2015 Nissan X-Trail 1.6 DIG-T 163 Tekna, motoring review: Nissan adds an entry-level petrol engine to the range

The X-Trail is a better vehicle than this particular model allows it to be

Nissan has extended the X-Trail range by fitting it with the 1.6-litre petrol engine from the Qashqai. This creates a new entry-level model – though it’s tested here in top-spec Tekna form.

This includes the usual array of luxuries and high-tech toys, and jolly nice it is too. Too nice, actually, to chime comfortably with an engine that feels hard-worked too much of the time.

It’s certainly very refined at cruising speeds. But on the way there, the turbocharged 1.6 lacks the torque you want to pull your way through the six-speed manual box.

The result is that you thrash the engine to get it moving, and while that approach may work it’ll do so at the cost of a calm cabin.

It does shut up once you’re cruising in top, though. And here the suspension comes to the aid of the party by forming a barrier between you and the rough bits in the road.

It’s not so good at keeping the body under control in corners, however. The X-Trail has a touch of the traditional off-roader to it here, with enough roll to unsteady the ship, and its steering doesn’t feel as responsive at speed as it does around town.

That may or may not matter to the kind of driver who buys a seven-seater. And that’s what the X-Trail is these days, though the third row of seats is less than graceful to get into.

It’s kind of cramped, too – so that even kids might get restless after a while. You do get a nice big boot, though.

But that’s not enough to justify a £28,445 price tag for a vehicle whose balance of base-spec engine and top-spec trim doesn’t really add up.

If you’re convinced that this engine is the one you must have, we’d suggest sticking with mid-range Acenta trim. You get most of the good stuff and end up around five grand better off, which is even better stuff.

Or if you’ve got more cash to play with, the Tekna trim is excellent – when combined with a stronger engine.

Either way, the X-Trail is a better vehicle than this particular model allows it to be.

Nissan X-Trail 1.6 DIG-T 163 Tekna

On sale now

Price £28,445

Engine 4 cyls, 1618cc, turbocharged, petrol

Power 161bhp at 5600rpm

Torque 177lb ft at 2000-4000rpm

Gearbox 6-spd manual

Kerb weight 1430kg

Top speed 124mph

0-62mph 9.7sec

Economy 44.1mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band 149g/km, 24%