Late last year Nissan released their updated X-Trail which also came with a bonus for pet owners. The ‘Paw Pack’ comes complete with a ramp for dogs to walk up into the back of the SUV. There is also a bed, blanket, brush and other bonuses for your pet. It is a haven for your four-legged friends.
The back, without the dog bed, was large enough to comfortably fit one adult Labrador and an almost fully grown Labrador puppy whilst they were both lying down. The ramp was slightly steep, unavoidably so, but after a bit of encouragement the puppy was soon running up and down confidently. I do think, however, his willingness to try was due to his age and thus you would need to train them from young. The older dog refused to even try and she needed to be lifted.
As the puppy is still in training to stay in the back of the car while it’s moving, the divider keeping him in the back was excellent to prevent driver distraction. There is also a clip where you can attach a dog safety belt to their harness. There is even a plastic covering for your dog to sit on and protect the luggage compartment. The Paw Pack’s perks were clever and well-thought through.
The drive
For those interested in more than just its pet-friendly perks, the X-Trail has much more to offer as well. I found the X-Trail to be a very responsive car with a smooth drive no matter the driving situation, whether driving slowly through the suburbs or on an open highway. It has a CVT transmission which is responsible for this. While the RPM can fluctuate more with a CVT transmission, there was only one instance where this was noticeable.
The Nissan X-Trail has a 2.5 litre petrol engine outputting 125 kW of power and 233 Nm of torque. Its 0 – 100km is set at 10.5 seconds and the maximum speed ios190km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is set at 8.3 l/ 100km. CVT transmissions are designed for fuel-efficiency but with the noise on take-off, I half expected the petrol gauge to drop a centimeter each time. this, however, is just a matter of getting accustomed to.
The model also has an NCAP safety rating offering everything necessary for a safe and comfortable ride including ISOFIX carseat anchors, brake assist, electronic traction control, blind spot indicators, lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control among many other features.
Synonymous with luxury
Another favourite for me was the luxury of the interior. Everything from the leather seats to the adaptive air-conditioning contributed to a great experience. This is especially true for rear passengers who can sometimes be forgotten. The rear seats could be reclined and there was ample leg room. They also had their own aircon vents, interior lights and there was a sunroof large enough for everyone to enjoy.
The sixth and seventh seats, however, seemed like a bit of a waste. They are tiny. It was so small that even a short trip would be uncomfortable for a child. If you are interested in the seven-seater X-Trail because you have a large family, I would not recommend it.
The Nissan X-Trail is a great car for people with active lifestyles. It provides a great ride and I can easily see long trips being enjoyed in its comfort.
Good to know
The specs of the Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Tekna
Engine: naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT transmission
Power: 125 kW
Torque: 233 Nm
Top speed: 170 km/h
Economy: 8.3l/100km
Price: R469 900
Warranties: 6-year/150 000 km warranty, 3-year/90 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.
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