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The old Nissan X-Trail was very much a rough and ready 4 x 4, but this new version's had
its edges rounded off to create something that's more SUV than 4 x 4, and that puts
it up against some pretty mainstream rivals like the Ford Cougar and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
In terms of it's design, the X-trail looks much like a XXL Qashqai but it hasn't completely
lost it's off road ability, you still will be able to choose between two and four wheel
drive, and four wheel drive versions have a lock mode on the transmission for serious
off roading There are also some clever new technologies.
Active ride control monitors the roads surface for bumps and potholes and then the suspension
dampers to compensate for them. While active engine brake adds to the engine braking when
the car's slowing down or cornering for better braking contorl The X-Trail looks set to be
a very practical family car.
It's got a huge amount of space inside, and the rear seats slide and recline. for greater
comfort, plus there's now the option of seven seats for the first time. Nissan won't be
building the Qashqai+2 any more. The interior interior looks high quality, and there's the
usual array of onboard technology including the ability to link with Google Maps and download
data from your PC at home.
Nissan hasn't released any details of the engines yet, expect to see the very efficient
1.6 litre diesel from the cash guide plus another diesel of around 2 litres capacity.
in common with some other SUV makers Nissan may decide not to offer a petrol engine in
the UK. The new X-Trail looks quite impressive here stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but
it faces a huge amount of competition from a lot of very similar family SUV's.
So, the proof will be in the driving. We're hoping to do that very soon, so keep an eye
on the Which? Car website
for more details.