Electricity or oil? And oil electricity!

Electric or petrol, economical three-cylinder petrol engine or electric unit? Nissan is trying to combine the best of both worlds and allow the combustion engine to work together with two electric motors in a very special way.

The system works the same since Autofleet was ready to experience with the younger “brother” Nissan Qashqai. The 3-cylinder petrol engine uses a generator to feed the 2.1 kWh battery, which provides the electric motor and electricity. Electronic motors (on the front and rear axles of all-wheel drive vehicles) use this electricity to drive the wheels. So you’re always on the move. This should reduce CO2 emissions and operating costs (including driving noise). The regenerative braking system also converts energy into electricity and feeds it to the battery to improve energy efficiency.

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Nissan X-Trail does not have to be charged using a cable – and the exhaust pipe is not visible to outsiders. The X-mode can also cover short distances (parking and driving) purely on electricity. The E-Pedal can be activated at the push of a button, enabling acceleration and stopping with just one pedal.

Nissan X-Trail is in good condition

The Nissan X-Trail offers a driving experience similar to an electric car. The car is quiet when it turns on, but the engine soon starts with a slight rumble. During acceleration, the engine noise rises to a slight squealing level, but there is no unpleasant rumble like a CVT transmission or a harsh three-cylinder sound. Overall, a balanced, uninteresting driving experience.

No jerking, since there is no gearbox, no gear changes. The four-wheel drive with 235 tires glides loosely on the road, the suspension is balanced and the chassis layout is clean. And in fact, the Japanese “thirst” for gasoline and electricity is kept within narrow limits: on average, 8.5 liters of Super were used on the covered kilometer highway – a good value for a medium-sized car that weighs a good two tons – depending. on a utility SUV. The car is limited to a maximum speed of 180 km / h.

Nissan X-Trail is a practical friend

Above all, the Nissan is a practical car that offers many useful features. There are four stable eyes in the trunk to get bags and packs – with little effort, because the loading sill is at knee height. The modular Flexi board also makes a good impression: the storage system is a must when it comes to securing luggage in company vehicles. The individual components of the double-decker system can be placed in different ways – it feels like Tetris in the cargo area, but it works perfectly to pack items of size and rotation.

The rear seats can be folded into different groups of stars (and yes, a flat surface is created), the rear rear seats can be differentiated by their angle, and the rear seats can be pushed forward or backward, depending on how much passenger space there is. back they have or need luggage. On the subject of space: there is also enough space in the back for adults, and a USB slot and heated seats ensure comfort in the back seats. Needless to say, the seat back doubles as a hatch and, when tilted up, offers rear cup holders for the two occupants on the left and right. More flexibility is as difficult as possible.

The operation and features of the N-Connecta variant are anything but: The high-capacity glass display is just as bright as the 10.8-inch pin-sharp head-up display. And the front USB ports (Type A and Type C) are always used. Only the steering wheel controls worked – on this test car – not immediately. The roller control clicked into place quickly with a little pressure – but it was more difficult to turn. Consequences: Switching or navigating through (the advanced menu) often required several attempts.

Conclusion Nissan X-Trail

All in all, there is nothing wrong with a Japanese mid-size SUV. What’s more convenient (and fun) is that you can travel electric without having to deal with the hassle of long charging times caused by faulty charging stations. We especially like the flexibility with which you can configure the two rows (the third is optional) and the cargo area almost exactly to your own taste. Consumption is also limited, although the mentioned 8.6 liters would probably be available for diesel. But – that’s why it’s pointless to discuss it – the days of diesel will end in the not too distant future.