The top-of-the line variant is equipped with smart entry; dual A/C; eight speakers, 17-inch alloys; the highest ground clearance in its class; and count them, 13 cup holders! Apparently, hydration is a big deal in Indonesia—the country where the Rush is built. There’s also an AC power port on each row, so that every passenger can charge their devices. The high-tech stuff comes in the form of traction control and hill-start assist. And the brake lights are LEDs with an emergency stop function. The head unit is of the touchscreen variety, with a setting that can mirror your smartphone. The Rush is easy to maneuver, thanks to its tiny turning radius. When it comes to safety, it has traction control; hill-start assist; six airbags; and an exceptional crash rating. It really feels like a high-riding Vios, though. It is pretty cool to see the subcompact sedan’s engine sitting longitudinally—there’s so much space for working under the hood, by the way—and the likeness goes all the way into the interior. The dashboard has the same kind of faux stitching on the dashboard. Other niggles are the tilt-only steering column, and the basic four-speed automatic.
A solid workhorse, with seven seats and a very comfortable ride.
Pros Excellent ride comfort Minimal NVH Half-decent looker Solid build quality Plenty of internal storage Great family car for the money Standard safety features
Cons Exceptionally poor infotainment system Outdated switchgear and cabin Poor bluetooth telephony Tough competition
The seven-seater Nissan X-Trail is currently the biggest SUV the firm builds. It’s a good-looking family car that rivals the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and the Skoda Kodiaq. The X-Trail’s interior has a similar design to the one found in the Nissan Qashqai, so it’s simple to use if a little uninspiring to look at, and the car’s standard five-inch touchscreen display means there isn’t a sea buttons to contend with. While there is plenty or room for five adults inside, the two seats that fold out from the boot are best reserved for children. Even with them in place, though, the X-Trail has enough boot space for a few suitcases.
Pros Comfortable Well-equipped Decent off-road
Cons Third row seats are a bit cramped Not exactly head-turning looks CVT automatic is not as good as rivals with DSG
The X-TRAIL TL is clearly not a 4WD as our beach run proved – and the diesel could be both more responsive at low rpm and more economical. However, this is a comfortable, quiet, smooth and sure-footed medium SUV with plenty of room for holiday gear in the back.
Pros Supple ride Comfortable, versatile interior LED headlights
Cons Lack of low-rpm grunt Fuel consumption higher than claimed Foot-operated parking brake