Nissan X-TRAIL

How do you replace a car when your customers tell you they like it just the way it is? Following a hugely successful car like the original X-TRAIL is not an easy task, especially when customers tell you to leave things as they are. But the all-new X-TRAIL is the perfect example of evolutionary change. Keeping the first-generation model in production wasn't practical, so the latest X-TRAIL is all-new, though as close in concept to its predecessor as possible. We were lucky enough to be one of the first to drive the new X-TRAIL out in Greece, so read on to find out how the new car shapes up.

The 2007 X-TRAIL boasts a new chassis and new body, an expanded range of more powerful engines providing better performance and economy. There’s more interior space, a much larger trunk area and greatly enhanced interior quality. It still retains the classic, tall SUV proportions of the original, a model that was such a success that the company more than doubled anticipated sales. The most obvious change inside the cabin, is the repositioning of the instrument cluster, which has been moved from the central stack to back behind the multi-function steering wheel. By returning the dials to a position directly ahead of the driver, Nissan have been able to place the navigation/reversing camera screen and the audio system higher up in the centre stack where the information they give are more easily seen. By improving the X-TRAIL on a number of levels but at the same time retaining its core appeal, Nissan are confident that as well as attracting new buyers they will increase customer loyalty.

The new X-TRAIL is fitted with a new diesel engine in 150bhp and 173bhp versions, the former with the option of automatic transmission. Each is impressively flexible, although the 173bhp diesel version benefits from more low-down pulling power than the 150bhp engine. There are also the 141bhp 2.0-litre and 169bhp 2.5-litre petrol engines to choose from. Both petrol-engined versions of X-TRAIL come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but are also available with a refined continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with manual over-ride.

It retains all the qualities of the original although slightly larger than the original, it remains a compact SUV, one that’s comfortable and easy to drive on-road and off the beaten track. On Tarmac, the X-TRAIL strikes a fine balance between passenger comfort and driving pleasure, with suspension that provides a comfortable ride over any surface, yet also gives decent control through corners. Nissan’s latest electronically controlled ‘intelligent’ ALL MODE-i 4x4 system, which now works in parallel with hill start and descent control systems as well as reinforcing the X-TRAIL’s off-road capability, ALL MODE-i ensures that the dynamic performance on-road is stable, secure and predictable. By sending power to the wheels that have grip, understeer and oversteer is neutralised, which in turn leads to a more enjoyable, positive driving experience.

Despite the increase in overall dimensions, there is a generous 200mm ground clearance and short overhangs front and rear. At the front, the bonnet line stretches out almost horizontally from the base of the windscreen while the rear of the car is square, almost box-like with a more vertical and deeper tailgate to ensure the lowest possible loading sill. This is matched by the static side windows and the gently flared shoulders which run in parallel to the roof which is ribbed for extra strength and incorporates roof rails. Optionally available are deep Hyper roof rails which have in-built driving lamps at the front. It is in the luggage are where the new X-TRAIL shows its versatility with a larger trunk than before and an innovative drawer unit that slides away under a false floor where valuables can be kept out of sight at all times. When the rear seats are folded, the new X-TRAIL provides a luggage area of 1649 litres and with the false floor removed, the load capacity is incresed to 1773 litres.

X-TRAIL has sold in large numbers to European customers who appreciate its mix of practicality, ability and all-round performance and there is no reason to suggest that position will be any different for the new X‑TRAIL

Nissan Cabstar

Its predecessor was a firm favourite with owner/operators and small business fleets. Now, following a comprehensive series of improvements and enhancements, the all new Nissan Cabstar builds on a strong reputation for reliability, low running costs, ease of operation and sheer load carrying ability to offer an even more attractive proposition.To give operators the widest choice of vehicle to suit their needs, the new Cabstar range is larger than ever. There’s a choice of three different engine options, three wheelbase lengths, two cabin types and five GVWs.

A 2.5-litre common-rail diesel is available in two levels of tune developing 81 and 95kW (110PS and 130PS) respectively and there’s also a 3.0-litre common-rail diesel developing 110kW (150PS). The newer engines both provide lower fuel consumption with improvements in the region of five per cent.With wheelbase lengths of 2500mm, 2900mm and 3400mm, the range covers GVWs of 2.8t, 3.2t, 3.4t, 3.5t and 4.5t. But despite larger cabin dimensions, all Cabstar versions continue to provide best in class payloads. For example, the 3.5t, 130PS twin wheel Cabstar with the 5-speed gearbox has a payload of 1820kg. Despite the larger cabin, the new Cabstar has a tighter turning circle than the old model, with kerb-to-kerb figures improved by up to 5.4 per cent. Braking has also been enhanced, with disc brakes front and rear to be found as standard on all models along with the optionally available ABS and electronic brake distribution (EBD).

