Nissan South Africa has introduced the latest iteration of its X-Trail model, marking what the company describes as the beginning of a broader product rollout for the local market. The new X-Trail becomes available immediately through Nissan's national dealer network, arriving in three specification grades: Visia, Acenta, and Acenta Plus.
Juan Wheeler, managing director of Nissan South Africa, said the introduction forms part of a series of planned launches. "This is the first of several new model introductions we have scheduled for South Africa, with the Tekton recently unveiled in India and additional products expected before the fiscal year ends."
Since its local debut in 2001, the X-Trail has accumulated more than 50 000 sales in South Africa, with global figures exceeding eight million units.
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Mohamed Samad, managing director for Nissan Africa, indicated that additional SUV introductions are planned for later this year and into 2027. "The X-Trail established the mid-size SUV category when it launched, and this version builds on that foundation."
The 2026 model adopts a revised front fascia featuring a new grille and bumper arrangement with horizontal lines intended to create a wider stance. The lower bumper section has been reshaped to complement the updated grille design.
Wheel sizes vary across the range, with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy units on the Visia, 18-inch on the Acenta, and 19-inch on the Acenta Plus.
LED lighting features prominently, with daytime running lights positioned at the upper grille section and driving lights below. All models receive LED front and rear lamps, High Beam Assist for automatic headlight adjustment and a Follow Me Home function that maintains exterior illumination for a preset duration after the vehicle is locked.
The rear light clusters complete the exterior revisions, incorporating LED technology throughout.
Keyless entry with Nissan's Walkaway Lock and Approach Unlock system comes as standard, along with a tilt and telescopic steering column, paddle shifters, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth integration and a 12,3-inch digital infotainment screen.
The Acenta and Acenta Plus variants gain dual-zone climate control, a full digital instrument cluster, powered front seats with heating functionality and a head-up display on the range-topping model.
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Second-row seating incorporates slide, fold, and recline functions across all versions. The Acenta features a folding rear armrest with pass-through capability for longer items, while the Acenta Plus adds a third row that can be folded flat, reclined, or adjusted for seven-passenger accommodation.
An eight-camera Around View Monitor system represents a significant specification upgrade. The 3D system provides multiple viewing angles including front, rear, side and corner perspectives at low speeds.
The Invisible Hood View uses front camera imaging to display front wheel placement as though the bonnet were transparent, intended for navigating tight spaces or avoiding obstacles. A T-Junction View offers a forward-facing wide-angle perspective for emerging from intersections with restricted visibility.
The system includes moving object detection that alerts the driver to movement near the vehicle during low-speed manoeuvres.
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All three X-Trail variants employ Nissan's 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 135 kW at 6 000 r/min and 244 Nm of torque at 3 600 r/min. Power routes through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels, with a limited-slip differential included across the range.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7,4 l/100 km, providing a range of approximately 750 km from the 55-litre fuel tank. Top speed is quoted at 195 km/h.
A Drive Mode selector offers Eco, Normal, and Sport settings, adjusting power delivery, transmission response, steering weight, and throttle characteristics. The Acenta Plus adds a Terrain Mode selector with Mud, Snow and Sand settings for low-traction conditions.
Standard safety features include front, side and curtain crash bags, three-point seatbelts for all positions, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are fitted across the range, with front sensors on Acenta and Acenta Plus models.
Advanced driver assistance systems comprise Hill Start Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking and Trailer Stability Control.
The Acenta receives Tyre Pressure Monitoring, the 3D Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and Nissan's ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving system. The Acenta Plus adds Hill Descent Control to the specification list.
Pricing
- X-Trail 2.5 Visia: R599,900
- X-Trail 2.5 Acenta: R688,900
- X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus: R770,900
Each model includes a 90 000 km or three-year service plan and a 6-year or 150 000 km mechanical warranty.
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