NISSAN UPDATES X-TRAIL

While an all-new X-Trail is still approximately a year away, Nissan have updated their popular midsize SUV for 2021, upgrading the tech level on some grades and adding extra gear on others.

Five- and seven-seaters continue to be offered, but the range has been trimmed a little, with the diesel-only premium TL dropped, leaving the TS as the sole diesel engine option. The model hierarchy now runs from entry-level ST, through TS and ST-L, with the Ti as the new range-topper.

Adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the ST and TS means this technology is now available range-wide, with these lower grades also gaining an update on the in-vehicle infotainment system, adding a 7-inch touchscreen display.

The ST and TS also add voice recognition and Digital Radio DAB+ for 2021, joining the ST-L and Ti in offering these features.

On the mid-level ST-L X-Trail, there are new-look 18-inch alloy wheels, while Intelligent Driver Alert has been added to the Intelligent Mobility collection of safety technologies on this grade.

The top-level Ti grade is unchanged for 2021.

“The addition of new cabin technology and advanced safety equipment further improves the popular X-Trail and shows the evolution of a vehicle that has played such a key role in the lives of so many Australians,” says Nissan Australia Managing Director Stephen Lester.

“And in 2021, that story continues, with these upgrades ensuring the X-Trail remains one of the most compelling SUV offerings in Australia.”

There are no mechanical changes for 2021, with the range of four-cylinder engines - 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines, 2.0-litre diesel – and the six-speed manual and Xtronic CVT gearboxes all carrying over unchanged. Removing the TL grade means diesel options have been cut from three to one, while the ST remains the only X-Trail available with a manual transmission.

The 2.0-litre petrol produces 106kW and 200Nm and is available solely on the ST grade, paired with the six-speed manual. The 2.5 petrol, available on the X-Trail ST, ST-L and Ti, produces 126kW and 226Nm, while the 2.0 diesel offers 130kW and 380Nm. Fuel economy ranges from 6.0lt/100km for the diesel to 8.2lt/100km for the 2.0 petrol.

Four-wheel drive remains available range-wide, with Nissan’s Intelligent 4x4 system offering 2WD, Auto and Lock modes, selectable via a console-mounted rotary dial.

Hill Descent Control remains standard on all X-Trail 4x4s, while all variants continue to offer Hill Start Assist. Other assistance tech, like Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Rear Object Detection, is dependent on model grade.