The inside of a Nissan Cabstar needs to be tough enough to stand up to years of rigorous use and abuse. Looking around the cab, there’s certainly nothing that looks likely to wilt under the strain. The controls are simple and sturdy, while the carpets and seat trim have been upgraded to good effect. Offering a substantial improvement in internal dimensions over the outgoing Cabstar, the new cabin is 80mm taller and 100mm longer. Nissan predicts that New Cabstar’s combination of looks and sheer practicality will be a huge hit with customers.

Nissan Interstar

Nissan’s contender in Europe’s growing heavy van segment, the Interstar has a GVW ranging from 2.8 to 3.5 tonnes, and represents a complete range in itself, with three body lengths, three heights, three common rail direct injection turbo-diesel engines and a wide selection of options to modify the van to either individual or company requirements. There is a new exterior colour and a redesigned front bumper in order to increase engine cooling. On the inside, improvements in the manufacturing process have contributed to higher levels of fit and finish, as well as durability. Interstar’s interior improvements are focused on practicality and user-friendliness. There is a larger variety of useful storage areas around the cabin including roof storage and an additional tray on the centre console, in addition to a lockable glove box. The cabin is exceptionally comfortable for up to three adults, even over long distances, and there is a good range of seating adjustment for the driver. Large door mirrors provide good visibility to the rear.

The engine line up on Interstar has been simplified to one 2.5-litre dCi powertrain available with three outputs, 100, 120 and 150hp, all offering improved performance and refinement. Euro 4 compliancy on the new engines means that emission levels have been cut significantly while maintaining the same level of refinement, consumption and performance.

There are three wheelbase options: 3078, 3578 and 4078mm. Given the cargo lengths, from 2714 to 3714mm. Along with the welcome load length come competitive heights and width. There are again three different heights available, from 1670 to 2146mm and with a cargo width of 1764mm, there is space for loads of all sizes. The Interstar is engineered for maximum practicality for park and drop operations with a side sliding door revealing an aperture 1099mm wide and either 1555 or 1800mm in height (depending on version) and providing plenty of flexibility for manoeuvring awkward loads; a second sliding door is optional. All these carefully designed parameters give an overall cargo volume of 8.0 to 13.9m3, depending on model; maximum payload is 1606 kg on the 3.5 GVW medium wheelbase/medium height model. It looks like yet another example of creative thinking from Nissan.

Nissan Primaster

Born out of Nissan’s alliance with Renault and a business partnership with GM, the Nissan Primastar is one of three models that dominate Europe’s light van segment. Together the Nissan Primastar, Renault Trafic and Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro claim more than 28 per cent of the market. The latest eight-strong range gets a fresh look, even more convenience features, and most significantly a range of engines that not only enhance driveability, but are Euro 4 compliant too. From the outside the front and rear headlamps, front grille and turning indicators have been redesigned while the colour range has been extended. Front and rear bumpers have been reinforced to improve the shock resistance, moving inside, the increasingly car-like cab gets a revised dashboard with new instruments and some snazzy new colour accents. All have improved upholstery fabrics and higher quality panels and coverings presenting a high level of fit and finish.

Primastar models have featured a whole series of improvements focused on upgrading the engine range, equipment levels and gearbox. There’s a fresh 2.0-litre dCi engine now offering outputs of either 90 or 115bhp. The rest of the engine range includes an upgraded 2.5-litre dCi developing 150bhp emission levels have been cut significantly while maintaining the same level of refinement, consumption and performance. In order to cope with the torque increase of the new diesel engine line up, the Primastar is now available with a 6-speed gearbox range of manual and robotised transmissions offering improved reliability and performance.

The Primastar van is offered in four size formats based on short or long wheelbase, low or high roof, and able to take 5.02 m3 in short wheelbase/low roof form, and a maximum 8.36 m3 for the long wheelbase/high roof variant. Payloads range from 1045 kg to 1263 kg depending on load configuration and engine type. The load bay is reached either through the standard nearside sliding door or twin rear doors which open to 180 degrees. SE models offer an optional offside sliding door and rear doors opening out to 250 degrees (on LWB, low roof versions only. Load bay dimensions are 2.4 m long and 1.38 m high (SWB, low roof), increasing to a maximum 2.8 m by 1.91 m (LWB, high roof).

Nissan Kubistar

Car-like in its ease of operation, yet decidedly van-like in its practicality, the Nissan Kubister is the perfect introduction to Nissan’s LCV range. With a wide choice of models and engine options means there’s a Kubister to suit every need .All models use the Euro 4 compliant 1.5dCi engines available with three outputs: 60, 70 and 85PS, all married to a five-speed manual gearbox. Advances in diesel engine technology mean that the common-rail 1.5 dCi engine has the power and flexibility for stop-start city driving or mile crunching motorway cruising returning an impressive 50 plus miles to the gallon.

