2015 Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel Review

Nissan’s all-new ‘T32’ model X-TRAIL mid-size SUV arrived a few months back and has been selling in big numbers. But until now the X-TRAIL range had a major deficiency – diesel-powered models.

Not any more as Nissan has launched the X-TRAIL diesel range powered by a handy 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. As per the petrol versions, Nissan has the diesel-fuelled X-TRAIL razor-sharp in the pricing department, starting from $35,380.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel Overview

Nissan X-TRAIL diesel is offered in the usual Nissan diesel model grades – entry-level TS and range-topping TL (in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive). The 2WD versions drive exclusively via Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic transmission while the 4WD models are exclusively six-speed manuals.

Nissan X-TRAIL diesel 4WD employs the same All Mode 4x4-i system with electronic 4WD selection as the petrol-fuelled models. As well, the 4WD models adopt an electronic park brake, Active Brake Limited Slip, and Hill Descent Control.

Car Showroom has just spent two weeks back-to-back in a pair of Nissan X-TRAIL diesels (a TS 2WD and TL 4WD).

Extra specifications for the TL models include impressive safety features (moving object detection, blind-spot warning and lane departure warning, 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch for TS), a seven-inch LCD screen with satellite navigation (five-inch and no nav for the TS), digital radio for the six-speaker audio system, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather seats (power adjustment for the driver) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, around-view monitor (just a rear-view camera for TS), rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, fog-lights, sunroof, rear privacy glass, roof rails and a power tailgate.

Nissan has the X-TRAIL diesel very sharply priced and the full range looks like this:

Two-Wheel-drive

Model	2wd	4wd
TS	$35,380	$35,680
TL	$46,280	$46,580

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel Engine

Nissan X-TRAIL is powered by the Renault-developed 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine code-numbered R9M. With turbocharging and high-pressure common rail direct fuel injection, as you’d expect, this is a state-of-the-art European powerplant offering handy performance, refinement and fuel consumption (the latter aided by idle stop/start).

2WD Nissan X-TRAIL diesel models drive through Nissan’s Xtronic CVT while all-wheel-drive variants are exclusively six-speed manual.

Maximum power is 96kW at 4000rpm and peak torque of 320Nm is delivered from just 1750rpm.

Fuel consumption is rated at 5.3l/100kms (combined-cycle) and for exhaust emissions you can chalk-up 139g/km.

Towing capacity is 2000kgs for Nissan X-TRAIL diesel 4WD or 1500kgs for the front-drive models.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel The Interior

If you’re familiar with the previous generation Nissan X-TRAIL, a surprise awaits when you check-out the all-new model’s interior. Just like the exterior, it’s all-new and very stylish – highlighted by a much more ‘user-friendly’ and contemporary dashboard layout.

But pleasingly the hallmark ‘family-friendly’ X-TRAIL interior theme continues – now more so in the rear where the extra length of the new model’s wheelbase has provided even more space. And X-TRAIL’s practicality has not suffered with the new design with new features like a centre console storage box sized for iPads and 10-inch tablets.

Same in the cargo area where the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL scores a two-tier design (so on a busy Saturday your www.carshowroom.com.au correspondent stored his golf clubs in the lower level and netball paraphernalia for the Car Showroom daughters in the upper space – that’s a smart design).

Up-front the seats are large and comfortable, rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel provided a good driving position and we liked the new colours and graphics in the instrument cluster. Second-row seats are ‘theatre style’(higher than the front for a better view which is claimed to reduce motion sickness).

Range-topping TS models feature a surround-view camera system with the image and satellite navigation map display on a seven-inch LCD screen. And while lower-spec TL models don’t get the navigation system, a reversing camera is standard and the image appears on a five-inch LCD screen.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel Exterior & Styling

We rather liked the ‘no-nonsense’ look of the previous generation Nissan X-TRAIL but the new model – all modern curves and sophistication – certainly adopts a ‘family’ look shared with Nissan’s other new SUVs the Qashqai and Pathfinder. In fact the front-ends of the Japanese-origin X-TRAIL and British-origin Qashqai are very similar (different sizes of course).

Speaking of size, you may be surprised to learn the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL is only a smidge longer and wider overall than the previous generation. But, most importantly, it’s a whole75mm longer in the wheelbase (hence the extra interior space).

