KEY POINTS:
Nissan is rolling out the latest version of its X-Trail SUV here. Across the Tasman, Nissan's latest news is at the opposite end of its 4WD range, a special version of the tough Patrol wagon designed to make campers happy. Its specification includes $2000 of camping and outdoor equipment.
The full-sized Patrol has a much higher profile in Australia, where it vies with Toyota's Land Cruiser for the title of King of the Outback, and is often rolled out in special incentive versions. In New Zealand, Patrol sales have dwindled, partly due to supply issues, but also stung by the same criticisms that have been aimed at all large 4WDs: fuel economy and environmental footprint.
And without the same need to transport families or work crews across endless kilometres of dusty and rutted outback road that might be flooded one week and bone dry the next, Nissan New Zealand's 4WD wagon success has recently been with such products as the mid-size Pathfinder, the clever and distinctively styled Murano and, now, the second-generation X-Trail.
Although every panel has been changed, this X-Trail looks much like the original. Customer feedback indicated its general appearance was just fine.
A revised 125kW version of its alloy 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine carries over, but a Jatco six-speed manual or a stepless Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic have replaced the old gearboxes. Nissan has embraced CVT in a big way, claiming simplicity and fuel economy advantages for the belt-driven transmission compared to a conventional automatic with gears. Nissan claims the CVT X-Trail gets slightly better overall fuel economy than the manual, at 9.3 litres per 100km overall.
A diesel engine? Nissan says it's working hard to get the 2.0-litre diesel offered on European models. Managing director John Manley says next year, maybe
The five-seat X-Trail T31 is of such a size to sit well in the wide mid-size SUV group; not too big, but large enough not to be cramped even with five and a reasonable amount of luggage on board.
Overall length has increased by 120mm to 4630mm and it's 10mm taller and 20mm wider, at 1685mm and 1785mm. This opens up more internal real estate, mainly in the rear-seat and luggage areas, where the wells for a revised rear suspension are now less intrusive. So if this is your thing, it's even possible to stow a pair of bicycles upright, without having to remove their front wheels. There are many other stowage possibilities, including a double floor, between which is sandwiched a pull-out and hoseable drawer.
This is all good stuff for adventuring like, for example, along the dusty, winding, often rough and in parts frighteningly narrow Old Dunstan Rd in Central Otago. Nissan chose to launch the X-Trail on this historic route that in gold fever days was the main way to get from Dunedin to the interior. In its own way, it provides a route not dissimilar to the Aussie outback roads co-ruled by the Patrol.
Tough roads are partly tamed by the Electronic Stability Program standard on all but the ST entry-level model. It's part of Nissan's intelligent All-Mode 4x4-i system that includes traction control, hill descent control, hill start assist and what Nissan calls Active Brake Limited Slip, which is mainly useful in more challenging off-road situations. All models are equipped with four-wheel disc ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The All-Mode 4x4-i hardware includes sensors that monitor side, front and rear G forces, yaw rates and steering angles. These help provide better stability and grip in marginal conditions.
We have a chance to try most of these features in the crisp, windy November peaks and valleys of the Old Dunstan Rd. A dashboard readout of the outside temperature assumes new importance: 2; 4; 1; a tropical 5.
X-Trail starts at $35,395 and goes to $42,896 for the top Ti with leather seats, the version we're driving. But as the wind whistles past with sufficient force to shake the body on its 17-inch alloys and we're enjoying the comfort and warmth of the cabin, it seems priceless.
