Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power 204 Tekna Xtronic — The Green Lane
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11 months ago
The new Nissan X-Trail now has seven seats
The perfect wheels for Daisy Jones & The Six? The new Nissan X-Trail now has seven seats. Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and sustainable fashion expert Jessica Saunders discuss their favourite Amazon Prime series – and the car.
The Green Lane: Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power 204 Tekna Xtronic
JS – Perhaps we’d better explain who Daisy Jones is, for those who have missed the best mini-series now streaming on TV.
JT – You’ve just done it. Daisy is an American drama set in Los Angeles during the late 1970s. It follows the rise and fall of a rock band, with Riley Keough playing the eponymous lead singer. The series is a hit for the music and throwback 70s fashion.
Yet, although the name suggests there are seven members of the group, there are actually only six. So there would be a spare seat in our Nissan after all. Somewhere to put the drum kit, perhaps?
The X-Trail isn’t that big! Like most full-size SUVs, when fully laden you have to make the choice between carrying seven people, or all their gear. There isn’t enough space for both at the same time.
Well, in ‘70s speak, that’s a ‘bummer’. I’m not entirely sure about the styling either. The front end looks odd, especially those ‘eyebrow’ headlights. The rear is less than memorable too.
I’m with you on that. I’m not sure any manufacturer has quite nailed the perfect SUV yet. Even the exclusive Bentley Bentayga is an acquired taste, while our favourite BMW iX looks like an angry beaver. Nissan says it is ‘muscular and modern’!
This is the fourth generation X-Trail and it is a big step up in quality over the last model. Our Tekna version has everything, from powered tailgate to head-up instrument display. It’s a bit pricey at around £45,000, though.
Certainly posher than the last X-Trail – on the inside, at least. And this hybrid model has battery power, as well as a 1.5-litre petrol engine. e-Power is unusual in that the engine is only there to generate power for the battery pack. The wheels are driven entirely by the battery.
Is it a two or four-wheel drive – and can I plug it in at home?
Nissan offers a four-wheel drive e-4orce model but for most people, the two-wheel drive model will suffice. It is not a plug-in but watch this space because Nissan will no doubt bring technology from the all-electric Ariya to the X-Trail soon.
The best bits about the new X-Trail then are the seven seats, a much-improved interior and the economy boost?
Yes, that just about sums the Nissan up. It’s fairly unremarkable – some might say plain. But the seven-seats are a major plus and the cabin is now a nicer place to sit. Don’t expect any thrills behind the steering wheel, X-Trail is just a solid people-mover with benefits.
On the Daisy scale of dos and don’ts, do we?
Perhaps when the full electric model comes along. For now, the X-Trail just isn’t far out enough.
Explore the Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power 204 Tekna Xtronic at nissan.co.uk
Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.
