Nissan's X-Trail went on sale in October 2001 . It is an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) aimed at both the medium and small sized 4x4 sector known as "Compact 4x4". It is competing with established vehicles such as the Freelander, Honda CR-V and Toyota's Rav 4, it is in direct competition with ... Read review
4 X 4, Crossover SUV - Four Wheel Drive (4x4) - 6 Speed Manual Gearbox - 2184 cc - Max Speed: 112 mph - 136 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: SE, Sport, SVE, T-Spec
Advantages: Style, advanced technology , well laid out interior design Disadvantages: supply and I can't afford one!
...experience of building 4x4's makes Nissan one of the longest established manufacturers. Nissan have cleverly combined 4x4 chunky looks and a level of passenger car comforts and performance to give an exiting and elegant vehicle with extreme on/off road capabilities. The general styling from the Terrano and Patrol have been adopted so that at-a-glance any one can see it is from the Nissan Range. It comes in three trim levels S, Sport and SE+, a choice ... ...4x4 is based around the Nissan Skyline GT-R system and uses very advanced electronics to give each wheel it's optimum drive in all conditions within an instant and the X-Trail is the first vehicle in its class to do so. Other vehicles use a system that pressurises and brings in drive to one axle when the other starts to slip, this is slow and actually takes several rotations of wheels slipping before activating by which time you could be buried in ... more
Nissan's X-Trail went on sale in October 2001 . It is an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) aimed at both the medium and small sized 4x4 sector known as "Compact 4x4". It is competing with established vehicles such as the Freelander, Honda CR-V and Toyota's Rav 4, it is in direct competition with Fords new Maverick and Jeep Cherokee and is proving to be a huge success for Nissan.
50 years experience of building 4x4's makes Nissan one of the longest established manufacturers. Nissan have cleverly combined 4x4 chunky looks and a level of passenger car comforts and performance to give an exiting and elegant vehicle with extreme on/off road capabilities. The general styling from the Terrano and Patrol have been adopted so that at-a-glance any one can see it is from the Nissan Range. It comes in three trim levels S, Sport and SE+, a choice of two engines either a two litre petrol or 2.2 turbo diesel. There is a choice of 5 speed manual transmission or 4 speed auto for the 2.0 petrol engine and 6 speed manual for the diesel version.
THE PETROL ENGINE is an all new for Nissan. It is a four cylinder twin cam 16 valve engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVTC) using fly-by-wire throttle technology linked to a hi-tec engine management system giving a smooth and good pick up at well below 2000rpm. It has twin balnce shafts positioned underneath the crankshaft to counteract engine vibrations and this all aluminium engine must be the quietest in this class producing 140HP @ 6000rpm and 192Nm of torque @ 4000rpm.
THE DIESEL ENGINE is an evolution of the recent twin-cam 16 valve Almera engine, combining DIRECT injection, COMMON-RAIL injection technology and intercooling to give a phenominal Torque figure of 270 Nm @2000rpm and max power of 114HP @4000rpm outclassing Rav 4 and Freelander performances and giving well over 45mpg on a run.
ALL MODE 4x4 is based around the Nissan Skyline GT-R system and uses very advanced electronics to give each wheel it's optimum drive in all conditions within an instant and the X-Trail is the first vehicle in its class to do so. Other vehicles use a system that pressurises and brings in drive to one axle when the other starts to slip, this is slow and actually takes several rotations of wheels slipping before activating by which time you could be buried in the mud. Nissan's electronic system is almost instantaneous and will activate within a few degrees of rotation. There are three modes of use. 2WD, for around town etc and for maximum fuel economy AUTO, for use on variable road conditions automatically proportioning the optimum torque to each axle. LOCK, for extreme off road conditions. Drive ratio is locked at 57:43 (F:R).
ABS, Nissan Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution is standard on all models and out brakes all of it's competitors by yards.
ESP+ option on SE+ petrol manual model (Electronic Stability Program) uses Traction Control to make the vehicle more stable if there is a situation requiring sudden manoevering. In an incedent it senses steering angle brake pressure, yaw-rate, lateral G and wheel speed, the sytem calculates how it can restore to optimum stability by altering brake pressure to individual wheels, mode of four wheel drive and engine output and does so accordingly. This system combats under and over steer on road and ensures max traction is apportioned off road.
SRS airbags are standard for all front passengers with side airbags on Sport and SE+ models.
