If it feels like no time at all since the latest, very swish, fifth generation of Nissan’s stalwart X-Trail was road tested - you’re absolutely right.
It is 54 weeks since a test of the first release of the all-new X-Trail, which had been released to the public a few weeks before.
The new X-Trail was one of a handful of new models unveiled by Nissan over the past year or two.
So it was a surprise when Nissan offered an “upgraded” model so soon after the X-Trail had arrived with great fanfare - as well as the debut of a handful of models from Nissan including the Juke, Qashqai, X-Trail and Pathfinder, all arriving about the same time.
So why test another Nissan in such close quarters?
After all, the average "life-cycle" of a car is roughly seven years, from when it is first launched until it is replaced by a new model. Some of the Korean manufacturers are cranking out new models even more quickly than that.
Usually, that timetable includes at least one significant face-lift to maintain buyer interest in a car that might be pushing eight years old.
But an almost-new model?
According to Nissan, it needed something "more rugged" to reach out to its loyal followers when designing the new N-Trek version.
Fair point, because this fifth-gen X-Trail is one of the most luxurious, well-equipped and stylish models to wear the badge. It’s also one of the most successful vehicles in this segment - with the X-Trail badge an Aussie staple since the 1990s.
Yet all that plush leather and fancy finishes doesn’t please everybody - for some, it will feel too flash for its own good.
So, after barely a year on our roads, the X-Trail has unveiled its first “special edition” - a toughened-up version called the N-Trek.
Necessary? Probably not. But it does illustrate the care and effort required to stay anywhere near the top in this fast-moving, mid-sized SUV category - probably the most competitive segment of Australia’s automotive market.
That includes the 4WD ute category, which sells more units per model than the SUV makers, but fewer overall of them.
The X-Trail was seriously impressive in its last test, with its all-round capability, as well as Nissan’s new “E-Power” hybrid system, rolled out across the range. The hybrid system is unique, using a self-contained petrol-powered engine which only charges the vehicle’s batteries.
But you won’t find any hybrids among the new N-Trek range - it relies solely on a zippy four-cylinder petrol engine which is more suited to the mud-larks who will welcome the N-Trek.
Built on the same refined chassis as the X-Trail, the N-Trek guise is more of a cosmetic upgrade.
Nissan expects the N-Trek to attract - or perhaps attract back - some of the drivers who felt the new, plush version didn’t quite match their intended use. And certainly not for the up-market Ti-L.
The N-Trek, according to its maker, is “aimed at families who are more adventurous and daring”.
That would explain the absence of the hybrid - the four-cylinder delivers 135kW and 244Nm.
Regardless of its power source, the N-Trek impresses as a smart and sophisticated machine. It needs to be because rivals in this segment include the sales-leading Toyota RAV4, Mitubishi’s luxurious Outlander and Subaru’s new Outback.
Based on the mid-range ST-L trim, the N-Trek will be offered in five-seat and seven-seat configuration - another nod to buyers who are more inclined toward going deeper and further into their weekend off-road experience.
There’s new synthetic leather trim which once again reflects the off-road intentions of the likely N-Trek buyer.
It’s not only these “hairy-armed” changes that make the X-Trail more desirable.
The test machine offered three digital displays, each of them classy and functional. There’s the 12.3-inch infotainment screen; sitting directly beside it a 12.3-inch digital dash setup, with a smaller but equally vivid 10.8-inch head-up display.
The N-Trek misses out on features such as Nappa leather seats, top-flight Bose audio system and 20-inch alloys. That’s all fine for around town, but hardly the features weekend bush-bashing demands.
Nissan said when developing the N-trek they followed the motto of “let’s get dirty”.
How very appropriate.
NISSAN X-TRAIL N-Trek
HOW BIG?
With the option of five or seven seats, the X-Trail will appeal for its roomy, practical interior. Only the seven-seater is all-wheel-drive.
HOW FAST?
Using the standard four-cylinder gives this X-Trek 135Kw and 244Nm the N-Trek is better suited to soft-road travel than the freeway.
HOW THIRSTY?
The seven-seater is a little thirstier because of its added weight, meaning the five-seater, front-wheel-driver model is the most frugal at 7.4L/10km.
HOW MUCH:
The N-Trek sneaks under the $50,000 mark with its $47,290 plus on-road costs. The seven-seat, all-wheel-drive variant, just $3000 more expensive, looks the value buy.
