The Nissan X-Trail was introduced in late 2001 and is regarded as a good competitor for your attention in the so called soft-roader category. Honda CR-V and
Landrover Freelander being a couple of the other main players.
In the 4 x 4 comfort stakes the X-Trial rates highly in most areas and also receives excellent feedback for performance and handling. Our reviewers are generally satisfied with the X-Trail although several indicate a recurring problem with engine cut out which may be of concern.
Models and spec
The Nissan X-Trail has been a relative newcomer to this lucrative market. But since launching in the UK in 2001 it has become the third best selling 4x4 in
Europe. To build on this success it was re-launched in late 2003 with a new diesel engine and improvements in performance and refinement.
With decent on off road skills and neat design providing MPV-style practicality Nissan X Trail is a popular vehicle. It is fairly minimal to look at but with a lot of stylish chrome on the outside and inside equally it benefits from nice subtle design flourishes.
The three main models are the 2.0-litre petrol, 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbo diesel. The pick of the range for many is probably the 2.2-litre Sport offering 134bhp and 232lb/ft of torque but all models are capable.
Base SE models feature a single-slot CD player with a four-speaker system. Remote control central locking comes as standard with a useful anti-jacking feature on all models. Twin front and side airbags, child seat mounts and active head restraints afford the X-Trail good levels of safety and thus make it appealing to young families.
The Sport diesel spec comes with six-speed gearbox, push-button four-wheel drive, push-button lockable centre clutch, aircon, big electric sunroof, reclining rear seats, five three-point belts, a combined CD and cassette player and radio, two drinks coolers, alloy wheels.
Early this year Nissan has introduced a two wheel-drive version of its X-Trail soft-roader, the 4x2.
There is good demand for used X-Trails so you may find there are not that many good second bargains to be had.
Awards
This year the Nissan X-TRAIL won the Best 4x4 Award in the Fleet World Honours for the second consecutive year.
The awards were judged by a panel of experts representing the leasing industry, fleet managers, journalists, value guides and Fleet Worlds editorial staff examining factors such as residual values, maintenance costs, reliability, driver appeal and manufacturer back-up.
For the 4th Year running Nissan X-Trail has also been voted best recreational 4x4 by top-selling weekly motoring magazine Auto Express in its 2005 awards.
X-Trails list of honours includes the equally impressive What Car? Best Compact 4x4 award in 2005
Sales
Sales continue to boom for the X-Trail increasing by 53.3 per cent in September against the same month last year to 9,423 units.
In the nine months since January to September 2005, total X-Trail sales reached 51,032 units, up by 7.2 per cent on last year.
Reviews
Typical Review Centre reviewers comments include:
I think the X trail is the best SUV on the market today. I did quite a bit of research before finally going with the Nissan.
Comfortable, smooth and quiet, the diesel engine is superb, with 6 gears it is a great vehicle. Not sure about economy yet but it looks good, is another.
Car Pages said: The ride is supple and levels of grip are impressive making it entertaining to drive..
Yahoo Cars said: ..as good as it gets in this sector.
Vital Statistics
Insurance Group 10.
Max speed - 112 mph.
Acceleration - 0-62 11. 5s.
Fuel consumption - 39.2 mpg.
