The Nissan X-Trail Thread

Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue Concept

Nissan is bringing the all-wheel drive strengths of its unique e-4ORCE technology to European ski slopes, with the creation of an X-Trail e-4ORCE extensively modified for mountain rescue needs.

The modifications to the Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue include the replacement of the wheels with snow tracks, giving confident traction on slippery pistes, while the rear seats have been removed to allow the installation of a stretcher, to allow the transportation of injured skiers to the nearest medical facility, and a seat for a medical professional.

Externally, a bespoke roof rack has been added to carry an evacuation stretcher and snow shovels. A siren, flashing light bar and powerful lights have also been embedded to the X-Trail's roof, as well as lights on the hood. Wider fenders front and rear have been integrated to accommodate the tracks, while at the front the bumper has been enhanced to carry a winch. A reinforced towing hook has been added to the front and rear bumpers, while footboards have been included on the side to facilitate access as the X-Trail rides 23cm higher on its track than the road-going version.

The development and construction of the X-Trail Mountain Rescue was conceived to highlight the advanced electrified twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system with which the X-Trail is equipped. What sets the system apart from traditional mechanical systems is that it can react to changing levels of grip in 1/10,000th of a second, approximately 1000 times quicker than a traditional all-wheel drive system, and it can adjust the distribution of power to the wheels individually, according to the available grip. The occupants will be blissfully unaware that the e-4ORCE system is working so effectively to provide traction in all conditions, allowing peace of mind as they travel on wet urban, leafy suburban, muddy country or snowy mountain roads.


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Nissan X-Trail modded for Alpine mountain rescue campaign

Actually, we could do with one of these to get through the current cold snap...

Rarely does a car maker build a car with a purpose not to be driven. Yet, that’s exactly the craic with Nissan’s latest X-Trail variant. The heavily-modded motor is a four-wheel-drive demonstrator for mountain rescue, with the campaign slogan ‘best if it’s not needed’.

Speaking of crack though, have you seen the thing? A red and grey monster, with four tank-style continuous tracks instead of wheels, a winch, ginormous wheel arches, wider bumpers and a bespoke roof rack for ski recovery equipment greets snow goers in Cervinia, Italy.

The rescue vehicle has no rear seats to create more space for a stretcher and a medic, if required. Modifications also include a siren, flashing lights and a light matrix to give snowsports fans encouragement to slow down, be respectful and ‘ride responsibly’ – part of a campaign across five European ski resorts. Don't speed cameras work on snowy slopes?

Really, Nissan wants to showcase its all-wheel-drive tech. The X-trail is a ‘self-charging’ hybrid, so the fuel powers an on-board generator, which charges the battery. That in turn powers the twin-motors on each axle. Cue instantaneous electrified drive, faster reaction times from each individual wheel and superior traction control.

 
Nissan X-Trail (2024) Review

FAST FACTS

Model: Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD
Price: R810 900 (April 2024)
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol
Power/Torque: 135 kW and 244 Nm
Transmission: CVT
0-100 kph: 9.64 sec (tested)
Fuel consumption: 7.8 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage/Utility space: 485-651-1 298 litres

Nissan X-Trail price and After-sales support (April 2024)

Every 4th-gen X-Trail is sold with a 3-year/90 000 km service plan and a 6-year/150 000 km warranty.

X-Trail 2.5 Visia R685 900
X-Trail 2.5 Acenta R749 900
X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD R810 900

Verdict

While there’s no doubt that Nissan has made huge leaps forward in the development of its 4th-gen X-Trail model, the lack of a more powerful engine is a big letdown. The rest of the package is admirable, thanks to excellent road manners, solid build quality and an abundance of standard features.

Should you buy one? Well, the X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD 7-seater is a good, as opposed to great, car. If you’re shopping in this price bracket, Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro Max offers better value, more performance, as well as a superior (longer) service plan. Alternatively, if 7 seats and AWD aren’t must-have features on your shopping list, you could save R60k by opting for the X-Trail’s mid-spec 2.5 Acenta derivative.


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Pity you got thru upto 3-4 gearboxes by 100k

Thats why many avoided the Qashqai which was actually their best selling model ever.
 
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