Cosmetics and Practicallity It has pedestrian friendly soft plastic wings that are light, will not dent at low impact speeds and inexpensive to repair. It has an enormous sunroof or "Skyroof", tilt and slide one touch operation and ultra-violet reducing glass. I was a little unsure at first about the centre "Mini" style mid mounted insrument cluster but this rapidly grows on you. You will find it easier for your eyes to re-focus when switching from road to speedometer and back. The interior design appears minimalistic but has many well designed and hidden small features including drinks holders drinks can cooler integrated into the air-conditioning system, this can be used as a warmer too with the heating on. There is a 12V power socket inside the drivers dash mounted glove box ideal for phone charging keeping you phone out of sight. It has a high spec 6 speaker stereo system and automatic climate control system. It still manages to give the driver a high seating position to give a real 4x4 feel. The luggage area is well designed with the sporting and familly person in mind. The rear seats fold down completely flat with removable panels made from a hard wearing composit material that can be hosed down giving flexibily for accommodating a mountain bike or perhaps the familly dog. A drop down panel opens in the centre of the rear seats allowing ski's or snow boards etc to be stored whilst still being able to use the rear seats.
I have driven all variants of this vehicle on the road but unfortunately not off and find it a very appealing vehicle. From cold when you first drive the X-Trail you may wonder what all the fuss is about, the accelaration is not at first exhilarating, but once warmed up on both petrol and diesel versions the performance is noticeable soon catipulting you to over 100mph. The handling is absolutely superb and it feels almost as though it is on rails. Once I got used to the handling I put it through it's paces and tried a 90 degree turn at about 40mph....it didn't flinch. I felt that even if I had left the road I would have just carried on safely. There is a certain harshness felt through the vehicle when in 4wd but certainly less than your average Landrover! This really does make it feel like a refined big 4x4. The comfort is above average with the seats moulding around your body nicely and it feels as though the seat is gripping you when fling it into a stiff bend. The steering is excellent with no signs of oversteer or understeer and staying far from boring. You can't play with the rear end as you can with a rear wheel drive vehicle or most 4x4's but you can corner so fast which in itself is total exhillaration.
I recently hired a Toyota Rav 4 for a week and found there to be no comparison, Nissan are light years ahead with this vehicle. The diesel version for me was favourite as there are bags of power combined with a six speed gearbox. A real fun vehicle.
Prices vary from around £17,000 to £21,000 but as this vehicle is such a success supply is a little slow so if you want one don't take too long making up your mind.....about as long as a test drive takes should be enough!
Advantages: A 4x4 that handles like a saloon Disadvantages: Diesel turbo currently an unresolved problem it seems
...weekends as well.
The Nissan X Trail fits the bill perfectly.
I chose the Sport variant with the 2.2 Diesel engine which has the 6 speed gearbox.
On the motorway, the car is quiet, responsive, and the high seat position offers an excellent view of what's going on ahead.
On more windy roads, the diesel pulls and pulls even in 6th, and handles the corners far better than a lot of 4x4s. Again the high seat position is great, offering a better view ... ...in the centre, it means Nissan could put an extra glove box on the drivers side. They also put a power socket in there, which is really useful, and I use it to power my satnav.
The engine is diesel, and you are certainly aware of that on initial startup. Drive away, however, and it soon quietens, and is a pleasure to drive. There is a 'nasty noise' however, its been likened to a box of marbles, and you hear it at about 2500 rpm as you accelerate ...
maddad1 24.07.2004 (06.08.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Nissan X-Trail
Advantages: Looks, space,comfort, torque , fuel economy for big vehicle, reliability Disadvantages: no cruise control, no on board computer (well I had to say something)
...It has the well tested Nissan brak assist and ABS and they are very good. I have had occasion to do an emergency stop at 40mph and the vehicle reacted well and better still stopped quickly. Audio Good sound system with 6 cd cahnger which is dash mounted. Ther are also steering wheel controls which I find usefull
Space
Oceans of space. The rear seats fold flat and have an easy clean back to them as does the rear cargo area, this is removable which ... ...down allowing long items approx 6"-8" dia to be stowed with out folding the seats.
There is lots of storage space but my favourite is the compartment located behind the steering wheel it is very usefull for items you may require to hand whislt driving, you know camera, mobile phone and toaster. This space is of course where the relocated clocks would have been and is quite innovative.
