When I had the Nissan Qashqai on test, how it looked very much like a “baby X-Trail” wasn’t lost on me. So now, it’s time to put the actual Nissan X-Trail through its paces.

But to call it just that is a disservice, for its full designation is the X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE Hybrid. Quite a mouthful, but then again, there’s a fair amount on offer.

In recent years, designers have been pushing the envelope on car design. Admittedly, some designs should have stayed in concept form, while others translate pretty well into production models. And I daresay the X-Trail is the latter. 

Possible Star Wars Inspiration?

Look at the front fascia, and tell me that it doesn’t bear some semblance to the X-wing Starfighter from Star Wars. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. Compared to the previous generation, this 4th generation model looks like it went on a weightlifting regime.

Besides the front fascia, the bonnet line has been raised, the sides are more flared out and the roofline and overall profile is much blockier too. As compared to the car it replaces, the rear fascia is more sculpted too. And these physical cues are then accentuated by the really nice shade of candy red our test car has been finished in.

It’s safe to say then, that the X-Trail looks very much more aggressive than it previously did, and it’s definitely a trend Nissan seems to be adopting throughout its passenger car range. 

Interior Pleasantries

Immediately catching my eyes were the two 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system, with their bright and crisp visuals making for easy viewing. The gauge cluster is also configurable, allowing users to toggle between various readouts like navigation, battery regeneration or fuel economy, to name a few.

Admittedly, the built-in navigation system’s interface does look a little dated. But given how the X-Trail comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you’d most likely just link up your phone and use that for navigation instead.

This particular X-Trail wasn’t fitted with the optional Nappa leather interior, but the standard black leather was still pleasing to the touch, and most of the interior (not just the high touch points) were covered in it too, with soft-touch material underneath. 

Five people will fit comfortably in the car, even in the middle seat. The legroom in the last row is lacking (a common issue with the other seven-seater SUVs), so it can really only be used to ferry children or for short trips in a pinch.

I’d keep the last row folded and save that space for luggage. In this configuration, you’d have access to 485 litres of cargo space. Another really thoughtful touch is Nissan’s inclusion of the 10-speaker Bose sound system. Tones were clear and crisp with the bass properly thumping even with the volume turned up, and it kept me more than entertained throughout. 

Big Words for A Better Drive

If you’re wondering what all the terminology means, let me explain. With e-Power, the X-Trail is completely driven by an electric motor at low speeds, drawing power from a battery pack through an inverter.

At higher speeds, the engine comes on to power the onboard generator, sending power to the electric motor as well as charging the battery through the inverter. The engine doesn’t power the wheels, leaving that completely to the electric motors. 

As for e-4ORCE, that’s all-wheel drive using an electric motor at each axle, allowing for better grip in less-than-ideal conditions, as well as increased traction during acceleration.

So how does this all add up when driving? Well, if the expectation was for communicative steering, that’s not what the X-Trail was built for. Steering was light and heavily boosted, but for a car that’s likely to spend most of its time in suburban areas, it makes sense. 

What did shine through, though, was the e-4ORCE system. It rained quite heavily during my press drive, and despite deliberately driving slightly faster around rain-soaked corners, it remained reassuringly surefooted. Even through big puddles, it held the line straight and true, without feeling like it was being dragged towards the edge of the road.

Small Engine, Big Impressions

For its size, the X-Trail only has a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 142 bhp. But remember, the engine isn’t linked to the wheels. It only serves to power a generator which charges the batteries, while the electric motors power the wheels.

Nissan claims the total combined output is 211 bhp and 330 Nm of torque. It’s not a lot of power on paper, but the X-Trail still feels fairly brisk and responsive in traffic, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the electric motors.

Should you want to chase maximum efficiency, try one pedal driving, or e-Pedal. When activated, regenerative braking becomes quite aggressive, which can make for a jerky ride. However, adapt your driving to the strong regenerative braking, and you’ll soon find yourself hardly ever touching the physical brakes. 

Otherwise, the X-Trail is a cinch to drive. With a comprehensive safety suite, systems like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning come as standard. Plus, a 360 degree camera makes parking a pretty painless affair. 

Shod in 235/55/R19 rubber, ride quality is rather plush, although weighing 1,929kg could also be a contributing factor. As a complete package, with the adaptive cruise control and Bose sound system, expressway cruising felt very serene, and it would especially excel on longer trips up the North-South Highway.

X Does Mark The Spot

Entering a segment fraught with competition from Japanese, Korean and European manufacturers, it may be easy to overlook the X-Trail, given how some of its competitors do offer more for a similar price.

My take? Go for a test drive, experience for yourself what the X-Trail feels like, and what it brings to the table. Build and material quality of this level, together with all-wheel drive, isn’t typically available at this price.

Competent, capable and well made, is there really much more you can ask for?

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