Driving the Nissan X-Trail 2.5 CVT

MANILA, Philippines - Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) finally brought in the new Nissan X-Trail CVT a few months back. According to them, the new X-Trail combines functionality, comfort, and style to suit the market’s fast-paced lifestyle – consumers who work hard but play hard.

Well two out three certainly ain’t bad. The new X-Trail oozes with functionality and its predecessor’s strong point – comfort – is still there in heaping portions.

Style? The jury’s out. Sure, the new X-Trail looks clean and is easy on the eyes, but it also looks uncannily a lot like its predecessor. It really helps to have the old and the new models side by side to see where the styling changes were wrought.

I just wish they sexed it up a bit more even if they wish to retain a lot of the previous X-Trail’s styling cues (the first and second-gen Honda Jazz models are a good example). The details are all very well thought: bigger and better-looking taillights, discreetly flared fenders, a robust-looking roof rail with X-Trail-pioneered light bars on the leading ends, sporty 6-spoke alloy wheels, big bold headlamps, and Nissan’s familial chrome-laden grille with sporty mesh inserts. It’s the overall template that’s too familiar, though, because when all the new parts are in place, the new X-Trail ends up looking a lot like its predecessor.

But as far as Nissan’s design chief is concerned, the new X-Trail CVT’s styling was inspired by the tough, true-blue SUVs in Nissan’s product line and that the new model retains the tough and functional features known to the brand. Nissan says that based on feedback from first-generation X-Trail owners, they loved their SUV so much that they did not want to change a thing; hence, the new X-Trail applies the “function-oriented” design concept. So there.

Nonetheless under its skin, the 2010 X-Trail CVT boasts an all-new chassis, body, and features to make it attractive to a new generation of buyers. The new model features Nissan’s manumatic XCVT (Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission) that delivers a smooth, shift-shock-free driving experience. Powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, the X-Trail delivers a stout 170 hp and a generous 230 Nm of maximum torque. Its Euro-developed suspension employs high-caster front struts for straight-line stability at high speeds while its rear adopts a modern and space-saving multi-link system for optimum luggage space and driving stability.

The new model also features a best-in-class minimum turning radius of 5.3 meters for easy maneuvering in tight spaces. It utilizes Nissan’s state-of-the-art All-Mode 4x4 electronically-controlled 4WD system. It also features a Mode control dial that allows drivers to choose between 2WD, 4WD (fulltime 4WD), and Auto (automatic on-demand) modes.

Inside, the X-Trail CVT’s versatile seating arrangement (with 6-way power-adjustable seats) allows any number of occupant/cargo-carrying configurations. It can even accommodate mountain bikes without removing the bike’s front wheels!

The all-new Nissan X-Trail also features ingenious interior amenities like a cargo area drawer (OC people, unite!) as well full-flat-folding rear seats. The new model was also designed with safety features that include six airbags, powerful High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, and Nissan’s Zone body concept for additional safety and protection in case of a frontal crash.

Style-wise, the new X-Trail’s conservatively designed interior isn’t going to win any beauty awards. But it’s a highly functional, ergonomic, and impressively comfortable and spacious cabin to be in. (I love the soft, charcoal-colored leather seats.) There is a trip computer and numerous cubby holes and compartments sprinkled throughout the cabin. I just wish the steering wheel controls were for the audio system rather than the rarely used cruise control.

Price-wise, the new X-Trail ranges from a surprisingly low-priced (P1.085M) entry-level 2.0-liter 2WD model with a conventional 4-speed automatic to the P1.350M 2.5-liter CVT mid-range model, to the somewhat pricey P1.550M top-of-the-line fully optioned 2.5-liter CVT model.

The Good

High build quality/fit and finish, inside and out

Smooth and highly refined drivetrain

Best riding comfort (and most comfortable interior) in its class

State-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system

Lots of comfort, convenience and safety features

The Bad

Could use fresher, sexier styling

The Verdict

• A well-built, highly capable new compact SUV that does everything remarkably well except perhaps look “new”.