MANY car manufacturers make ambitious claims about fuel consumption figures for their new models… but always in the small print is something called real world MPG, which is quite a bit less and what you are much more likely to achieve.
However, I think I have found a car that bucks the trend in the Nissan X-Trail Tekna 213 E-4ORCE which claims up to a modest 52mpg plus – not bad at all for a seven seat SUV capable of 111mph.
A week of driving this comfortable and well equipped 4X4 – including three days around the steep and twisty roads of North Yorkshire and Cumbria – showed this claim to be, if anything, quite reasonable as after a few hundred miles there was still a third of a tank left.
The X-Trail’s party trick is that its 1.5 three cylinder turbo petrol engine is not actually connected to the wheels. It simply acts as a generator supplying power to a small on-board battery or directly to the two electric motors – which also means four wheel drive.
The fourth-generation model comes in a variety of trims and we tested the range topping e-4ORCE 213 Tekna version, which deploys its four-wheel drive and clever hybrid system to provide a super-smooth driving experience.
It feels controlled, well-balanced and powerful (especially in sport mode) with a 0-62mph time of 7 seconds and another plus is seven seats for those with lots of friends or family.
Behind the wheel you get a smoother, pure-electric driving experience opposed to the transitions you notice on a conventional hybrid when it changes between petrol and electric. The petrol engine just charges away in the background when needed which seems a more effective way of merging the power on tap.
Buyers can opt for two-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive e-4ORCE version – tested here – has an extra electric motor at the back to drive the rear wheels when you need more grip giving the X-Trail a sure-footed feel and helping maintain traction on treacherous surfaces.
Plenty of driving modes are on offer, Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. Drivers also have the choice of switching on the e-Pedal, which gives you the option to accelerate and decelerate effectively with just the one pedal, hardly needing the brakes at all while recovering energy into the battery.
From the front, the car has a tough look with the latest Nissan corporate grille and sleek LED lights. From the side, silver strips across the doors draw the eye while roof rails and black trim around the wheels and body side mouldings add a robust feel to the overall look. From the rear, the vehicle is distinguished by its roof spoiler and rear styling plate.
Inside the X-Trail is a pleasant place to be with all the controls within easy reach and power heated faux leather front seats mean getting comfy is no problem.
Two cup holders and a phone charging bay can also be found on the floating central platform above another storage area while the doors also have big spaces for your bits and pieces.
The large infotainment screen is crystal clear and offers access to satnav, DAB radio, phone connectivity, NissanConnect services and a ‘Where am I’ function in case you get hopelessly lost..
There are plenty of soft-touch materials while the dash incorporates some smart stitching and a silver strip beneath a section of wood-effect detailing. You have to look much lower down to find any cheaper plastics.
There are plenty of other creature comforts including a heated leather steering wheel, power sunroof and a 360 camera system providing a great all-round view when manoeuvring.
As a mid-seat passenger legroom and headroom are great and three sizeable adults can sit alongside each other in some comfort. The rear seats are a little more cramped but still OK even on a longer journey. Mid row passengers also have heated seats, their own climate control and USB charging ports.
The X-Trail starts from £38,220 for the entry lever 2WD version and our 4×4 test car in special order Electric Blue is £47,880 on the road.
For more info see www.nissan.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth