It may seem like “yesterday” to some, but the reality is that more than 20 years have passed since the launch of the first generation X-Trail. Almost seven million units later, the fourth generation of Nissan’s largest crossover arrives in Europe, with the Japanese manufacturer betting on transposing to the new model many of the solutions that we already know from the Qashqai, with special emphasis on the e-Power enginesthe new “apple of the eyes” of the Japanese manufacturer.

Nissan, as we have already explained here when we first met the Nissan Qashqai, chose to take a different approach to electrification, developing a solution that, in the user’s perception it works like a tram although it is a hybrid. With e-Power technology, the combustion engine is not used to propel the vehicle, but to generate energy to power a small battery, which in turn powers the electric motor, which drives the wheels.

The brand’s experience in this domain dates back to 2017, when it was introduced on the Note marketed in Japan. But now, “to meet the typical demands of European consumers and their daily driving,” the 106PS 1.2-litre engine that powered the Note’s battery has been replaced by a 150kW (204PS) turbocharged 1.5-litre engine. power since it allows you to vary the compression ratio. This three-cylinder gasoline is transversal to the range of the new X-Trail, which will reach dealers in three versions. Here, from what the Observer found, the priority is for the e-Power motors that, from the outset, should arrive in October. And it will be closer to the launch when the prices for Portugal are announced.

it is true that the most affordable version will match the 1.5 VCR Turbo enginea mild hybrid of 163 hp and 300 Nm, passed to the front wheels through a continuously variable gearbox. 12 volt system support allows for some fuel savings, but nothing too significant. Thus, the announced consumption for this engine ranges between 7.1 and 7.4 l/100 km, which makes it the most demanding in terms of fuel and also the one that emits the most carbon dioxide (161-166 g/km of CO_two). The fact of being the least powerful engine in the range it also explains the 9.6 seconds needed to break the 100 km/h barrier.

As for the e-Power technology powered by the 1.5-litre petrol, the offer is divided between the 204 hp front-wheel drive version and the 213 hp all-wheel drive version., which Nissan calls the e-4ORCE. The electric group mounted on the front axle is always the same (150 kW/204 hp), as is the 1.8kWh battery It is common to both versions. They are distinguished, therefore, by the second electric motor, mounted on the rear axle and which is not mechanically connected to the rest of the kinematic chain, communicating with it electronically. With 94 kW/128 hp, this rear-mounted engine guarantees, according to Nissan, “10,000 times faster response than a mechanical 4WD system”. Unsurprisingly, the all-wheel drive versions are the fastest in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h and are the only ones that offer specific programs for off-road driving. Take a look at the different specifications below:

An SUV (clearly) made for the city

Despite its 4.68 meters in length – 25 cm longer than the Qashqai, although both use the same platform, the CMF-C of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the new X-Trail should feel particularly comfortable in the city. Not because there is enough space to park there, but because Nissan has tried to equip it with what it calls electronic footswitch.

Despite what its name might suggest, as it immediately reminds one of Leaf’s e-Pedal, it actually this is not a solution that allows the driver to drive with only one pedal (The accelerator). Basically, because in this case the e-Pedal is not capable of immobilizing the vehicle. Thus, as with the Qashqai e-Power, the e-Pedal Step also works in the X-Trail e-Power (in theory) as a driving mode to make life easier for the driver who drives mainly in urban areas and on the periphery. . Believing that it is very likely that “70% of driving time is spent in suburban areas”, Nissan understands that the e-Pedal of the e-Power versions will be useful in stop-start and parking maneuvers. However, it is good to emphasize that the e-Pedal Step only locks the X-Trail at 0.2gthat is, it allows you to slow down but not stop completely.

Regarding driving assistance systems, Nissan informs that the new X-Trail is equipped with ProPILOT Navilink, thus being able to combine the cruise control adaptive system, the lane keeping assistant and the reading of traffic signs to advance autonomously at a preset speed, adapting to the flow of traffic, that is, being able to resume driving on its own after a stop, as long as it does not exceed the three minutes. The system also has other common functions such as the warning of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot, autonomous emergency braking, among others. Nevertheless, It remains to be clarified what equipment will be offered as standard.

There is no doubt that the advantages are associated with the adoption of the new Alliance architecture. According to the manufacturer, the new platform allowed an “updated” McPherson strut to be installed at the front and multi-link at the rear on the new X-Trail, with the crossover body being mostly steel, while the doors, front bumper and the hood are made of aluminum and, for the first time, the tailgate is made of composite material. Options that aim to reduce weight on the one hand and increase stiffness on the other.

For large families (or those who like to travel a lot)

As standard, the X-Trail is a five-seater SUV that can optionally mount a third row of benches with two individual seats, with capacity for passengers who do not exceed 1.60 m in height. These two extra seats can “disappear”, being aligned with the floor of the trunk, when it is not necessary to carry more than five occupants.

In the conventional seating configuration (5), trunk volume increases by 20 liters compared to the previous generation, rising to 585 liters. With all seven seats, the boot capacity is reduced to 100 litres. Also new is improved access to the second row of seats, thanks to the door opening to almost 90 degrees.

As for the interior, it gives the impression that it is a larger Qashqai. The driver has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in front of it, exactly the same size as the central screen from which the infotainment system is operated, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

though gets better technological, Nissan chose to retain some physical controls. “Information collected from customers has clearly demonstrated their preference for easy-to-use basic featuresso the X-Trail has simple and intuitive controls for heating / air conditioning, as well as buttons that govern the functions of the central screen, such as audio and navigation, ”explains the manufacturer. In just over a minute, take a closer look at what the interior of the new Japanese crossover looks likewhich is intended to deal with models such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Skoda Kodiaq, the Seat Tarraco, among others.