New X-Trail adds fuel to the debate

PETROL or diesel power? This is the perennial question facing new car buyers and has been so for many years.

You are probably already a fan of either fuel type, as I’m sure most drivers have a preference. I tend to lean towards diesel power — the “green” arguments aside for a moment — but I am quite prepared to be convinced otherwise.

Usually, I find diesel engines more economical but that too is changing with new technology for petrol engines.

This week I have had the opportunity to drive the excellent 2016 Nissan X-Trail — improved so much in this new guise — equipped with its new 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit.

Nissan says this engine “combines sharp performance with low CO2 output and exceptional fuel economy”, adding that it is already a “popular choice in the Qashqai range”.



The new DIG-T 163 engine is the most powerful engine in the new X-Trail range, but while I really like this car — it is well turned out, comfortable, and spacious inside — I would not use the word “sharp” to describe this engine’s performance.

Anyway the X-Trail is so much more attractive now that you might think engine performance is not paramount.

For me, though, it is always important because it can be frustrating for a driver if you expect more from a car than it actually delivers.

It may be that because this is a 1.6-litre engine it does not appear to have the oomph I have got used to from slightly larger petrol engines.

For instance, when climbing a long hill going east from the Swindon interchange of the M4 (junction 15) I found the car did not exactly bound up this testing incline: presumably one should drive it harder through the gears. Once the car was going, it went well and soon galloped along on the motorway at a good, strong steady speed.

The car is offered in two-wheel-drive form only. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard and the new DIG-T 163 is equipped with start/stop ignition system.

I think if your preference is for petrol then this new  X-Trail engine offers a good choice for crossover buyers.

Fact-file: Nissan X-Trail Tekna

Price (including metallic paint, £550 and seven-seat upgrade, £900): £29,895

• Advanced sector-first technologies throughout including Nissan Safety Shield suite

• Sector-best levels of rear legroom

• Fully connected via new NissanConnect system with suite of applications

• Seven-seater with unique second row  sliding and reclining function

• Features include power opening panoramic roof and Bi-LED headlamps

• New 1.6 DIG-T and 1.6 dCi 130 engines deliver low emissions and fuel consumption