though and it will understeer heavily before the electronic safety aids get you back in control.
Coming to the interiors, the dashboard design of the Nissan X-Trail doesn’t look exciting enough. Quality of materials is good and so is the build quality, fit and finish, but don’t feel as solid as some rivals. There is a familiar looking steering wheel with buttons mounted on them to avoid distraction from operating the audio system or the cruise control system.
The infotainment system comes with a central display and supports connectivity options like Bluetooth, AUX, etc. There is another screen between the two dials in the instrument cluster which provides the driver with all sorts of real time information on the hybrid system via cool graphics.
Seat comfort on the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid is really good. The front seats are large and support you well, while the rear seat feels plush with adequate amounts of knee room and good headroom. The rear seat is set higher up, so visibility outside is excellent, more so from the driver’s seat.
The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid gets a big boot, electrically operated tailgate and many such convenience features. Although I wish it had a more premium looking interior and a slightly longer equipment list. But nevertheless it rides well and insulates you from the rest of the world just like an SUV of this class would.
The Nissan X-Trail would be imported into India as a completely built-up unit which will make it expensive to buy initially, in the Rs. 35 lakh ballpark. But if you ever think of buying an SUV, going green and reduce environmental pollution, at least you know you have an option now and that too a good one.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 1997cc, Direct Injection
Electric Motor Type AC Synchronous Motor
Power (Engine + Electric Motor) 144PS + 40.8PS
Torque (Engine + Electric Motor) 200Nm + 160Nm
Wheelbase 2705mm
Boot Space 550 litres
