Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi CAR review

Is Nissan pulling a fast one? This looks the same as the old X-Trail

It’s a dead ringer for the one that's just been discontinued, isn’t it? Incredibly, it’s totally new, right down to the engines. Two new 2.0-litre diesels (150 and 173bhp, both lifted from the Renault Laguna) replace the old dCi unit, while the 2.0-litre petrol and underpinnings come from the Qashqai. You can blame those same-again looks on existing owners. In customer clinics they told Nissan not to meddle with the styling.

Qashqai underpinnings? That sounds like it could struggle off-road

X-Trail may share much with the Qashqai, but it uses a modified version of the platform with Nissan’s new 4x4 system, All-Mode 4x4-i. It’s controlled by a dial on the dash. Most of the time it can be kept in auto – sensors link the ECU, wheel speed, steering angle and yaw rates to anticipate when a wheel will slip and rectify it by applying more torque appropriately. It does such a good job that it only needs to be locked into four-wheel drive for very muddy conditions and to engage hill descent control.