The Nissan X-Trail III (T32), produced from 2014 to 2017, represents the third generation of Nissan’s popular compact SUV. Primarily aimed at the European market, the X-Trail T32 offered a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and available all-wheel drive, making it a competitive choice in the crowded crossover segment. While not directly sold in the United States during this generation, it’s a significant model in understanding Nissan’s global SUV strategy. The 1.6 DIG-T variant, equipped with a turbocharged gasoline engine producing 163 horsepower, was a key offering within the X-Trail III lineup, focusing on a balance between performance and economy.
Nissan X-Trail III (T32) 1.6 DIG-T: An Overview
The T32 generation X-Trail marked a significant departure from its predecessor, adopting a more modern and refined design. It aimed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle for both urban commuting and weekend adventures. The 1.6 DIG-T engine was introduced to provide a more fuel-efficient alternative to larger displacement engines, aligning with increasingly stringent European emissions standards. This model offered a five-seat configuration and a practical cargo area, making it well-suited for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the X-Trail III 1.6 DIG-T is the MR16DDT 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver a respectable 163 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This configuration provides a good balance of power and responsiveness for everyday driving. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 100.7 hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.7 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.2 seconds. The X-Trail 1.6 DIG-T boasts a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). Fuel economy figures are competitive, ranging from 6.2 to 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (37.9 to 36.8 US mpg) on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions between 145 and 149 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels.
Design & Features
The Nissan X-Trail III (T32) features a contemporary SUV design with a focus on practicality and comfort. Its body style is a traditional five-door SUV with five seats. The exterior design incorporates Nissan’s then-current design language, with a prominent front grille and sculpted body lines. Inside, the X-Trail offers a spacious cabin with a focus on functionality. Key features include a comfortable seating arrangement, a user-friendly infotainment system (depending on trim level), and ample storage space. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 550 liters (19.42 cu. ft.), expanding to a substantial 1982 liters (69.99 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, crucial for a modern family vehicle, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed for occupant protection. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4640 mm (182.68 in) in length, 1820 mm (71.65 in) in width, and 1715 mm (67.52 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2705 mm (106.5 in). Ground clearance is a useful 210 mm (8.27 in), enhancing its capability on varied terrain.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | X-Trail |
| Generation | X-Trail III (T32) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 DIG-T (163 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 – 8.1 l/100 km (29.8 – 29 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 – 5.5 l/100 km (44.4 – 42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 – 6.4 l/100 km (37.9 – 36.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 145 – 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | MR16DDT |
| Engine displacement | 1618 cm3 (98.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.7 mm (3.14 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.1 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.4 l (8.88 US qt | 7.39 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1430-1610 kg (3152.61 – 3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440-620 kg (970.03 – 1366.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1982 l (69.99 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4640 mm (182.68 in.) |
| Width | 1820 mm (71.65 in.) |
| Height | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2705 mm (106.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1575-1585 mm (62.01 – 62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1575-1585 mm (62.01 – 62.4 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 210 mm (8.27 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 225/65 R17; 225/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.0J x 17; 7.0J x 19 |
The Nissan X-Trail III (T32) 1.6 DIG-T offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and stylish compact SUV. While not available in the US market, it represents a significant chapter in Nissan’s global SUV development and showcases the company’s commitment to fuel-efficient engine technology.