 

We like the profile look which again is a massive departure from the superseded generation. The body-to-glass ratio imbues a feeling of solidity and the curved C-pillar is nicely crafted.

At the rear, the all-new X-TRAIL continues the nameplate’s hallmark high-mounted tail-lights but of course in a totally new look with jewel-like lenses. The tailgate too is refreshingly model and there’s a standard roof spoiler.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel On The Road

We’re fortunate Nissan gave us the 2WD and 4WD X-TRAIL diesels back-to-back. Had we missed either the story would have been incomplete and we would have been left wondering.

First-up let’s talk engines. Nissan X-TRAIL’s Renault-developed 1.6-litre is a thoroughly modern European turbo-diesel – that means it’s quiet, refined and fuel-efficient. It also seems ideally mated to the X-TRAIL providing a nice balance between performance and fuel-consumption (5.3l/100kms) – the latter important for both budget-conscious families and ‘empty-nesters’ using their X-TRAIL for towing.

The front-drive Nissan X-TRAIL turbo-diesel drives through Nissan’s Xtronic CVT while all-wheel-drive models employ a six-speed manual. As CVTs go, Nissans is a good one – power is delivered smoothly and (perhaps aided by the strong 320Nm of torque) there’s little of the ‘buzzing’ which often accompanies CVTs when they’re working hard.

That said, our 4WD X-TRAIL with the six-speed manual did enable us to better exploit the nice torque curve of the turbo-diesel (320Nm available from as low as 1750rpm) and shifts were light and precise.

Nissan X-TRAIL rides on a nicely calibrated multi-link rear suspension and, as we noted when we drove the petrol versions, the ‘uni-body’ moncoque chassis is much stiffer than the previous generation – that means more precise ride/handling, a flatter stance when cornering and improved refinement. Naturally it’s not a sports car but families will appreciate the suspension compliance over bumps.

As per the petrol-fuelled Nissan X-TRAIL we were impressed by the front-end dynamics of the diesel version. Very nice in rough going but still precise and direct in the twisty stuff.

Around town, Nissan X-TRAIL’s 11.3-metre turning circle gets the job done in tight spaces and the electronic power steering is nicely weighted at all speeds.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel Issues

We’re perplexed why X-TRAIL’s seven-seat option doesn’t extend to turbo-diesel models (wouldn’t the fuel economy advantages of the turbo-diesel have great appeal to families on a budget?). Otherwise, just like the petrol models, we’re stripping a point or two for some of the hard/low-grade plastic trim items which are at odds with the otherwise nicely done interior.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel Verdict

Launching the all-new X-TRAIL range a few months back without the turbo-diesel models must have induced some considerable headaches with Nissan management. Of course this is the X-TRAIL model which is many customers want.

If you were an undecided Nissan X-TRAIL buyer the choice petrol-V-diesel would be very tough. As both the petrol engines are winners, if the turbo-diesel barked at strangers the decision would be easy - but it’s a brilliant Renault-developed European turbo-diesel with state-of-the-art performance and refinement.

So we’re leaning towards the turbo-diesel…just.

But it’s the traits shared by both petrol and turbo-diesel models which make Nissan’s all-new X-TRAIL a standout in this ultra-competitive market segment – high-standard driving dynamics, the comfortable, spacious interior and value-for-money. You’d be bonkers if you’re looking in this segment and don’t test-drive a Nissan X-TRAIL and seriously crunch the numbers.

 

Nissan X-TRAIL Diesel The Competition

The www.carshowroom.com.au favourite in this league is Ford’s German-origin Kuga, Good looks, plenty of interior space and sharp driving dynamics highlight the Kuga. But the $39,240 starting price for the turbo-diesel does ram-home the great value of the Nissan X-TRAIL.

Another www.carshowroom.com.au favourite is Mazda’s CX-5 which many think remains the benchmark amongst this lot. However the CX-5 diesel is exclusively all-wheel-drive with the entry-grade 2.2-litre turbo-diesel Maxx Sport starting at $39,470…and some may reckon it’s a stretch to see the CX-5 commanding a +$4,000 price premium over the equivalent X-TRAIL. No doubt the CX-5 delivers sportier driving dynamics.

We’d also definitely recommend the Subaru Forester (turbo-diesel kicks-off at $35,490), Hyundai ix35 (turbo-diesel starts at $37,190) and Kia Sportage (turbo-diesel starts at $37,790).