Monthly Motor - December 2014

COVER STORY
X-TRAIL and presents a more all-encompassing,
aspirational vehicle.
Elegant yet sporty, the new X-TRAIL integrates
a host of new design features inside and out, including
a bold new visage with new signature daytime
running lights on all models, as well as a definitive
new rear design with familiar ‘boomerang’ light
clusters and a characteristic D-pillar which provides
a strong visual link to JUKE and QASHQAI.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track
afforded by the CMF, the freedom to design a more
expansive body allowed designers to fully integrate
Nissan’s latest crossover design language with strong
emphasis on the wheel areas and the integration of
a sloping roofline, sculpted flanks and a rising window
line - all while maintaining the robust appeal of
a medium SUV and without compromising off-road
ability - ground clearance has increased by 6 mm
despite a lower overall height (decreased by 5 mm).
Body construction comprises a mix of materials,
of which 49% is ultra-high strength steel to
ensure a stronger and safer vehicle. Combined with
the advanced use of composites like plastic for the
tailgate and material thickness optimisation for
the front and rear bumpers, new X-TRAIL is 90 kg
lighter overall than the outgoing model.
The all-new interior features a fresh, stylish
design with driver-centric ergonomics and an
overriding sense of space - thanks largely to a
longer overall length (up by 5 mm), a wider body
(increased by 30 mm) and a 75 mm-longer wheelbase.
Designed from the outset to provide for
seven-seat derivatives with a theatre seating layout
to ensure great outward visibility for all occupants,
interior roominess and versatility are even more
prominent in the new X-TRAIL. Each seat has also
been individually designed to be as comfortable and
practical as possible.
Interior ambience is further heightened with
the use of premium materials like chrome detailing
and model-specific leather surfacing with contrasting
stitching for enhanced visual appeal. A modelspecific
sunroof with electric sliding and tilting
also enhances the driving experience by bathing the
classy new interior with natural light and fresh air.
A split-level dashboard design has been implemented
to ensure easy navigation of controls, with a
gently-raised centre console featuring infotainment
and ventilation controls geared towards keeping
the driver’s attention on the road. Redesigned dials
which house a new 5-inch colour Advanced Drive-
Assist Display also have driving safety in mind,
relaying important information to the driver without
the need to unnecessarily divert attention away
from the road.
Extra attention has also been paid to driver and
passenger touch-points, resulting in door arm rest
and centre console padding which is eight times
thicker than segment competitors for maximum
comfort. Similarly, practical usage was considered in
other design aspects like the centre armrest storage
box which is big enough to swallow a 10-inch tablet.
The X-TRAIL also sets new standards for rear
seat access with doors which open to 80-degrees
and an intelligent and easily operable second-row
folding mechanism. Forming part of the EZ Flex
seating system, the second row of seats also features
legroom adjustment and reclining backrests for a
combination of adjustable versatility and ultimate
comfort. Rear seat legroom is further enhanced by
sculpted front seatbacks.
In seven-seat models, the rearmost seats fold
completely flat into the floor to provide a practical
loading space - from 135 to 1 310 litres. Five-seat
derivatives offer between 550 and 1 405 litres of
cargo space.
Pioneering versatility seen in the previous
Nissan X-TRAIL continues in the all-new model,
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MOTOR DECEMBER 2014