The core Kubistar range consists of two grades – E, or the more comprehensively equipped SE. Options allow for a wider choice of specification and include special Climate, Modularity and Comfort packs as well as items such as glazed rear doors, fog lamps and a passenger airbag. Remote central locking, auto door locking, 180 degree opening asymmetrical unglazed rear doors, ABS, a driver’s airbag, plus anti-drill door locks and ignition barrel are standard on all models, ensuring that Kubistar is a secure load carrier. Alternatively the SE 1.5dCi 70 and 85 offer a host of extra equipment including a nearside sliding door, integrated radio CD player with a separate display, front fog lights, electric windows and mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and remote control central door locking. Additional cabin storage is provided by a tray under the driver’s seat. Payload ranges from 620kg for standard models to 800kg for SE models specified with the high payload option. The cargo area was flexible in my model, with the option to fold the tubular bulk-head and put down the passenger seat. The rear doors open to 180 degrees and give easy access to the load space from the back, through an opening over 1,200mm wide. The Kubistar features front disc brakes and rear drums, with ABS brakes, EBD and emergency brake assist included as standard. Kubistar is designed to look after its occupants up front and the load in the back.

The new Nissan Cabstar

Light Commercial Vehicles is now one of the fastest growing segments for Nissan and the new Cabstar is the first of a new line-up of global LCV products that will offer customers a perfect fit for any business need. Building on an enviable reputation for low cost of ownership, reliability backed by generous warranty terms and the sheer ability of the range as a whole, Nissan will take European LCV sales from 51,000 in 2005 to 100,000 units by the end of 2009. By the end of 2009, Nissan expects to account for 6 per cent of Europe’s LCV market, double its position in 2004.

The majority of the trucks in the 2.8t to 3.5t Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) sector of the European market are derived from vans with semi-forward cabins (SFC) where the engine is placed ahead of the passenger compartment, the new Cabstar stays faithful to the cabin-over-engine (COE) concept of the original Cabstar. To give operators the widest choice of vehicle to suit their needs, the new Cabstar range is larger than ever. There’s a choice of three different engine options, three wheelbase lengths, two cabin types and five GVWs.

A 2.5-litre common-rail diesel is available in two levels of tune developing 81 and 95kW (110PS and 130PS) respectively and there’s also a 3.0-litre common-rail diesel developing 110kW (150PS). The newer engines both provide lower fuel consumption with improvements in the region of five per cent.With wheelbase lengths of 2500mm, 2900mm and 3400mm, the range covers GVWs of 2.8t, 3.2t, 3.4t, 3.5t and 4.5t. But despite larger cabin dimensions, all Cabstar versions continue to provide best in class payloads. For example, the 3.5t, 130PS twin wheel Cabstar with the 5-speed gearbox has a payload of 1820kg. The adoption of rack and pinion steering is a major change to the Cabstar’s new generation chassis and provides both greater precision at the wheel and greater manoeuvrability. Despite the larger cabin, the new Cabstar has a tighter turning circle than the old model, with kerb-to-kerb figures improved by up to 5.4 per cent. Braking has also been enhanced, with disc brakes front and rear to be found as standard on all models along with the optionally available ABS and electronic brake distribution (EBD).

The most obvious external change to the new Cabstar is its dramatically restyled cabin, available in Single Tilt Cab and fixed Double Cab versions. A crisper, more fluid styling and an almost vertical front end give the new Cabstar a more purposeful appearance and forges a closer link with its Atleon ‘big brother’. Both doors now extend all the way down to the bumper, thus covering the side step rather than leaving it exposed to road dirt. A larger windscreen and deeper side windows improve visibility out of the cabin.

Taking inspiration from the newest models in Nissan’s passenger car line-up, the interior of the new Cabstar looks and feels far more car-like than is the norm in a truck.Offering a substantial improvement in internal dimensions over the outgoing Cabstar, the new cabin is 80mm taller and 100mm longer. As well as greater headroom and improved leg and knee room provided by the enlarged dimensions, the increased glass area and the more upright A-pillars help create a feeling of greater airiness. It also features examples of intelligent storage solutions designed to make life as easy as possible for the working driver.

The dashboard has been divided into three distinct areas: driving, IT and storage. Restyled dials and a multifunctional trip computer keep the driver abreast of how the vehicle is performing. Among the features of the trip computer are maintenance warnings, read-outs for average and instant fuel economy and shift up recommendations as well as average speed, clock, alarm, oil level and fuel range displays. Above the instrument panel and easily accessible by the driver is a neat A4-sized slot to house paperwork, documents and maps… items that no longer have to be kept on the top of the dashboard where they give off unwanted reflections in the windscreen. If they haven’t slid off into the footwell first.

Finally, two new colours have been added to the four colour palette, with ‘new silver’ – a light metallic shade – and metallic blue added to solid white and red.The new Cabstar is protected by a three year/100,000kms mechanical warranty along with six years paint and anti-corrosion cover. The new Nissan Cabstar is certainly worth test driving.