The facelifted Nissan X-Trail has been revealed and can be expected in South Africa later this year!

Nissan has given its flagship crossover a makeover and the latest model will feature fresh exterior styling, improved interior refinement and a host of new safety features and autonomous driving technology.

What’s changed?

The X-Trail's updated styling and new technology should translate into improved sales when it arrives in South Africa later this year.

The updated X-Trail wears a wider ‘V-motion’ grille while the newly designed bumpers feature a new gloss black finish. The revised headlight clusters further add to the new look with ‘boomerang’ daytime running lights. The LED headlights also feature Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) for the first time while the fog lamps are now rectangular.

The rear bumper has also been redesigned and now feature chrome trim and the LED taillights give the X-Trail some rearward presence. A new feature is the the hands-free tailgate that can be opened by swiping your foot under bumper. Customers also have the choice between new 17- and 18-inch wheel designs and new exterior colours including Orange Pearl, Red Pearl, Blue Pearl Metallic and Dark Brown Pearl will be on offer.

As for the interior, there’s a new D-shaped steering wheel with convenient 4-way controllers and integrated heating for those cold winter days. Nissan has used higher quality materials for the interior and front and rear heated seats will be offered for the first time. In Tekna grade, the X-Trail will be fitted with a new 8-speaker BOSE Premium sound system as standard and a new tan and black 2-tone leather interior will be available as an option. DAB digital radio is standard equipment and the NissanConnect touchscreen satellite navigation system now features a new interface that’s more user-friendly.

A new cabin design with higher quality materials should find favour with local buyers.

In terms of practicality, Nissan claims best-in-class knee room for second-row rear passengers and the seats can recline and slide for extra flexibility. Buyers will be happy to know that space in the luggage bay has increased to 565 litres (previously 550 litres) on the 5-seat X-Trail with space increasing to 1 996 litres with all the seats folded down. The luggage bay can also be adapted to your needs using a Luggage Board System that allows shelves and dividers to be adjusted in 9 different configurations.

The facelifted X-Trail will be offered with ProPilot autonomous driving technology. As one of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility systems, ProPilot will control steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane in congested traffic situations or when cruising at speed. Other useful features include intelligent emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert.

Engine choice

In Europe, three engines will power the X-Trail but the current naturally aspirated2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines and the 1.6-litre turbodieselwill likely remain in the local lineup.The range of engines for Europe include the familiar 96 kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, a 130 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 120 kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine. Customers will have the choice of either a 6-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Both 2WD and 4WD derivatives will be offered, either as a 5-seater or 7 seater.

The facelifted Nissan X-Trail is expected to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2017 and we will keep you updated as more details regarding local specification and pricing become available.

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