Updated Nissan X-Trail gets Propilot semi-autonomous technology

The updated Nissan X-Trail SUV will launch this August with a refreshed look and Nissan's first phase of autonomous technology.

The facelifted Honda CR-V and Ford Edge rival will be available with Nissan’s Propilot 1 system, which can control the car's acceleration, brakes and steering on the motorway in relation to lanes and other cars.

The system, which was launched on the Japan-only Serena MPV last year, still requires drivers to maintain contact with the steering wheel and be ready to retake control should they need to.

Other driver assist programmes include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, as well as rear cross-traffic alert, which gives visual and audible warnings if the driver is about to reverse into oncoming traffic.

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The updated X-Trail offers a choice of three engines, all retained from the pre-facelift model. These are a 1.6-litre diesel and 2.0-litre diesel, as well as a 1.6-litre petrol. They come mated to either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox, and can officially average between 45.6mpg and 57.7mpg.

Nissan has also tweaked the design of its best-selling SUV model, giving it a sharper front end with a new V-shaped grille surround, angular daytime running lights and adaptive lighting technology for the first time.

The car comes with new 17in or optional 18in wheels, and gets some chrome trim on its exterior. Four new paint colours have been added - Orange Pearl, Red Pearl, Blue Pearl Metallic, and Dark Brown Pearl.

Inside, there’s a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and more premium materials, including optional tan and black two-tone leather for the seats and trim. Nissan has also included a new eight-speaker Bose Premium sound system on the options list, while a DAB radio is now standard.

Nissan Connect, the car maker’s infotainment system, also has a more responsive interface that’s designed to work more like a smartphone. It comes with sat-nav as standard.