Reviews - X-Trail - 4x4 - Nissan
CAR ENTHUSIAST Test Drive Review 02/27/2009
Conservative changes on adventurous X-Trail
Nissan's all-new X-Trail might not look very different, but it's improved where it matters.
When Nissan unveiled its new X-Trail at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year it was welcomed with rather muted applause. Where were the changes? The new X-Trail, for all but the most committed of X-Trail spotters, looked identical to the outgoing one. But Nissan is adamant that it has created the car that its customers want, that being a slightly larger, better equipped and better performing (both against the clock and for consumption and emissions) X-Trail. So that's exactly what Nissan has given them, the Japanese firm retaining the X-Trail-ness that its customers demanded.
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CHANNEL 4 Test Drive Review 02/27/2009
Launched in 2001, the X-Trail has been highly successful, and deservedly so. It has proved to be a practical, reliable and user-friendly family vehicle, capable and versatile, and has given very good value for money.
Nissan has thus sensibly decided not to mess with its successful formula in creating X-Trail MkII, but though externally this new car looks little different, it is actually all new underneath. Longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, it is roomier and more refined, and it is fitted with a new diesel engine in 150bhp and 173bhp versions, the former with the option of automatic transmission. There are also the 141bhp 2.0-litre and 169bhp 2.5-litre petrol engines to choose from.
WHATCAR? Test Drive Review 11/25/2010
Nissan X-Trail 4X4 Review
Peformance
Every X-Trail has a 2.0-litre diesel engine, but buyers can choose from outputs of 148 and 170bhp. Each is impressively flexible, although the 170bhp model has noticeably more low-down pulling power. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard with the lower-powered car, while the 170bhp model has a six-speed manual.
Rise & Handling
The X-Trail is set up more for passenger comfort than driving pleasure: the suspension provides a comfortable ride over any surface, while there’s a bit of lean through corners. There’s decent grip, and the steering is well weighted, if a little short on feel. All models have selectable four-wheel drive, as well as hill-descent and hill-start systems.
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AUTOCAR 2.0 dCi Test Drive Review 12/02/2010
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi Review
What is it?
This is Nissan's facelifted X-Trail SUV. Revisions for the 2011 model year include a redesigned front grille and rear light clusters, and refreshed interior look. But spend just five minutes driving the X-Trail, and you'll realise that its strengths are still the drivetrain and the packaging.
What's it like?
The X-Trail lacks the Freelander's exceptional ride, handling and extreme off-road ability or the good looks and chic sophistication of the Q5, but somehow emerges from this on a par with its higher-class rivals, because of the sheer quality of the package.
A revised turbodiesel engine that produces 171bhp and emits 15 per cent less CO2 normally spells a distinct lack of low-end torque and lost driveablility. In the X-Trail, arguably the best Nissan on sale in the UK apart from the GT-R, there are no such concerns. The engine will happily pull from idle (800rpm) in third at 15mph, and starts spinning strongly from around 1500rpm, which translates to a winning combination of relaxed urban and motorway driving and good economy.
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