Going beyond the trail

I am not a 4×4 type of person. Yes I love camping, the outdoors, fishing and all the other stuff that come with it, but I still do not like 4x4s.

Technically, that is a lie. I do love the mechanics that go into a 4×4. I just dislike 4x4s in general.

However, I make a shocking revelation. I like the Nissan X-trail.

There! I said it. The SUV has taken me by surprise. Drive the X-trail and you will understand why. Long gone are the days when SUVs and bakkies were only good as off-roaders. They have been left in the dust by the bellowing of a diesel-powered turbo-charged monster in the form of an SUV or bakkie.

My biggest problem I have always had with a larger than life vehicle has been its cornering capabilities. Cornering with bakkies always reminded me of trying to slide my push scooter through a doorway as a kid. Usually I ended up on my head, which is why I could never really corner at the speed I wanted to in a bakkie.

Recently, I test drove the Nissan Qashqai, and its cornering capabilities amazed me. The X-trail did the same. While not as quick through the bends as its smaller sibling, it was still brilliant.

What’s even better, is that whatever speed and time you lose in the bend is soon regained when you plant your foot down, and the distance just disappears.

When you look at the car, you see none of the old X-trail. Only the discerning hawk-eyed viewer will pick up on the slight similarity to previous models.

To me though, this is a whole new car. It is almost a supremely perfect crossover vehicle.

When you take it to the beaten footpaths or dirt-roads if you’re off on some safari, you will be surprised by the car that runs and looks like a beefed-up saloon, climbing over mini mountains and scrambling across shaky surfaces. The 210mm ground clearance is quite impressive. Coupled with full 4×4 capabilities, you’ll be chasing lions or hunting springbok in the most relaxed setting possible.

I love the interior of the car as well. It comes properly equipped, and you will hear no complaints in the features department from me.

One of my favourite parts about the X-trail I drove was the sunroof. It extended all the way to the passenger seats giving you an astonishing view of the open sky above.

Small features like the hands free boot and descent control make driving it all that better. This SUV will take you wherever you want to go in ease.

For the bigger family, seven-seater models are available.

Nissan has implemented many new features, and made drastic changes. The new models remind me of the excellence of the GTR. They want all their cars to tower above the rest, and the direction the company is heading in, will take them there.

Prices range from just above R350 000 to R480 000, but I can safely say, I am sold on this car, and you should be to.