Nissan X-Trail e-Power 2WD: an unexpected hybrid, even with seven seats

Nissan X-Trail e-Power is one of the latest models proposed by the Japanese company, adding another arrow to the quiver of models planned with a Zero Emission perspective. There will be more than 30 cars from the brand that will appear on the market in the next few years, but we will not only talk about the electric ones. In fact, thanks to this latest full hybrid system called e-Power, Nissan guarantees the normal drivability of battery-powered vehicles, even for gasoline-powered ones. Basically it runs on electricity, but uses gasoline. A clever idea that, numbers in hand, also allows you to get consumption at the same time or, sometimes bestcompared to those of a diesel engine of equal strength. Even with seven seats and a high-quality interior, it offers a starting price list from 39,080 euros.

Design and measurements

The measurements again Nissan X-Trail is very important, being the flagship car of the brand. Well done Height 4.68 meters with a width of 1.84 m and even a height of 1.74 m. It’s certainly not a small car and its numbers almost seem to wink at those of the most common off-road vehicles on the American market. You can also look at the hint of a small car, but raised from the ground, to match the world of SUVs. The front follows the brand’s latest style, already seen with the Nissan Qashqai, with a grille with a three-sided “V” effect, while on the sides there are split light clusters, with matrix technology. guidedwith a frowning profile.

The side view is normal, with a belt line that continues almost straight to the tail, and generous ground clearance can still be appreciated, with silver plastic elements in the lower area, to protect the bodywork. THE circles in alloys they can be from 18, 19 or 20″, with different models depending on the trim level. Various metallic shades for the bodywork, possibly also with a contrasting black roof. The rear area is rather square, to increase the space for the third row of seats and the trunk. The rear light pillars then grow horizontally and have some LED elements.

Interior and technology

Nissan’s interior A multi-function leather steering wheel is standard on all trim levels, with a premium cover and a very large lip, which you can view 12.3 inch digital instrumentsthe standard from the second N-Connecta trim level (an analog instrument panel with indicators and a small 4.2″ display is standard). It is clear and easy to use, through the controls on the spokes. In the middle of the dashboard stands 12.3″ display of the new multimedia system (the Acenta has an 8-inch display as standard). The touch feel is excellent and it is complete with the main features required for the segment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard from the first version, even wireless. On request, the possibility to prepare the X-Trail also and CCTV cameras and better resolution.

The presence of smooth skin on the entire dashboard, the central tunnel but also on the door panel, with different shades to choose from. Brown leather chlorination is available on request as part of a package, for about 5 thousand euros, which also includes 20″ wheels, panoramic and sunroof, heated windshield, Bose Premium sound system and more. The set is also commendable, with excellent soft and ergonomic armrests, electrically adjustable in many ways and also heated, useful for long journeys. The space there is no shortage of it, both in the owners of many things but above all for the rear passengers, who can benefit from air vents, USB sockets, heated seats (on request), sun blinds and ample leg room. There third row of seats, optional for 900 euros, also suitable for individuals of medium-short height, considering the margin is not too much for the legs. Easy operation to remove the seat from the floor trunkwhose power stands at a value less than 575 l (or 485 l in the case of 7 seats) to a maximum value of 1,400 liters.

Road test

The Nissan X-Trail had already convinced us in the first road test carried out almost six months ago, but in the form of four wheels. This time we wanted to try a more efficient drive train, the one with only two front wheels. It always uses the e-Power system, but without the second electric motor on the front axle. We get it1.5 3-cylinder turbo from 158 CV which is only concerned with the production of electricity, it works as a real generator. Always work at the optimal speed, it is especially efficient efficiency, leaving the front electric motor alone with the task of providing traction to the front wheels. The inspiration is thus to ensure andelectric unit with 204 HP and 330 Nm of torque, capable of perfectly simulating the fluidity of the normal movement of an electric vehicle. In this “only” way1.750 kg for the 7-seat 2WD version arrangement is easily managed by the unit’s torque.

In the city he walks well, agile and easy to handle, and a pleasant feel from the steering wheel and brake pedal. The structure becomes comfortable. Despite its size, it fits easily in corners, responding faithfully to steering wheel inputs. Sound blocking from outside it is better, even when the gasoline engine is activated, it is tightly closed in the engine compartment, almost never disturbing when driving. It faces important issues only in road or mountain contexts: when more thrust is needed, the petrol engine is activated more strongly, having to transfer more energy to the battery or directly to the electric drive unit. You can feel some vibration from the turbocharged 3-cylinder.

How much do you spend?

Being a hybrid system, the consumption recorded in urban areas is better, with a near average 17.5 km per litermake adequate use of regenerative braking or braking e-Pedal function, which forces it to stop automatically until it stops completely. However, it also surprised us on the road, having recorded an average of close to 20 km per liter on extra urban roads flat, it gets worse in the case of slopes. In highway instead, as mentioned, it presents more problems, especially at a constant speed of around 130 km / h. The utility value drops to 13.5 km per liter.

However, having to make a general point, on the trip from Milan to Val di Fassa (in Trentino) and back, the value displayed on the device showed a good 16.5 kilometers per liter. It should be noted that for a good part of the return trip, the gasoline engine remained off, with electricity used only by the recovery of kinetic energy obtained thanks to the drop in speed. With a 55-liter tank, it is therefore impossible to achieve a mileage of more than 700 km to a peak of 900 km.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, we can again be satisfied with the test also carried out on the two-wheel drive X-Trail, which significantly improves the levels of usability previously recorded by the 4WD version. It drives well, has a perfect stance and seems faster than the scales indicate, thanks to the immediate thrust provided by the electric motor. Today it is one of the most valid and persuasive hybrids, especially in the city. It does not give up even for long distances, finding only some problems with steep slopes or at constant 130 km / h which, however, the diesel continues to be invincible compared to any hybrid on the market.

Price starting from 39,080 euros for the two-wheel version in Visia trim.

The model we tested, with Tekna configuration and a good measure of additional equipment, comes to around 56 thousand euros.