Topic: Nissan X Trail

[arch16]

Anybody got more info on the new 2005 Nissan X Trail now available in Canada. I understand this
SUV is already sold overseas for a few years .

[Giant Dwarf]

If you haven't already seen it, here's a great article to start with...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/05x-trail.htm

I'm sure it'll work out to be a pretty good seller for Nissan.  Seems to be competitively priced and equipped, but it's a hotly-competitive market segment with a few good products (ie. CRV and RAV4) to steal some of its glory.  Of course, so much of this market is about fashion so if it's the sexiest of the lot, people go for it.  I'm sure the quality and reliability are as good as the competitors.

[wing]

This SUV was reviewed on Fifth gear in the UK and came out ahead of every other one they reviewed.

They did a head to head to head to head ....

Honda CRV
Hyundai Sante-fe
Kia Sorento
Land Rover (forget model)
Toyota Rav-4
Jeep something or other

Anyway, the list was long.  The X-trail came out #1, it was fairly quick on the track, fun to drive, good safety and reliability and good cargo space.  It won because it was also the best at off-roading of the final 3.  

[ovr50]

If you like centre-mounted guages, as the X-Trail has them. As I read more and more car mag comparison tests, I get more confused as it seems they often just pick the "new flavor of the month". I put little credence in these tests.

[corey]

The X-trail looks to be a good value but I didn't like the cheap looking interior and centre-mounted gauges. (at Vancouver Auto Show, had sticker in it blaming the interior quality on pre-production model?) The AWD system is definitely better than the CR-V as you can put it in FWD, AWD or lock it in 4WD, like the Pathfinder. Plus, it's not exactly a new, unproven model as it's been around for a couple years in Europe, Asia and Australia.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I had one out for a drive a few weeks ago. I found it to be competent in pretty much every respect.  

The handling had a bit more roll than the Tribute/Escape, but no more than the CRV or RAV. The suspension did soak up bumps well for a cute ute. Power wise, it seemed to be closer to the other four cylinders than the sixes, but the car only had 80 km on it so this would probably improve. The five-speed shifted quite well, with a better feel than the last manual RAV I drove.

Passenger and cargo room seemed to be near or at the top of the class. I liked the myriad storage compartments in the dash, and liked the A/C cooled “pop” compartment. The center mounted instruments are something to get used to, and I didn’t find very intuitive. Material quality is typical for Nissan, not stellar, but not bottom of the barrel either. Some of the plastics seemed a bit brittle, especially the “metal” trim on the dash.

I’m still not a big fan to the tippy SUV handling, but the X-Trail is certainly as good as the competition. The best thing going for it in this area is the excellent local Nissan dealer. All of you fellows with new cars have got me thinking about trading a bit earlier than normal!  

[Driver]

The X-Trail was recently reviewed in DrivingTelevision. You can see the video online through this link.

http://www.drivingtelevision.com/archives.html

Dagmar mentioned in the video that the engine is a bit on the noisy side when accelerating.

The X-Trail was a serious contender in my short list when I was still shopping last April. I decided to go with Subaru.

Also, check-out the Nissan websites in UK and Asia. You'll notice that there's big differences in appearance. If the Canadian X-Trail gets updated to match the models in UK (in a year or two), that will seriously affect resale values of this introductory model.

I also heard from other forums abroad that they love the Diesel version of the X-trail.  

(Message edited by crolly on June 07, 2004)

[safristi]

Oooohhh Dagmar...I lost it when she said"Alot of body roll onna curves"....fook where do I sign UP!!!!...hell I'd buy recycled grass clippins from her......

[aruca]

Yeah, Dagmar is hot.  "Dagmar" doesn't seem like a suitable name for a hottie though.  I'm willing to work for free if they gave Zack Spencer the boot.

[Mdxtasy]

Zack doesn't fit in.  We got Dagmar and the blonde cougar.  Who needs Zack.  He ain't no eye candy.  

[arch16]

Wonder if they will bring in the 2.2 diesel fitted to the X-Trail.

[Snowman]

Ferk man…the X is spreading like spring dandelions here in Sudbury. Every one at the dealer has a sold sign on them. I think people are tired of seeing all the Rav's and CRV’s and wanted something fresh. Nissan could have summer blockbuster on its hands….again.

[saint_satan]

I still think the 200 hp V6 Ford Escape with the 3500lbs. tow package is the small SUV package to beat.  Too bad Ford builds it

[Shnak]

I generally like Nissan's models, but can't stand center-mounted gages, and Nissan's crappy interiors in the last few years... terrible terrible terrible... That is the main reason why the Murano and X-Trail are not on my list of interesting vehicles. Their fuel consumption used to be terrible too (Pathfinder, Xterra), but the Murano has good fuel economy, so they made improvements there.

But as long as Nissan keeps up with their cheap plasticky interiors, I won't be one of their customers!

[mrthompson]

Shnak, I thought you were going to tell us that you don't like Nissans because you can't fit into them...



I don't think I would be a fan of centre-mounted gauges either.  Too used to looking IN FRONT for vital information.

[Shnak]

well I don't like the Sentra just because it's too damn small... but their other models I fit just fine...

you people can laugh at me all you want, but you just don't know how frustrating it can be to sit in a car and not being able to find a comfortable driving position... either my head hits the roof (and the seat can't be lowered anymore), or I recline my seat so much that I feel like I'm in a lay-z-boy and almost can't reach the steering wheel, or that my knees are stuck between the steering wheel and the center console...

[mrthompson]

Bah, I'm just teasin' ya.  

Your inability to fit into so many vehicles has become a point of humour, nothing more.

I'm average height & build, so I'm sorry if I can't relate.  I have friends though who exceed 6 feet in height, and I see them having problems with certain smaller vehicles.

[Smainville]

I am the proud owners of a brand new X-Trail SE. I tried them all(imports only that is)and let me tell you they're all good.  I had set a wish list prior and the main item was no tire on the back door!  I studied extensively the various test from the IIHS (www.iihs.org) and a tire on the door will cause quite a bit of damage in a low speed collision ie. parking lot.  Therefore that eliminated the CRV and RAV4 right off the bat for me.  The decision was between an X-Trail SE and a Forester X, the Subie is an awesome and fun machine to drive but cannot match the X-Trail as far as options and packages for similar money.  Just to get the large sunroof in the Forester you have to pay way more!  I would advise anyone to visit Nissan and Subaru's respective websites and do the math, then visit your dealer and drive them.  In the end it all depends what you want, to me the X-Trail SE is a bargain and will give everybody a serious run for the money no doubt.

[inco]

Very good choice. All the reports seem to indicate this is a good vehicle and it has established a very good track record in other markets.

Enjoy.

(Message edited by inco on July 01, 2004)

[Driver]

Welcome to the forum Smain.

Bells and whistles-wise, you made the right choice. more "comfort and convenience" bang for the buck.

I had to make the same decision before. Originally it was between the Forester and the X-Trail. In the end, it became a question of affordability and discounts ($4,600).  I ended up with my Subie (Impreza Outback Sport).  

Yeah, I don't have those nifty coolers and water bottle holders and pana-sunroof... just holding on to wiffy's promise... new car (subie's replacement) in late 2007 (fingers crossed)