Is it imperative to live in a very cold area where the weather conditions are usually adverse to install all-season tires on our vehicle? No, absolutely not: the choice of this type of compound is suitable for any car because they are not only effective on snow, they also provide safety in other more common scenarios. In Diariomotor we have been able to verify the importance of a car wearing the right footwear in the snow test that we have done with the Nissan X-Trail.
The appointment took place within the Nissan X-Over Domination, a traditional event organized by the Japanese brand and which has already accumulated seven editions: on this occasion, the setting has been the Catalan Pyrenees and, specifically, Puigcerdá and its nearby curvy roads. To get there we got behind the wheel of the Nissan Ariya, Juke Hybrid, Qashqai and X-Trail: we reserved the snow for the latter.
The Nissan X-Trail is the only SUV with seven seats and an Eco label on the market. It is also the best product that the Japanese have in Spain: not surprisingly, its production is carried out at the Kyushu plant. It is not just any factory: it is the one with the highest quality indices and where the Infiniti models, the luxury division of Nissan, are also assembled.
The Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4ORCE
Taking into account that we tested the Nissan X-Trail at the end of 2022, we will not make an in-depth presentation of this SUV. We will simply remember that it has an approach that is as familiar as it is adventurous and that its e-Power hybrid mechanical configuration It is made up of a 1.5 VC-T three-cylinder 163 hp engine: a generator transforms the energy from this block into electricity, which feeds a power inverter and this provides power to the 1.8 kWh battery and the electric motor, who is the only one in charge of moving the wheels of the car.
In the case of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, front-wheel drive, the electric motor delivers 204 hp and in the Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4ORCE, a second 128 hp engine drives the car’s rear axle, generating combined power at 213 hp. This is the unit that we have tested in the snow and that, in addition, has the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. A system that manages the power applied to all four wheels independently.
on the asphalt
Until reaching the snow-covered forest tracks where the adventure began, the Nissan X-Trail took us through the curves of the roads that surround Puigerdá. In this scenario it is easy to realize that the Japanese SUV is a much more mature product that offers a touch similar to that of an electric car, especially when accelerating when it reacts immediately: this is possible due to the operation of its hybrid mechanics that we did reference before.
We verified that the smoothness in the ride comfort is a constant: the Nissan X-Trail is very well insulated and the presence of all-season tires that are our point of union with the asphalt do not have any significant effect on our driving. The steering does not require great efforts, it is relatively precise and soft. When it comes to facing the curves, its suspension system keeps pitching from braking and rocking at bay in a car that weighs 1,961 kilos.
On snow
We leave the asphalt behind to get fully into a forest track completely covered in snow. The Nissal X-Trail does not take long to show us that, in a scenario like this, the level of safety in driving is beyond doubt. Taking into account its dimensions (L: 4.68 meters / W: 1.84 / H: 1.71) and its weight, highlights its remarkable off-road behavior which, in addition, also leaves room for enjoyment. We move with such aplomb that, if it weren’t for the landscape that surrounds us, it would seem that we are on asphalt.
Its all-wheel drive works very efficiently: Nissan explained to us that e-4ORCE technology is 10,000 times faster than a conventional one. The two axes are not linked as in a traditional all-wheel drive system, but rather it decides the amount of torque that it sends to each axle and to each wheel. Reason why it responds immediately when the track becomes more slippery, the ice makes an appearance, and the Nissan X-Trail threatens, a couple of times, to leave… but it remains in a feint.
Thanks, also, to the tires with which it is equipped. For the occasion they have chosen the Michelin Cross Climate 2, that help make driving through the snow easier and more reliable. As we said at the beginning: using a suitable compound (and in a suitable state of shape) is essential and those of this type stand out for their versatility, since they work both on city asphalt and in more complicated conditions. And it doesn’t have to be a snowy road: they’ll also come in handy on one that’s wet, leafy, or even dirty.
The importance of wearing the right tires
All-season tires are designed to deal with the asphalt of the city or the highway on a daily basis and also for carry out any trip without having to worry about the weather.
Nissan explained to us that, in the specific case of Michelin, all its all-seasons have winter certification: M+S marking and the 3PMSF pictogram with the three-peaked mountain with a snowflake inside engraved on the side. This guarantees that its benefits remain perfect below seven degrees. and, in addition, they offer greater traction and adhesion capacity. They can be used throughout the year and with them it is not necessary to use chains if the snow, as in our test, makes an appearance.
Who is the Nissan X-Trail for?
After trying the Nissan X-Trail (from 42,160 euros) In two such different scenarios, asphalt and snow, it is clear that it is a perfect model for those drivers who need space, versatility and who seek balanced consumption: the official combined figure is 6.5 l/100 k. It is a useful car for a family because it allows you to cope with day-to-day solvency, although living in the city can be complicated due to its size, and safely any journey. And it has the extra of its ability to get off the asphalt.