Down side
For the class of car and cost I think it should have ...
nigelcwm 23.08.2005 (25.08.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Nissan X-Trail
...from my dealer and Nissan. Conclusion
Like the idea of the car, but it does not live up to its promise in reality. After sales support pathetic. Would I buy another? No - I will never buy another Nissan after this. ...
pkirmond 08.11.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Nissan X-Trail
Advantages: Easy to Handle, New layout, Excellent all-rounder Disadvantages: umm...no button to fold the wing mirrors in
...middle.
In the front, Nissan have altered the dials and controls, and made them more user friendly. They are the same as the ones they use in the sports car they build (can't remember what it's called at the mo), and anyone will find them very easy to understand. There is quite a bit of storage space in the X-Trail, obviously the door buckets, and the glovebox, although the glovebox also opens upwards as well as down so you avtually have 2 compartments ... ...of the driver on the dash, with a 12v socket in, so ideal for charging the mobile etc on a long journey. This is in addition to the 12v cigar lighter in the centre console, and the one in the bootspace!
There are two cupholders in the front, and if you have aircon, these are also adjustably chilled! There is also a chilled box in the centre console (maybe for sarnies etc?). The stereo is fantastic - excellent sound quality from the 6 CD player (you ...
Schmoo2505 16.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Nissan X-Trail
Advantages: Practical, well built, more than capable off-road for most Disadvantages: Engines are noisy when pushed
...car being reviewed is the Nissan X-trail, Sports expedition model which includes a list of extras a: Satnav, rear view parking camera, climate control aircon, and a switch for the transmission, which allows the driver to choose between 4WD, 2WD, or 4WD with lock differential. The X-trail will also automatically switch between 2WD and 4WD when it detects a wheel slipping. Plus the added easy to open glass sunroof, made the car feel even more spacious. ... ...available space further.
X-trail's have been around since 2001 and so used models can be found in most places to suit most budgets. Overall I think the Nissan X-trail is a terrific buy New and 2nd hand..as I think it's reliable, easy to repair when needed and practical.. ...
joeyhey2007 11.11.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Nissan X-Trail
Road Handling
Comfort
Looks
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Advantages: Walking Disadvantages: You actually have to buy these cars - Nissan should pay you to take them!
This car lost me weight! I had to walk every where because it was always being fixed!!
Do you like your health or what about your money?? If you can answer yes to either of these, don?t buy an XTrail.
Nissan make excellent cars ? compared to match box!
We never had our hand out of our pocket with this car, dealers were terrible as well.
I would say if you want to compare this to another car ? well you simply couldn?t. It?s just Pish!
We had electrical failures, wheel bearings, break problems, alarm problems, the only thing that didn?t go wrong was the horn ? and that just sounds like a child?s toy so to be perfectly honest, it had probably broken but we would be too embarrassed to press it to find out!!
If you want to buy this car, I would recommend you simply set fire to your money immediately; it will be less painful that ...
Advantages: Economical, large, very comfortable Disadvantages: un-reliable, poor aftersales service
I was looking for a tough but economical and enviromentaly freindly car when I brought my XTrail. My first impressions of this car was wow! It looks great from the outside and the interior is comfortable and hard wearing if a little basic. A power socket in the boot comes in handy as well as the drivers side dash top storage area (also with a power socket)
However, reliability problems dog this otherwise excelent car. The engine is torquey, the interior comfortable (if quirky) and the fuel econamy very reasonable (up to 50MPG on a good day).
However, turbocharger failures, oil leaks, Intercooler failures, high pressure fuel pump failures and fuel leaks have badly let this vehicle down. All followed up by poor Nissan customer service. Save yourself some trouble and buy the Kia, at least with that you get 7 year warranty. With a Nissan ...
Advantages: Driving position, space, safety Disadvantages: Slightly plasticky interior, bit sluggish in low gears
We bought this X-Trail last summer when I got pregnant as we wanted something with space, that was safe but still fun to drive - i.e. not an MPV!! This care has totally delivered for me. The space is cavernous and you can easily fit in a baby and 2 weeks of holiday stuff with ease! Would easily be big enough for 2 children plus luggage too. I feel so safe in this car which was paramount driving my son around and the driving position is superb with pretty light steering which helps.
It is definitely a fun car to drive given its size, it is a bit sluggish in the low gears but in the mid-range it is suprisingly nippy - the reverse is true in the petrol equivalent so it just depends on what kind of driving you do. We have a leather interior which was essential with our baby and it is really good qualtiy and a good investment ...
