Hybrid. That’s the big news for the new Nissan X-Trail that was just unveiled at the Auto Expo and will be launched later this year. With diesel being the new whipping boy, Nissan couldn’t have timed this better and the petrol-electric drivetrain could be the key to reviving fortunes of the X-Trail that hasn’t done particularly well.
Forget pricing, the main reason why you don’t see many X-Trail’s on the road is because it was small. Nearly the same size as a Yeti (which you don’t see too many of either) the X-Trail lacked the commanding driving position or spacious cabin that we’ve come to expect from SUVs. This new X-Trail is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF platform that has been stretched out in every direction. With 76mm added to the wheelbase interior space is far better, as was demonstrated to me by the six foot one inch tall managing director of Nissan India who hopped into the back on our short drive. And that’s with me driving comfortably.
The interiors too are completely revamped and gone are the quirky dials mounted on the centre console. This dash is conventional and all the better for it with considerably better quality, style and equipment levels. Apart from the usual stuff (7-inch display, sat-nav, parking cameras, leather, cooled cup holders) you also get a powered tailgate though with the batteries mounted in the spare wheel well your boot space will be compromised.
The quirkiness is gone from the exterior too (remember the bug-eyed headlamps?) and you get Nissan’s new V-shaped corporate grille (thickly chromed at that), LED daytime running lamps, pumped up wheel arches and some neat detailing. Overall the X-Trail looks quite nice if you ask me but does not have the imposing stance or in-your-face presence of class rivals like the Santa Fe.
Start off and the X-Trail glides silently on electric power – still an absolutely lovely sensation no matter how many electric or hybrid cars you’ve had the pleasure of testing. The petrol motor kicks in above 30kmph, or if you’ve started off with a heavy right foot and come on line very smoothly, no doubt aided by the inherently smooth petrol motor. The four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine makes 150bhp while 40.3bhp comes from the motor and there’s a display on the centre console that tells you what is coming and from where. The batteries recharge under braking and that regeneration means the brake pedal has a spongy feel.
Gas it harder and you get the whine and rubber-band effect characteristic of CVT transmissions. The X-Trail does get a move on but it never feels like a 190bhp car, which is what the combined output is. Driveability though is quite good especially since the electric motor torque-fills the lower reaches of the rev range where the petrol motor isn’t inherently strong.
The hybrid X-Trail is only front-wheel drive, and in any case the CMF platform underpins more cars than SUVs and prioritises on-road dynamics and manners. The suspension is soft and delivers a good ride though there is a fair amount of body roll when hustled round bends. The steering too isn’t exactly brimming with feel and the X-Trail is best driven at moderate speeds where the smoothness of the motor and generally high levels of refinement stand it out from the other diesel-engined SUVs.
The expected price tag of Rs 35 lakh does get you quite a few SUVs, the Santa Fe being top of that list, but if the diesel ban continues any longer you really won’t have too many options for your money and that’s the X-Trail’s main trump card.