Nissan X-TRAIL (2001-2004) Review

On the road

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The X-Trail is very manoeuvrable for such a big vehicle, its steering is light and direct, and it handles very well. Some may find the gearchange a little awkward, however. All-round visibility and the driving position are excellent, and it's a very easy 4x4 to drive, as you would expect given that it shares its underpinnings with the Almera hatchback. The only drawback is a slightly rubbery gearbox on the petrol model, although this should improve with use. Off-road it's pretty effective, although the exhaust is slightly vulnerable on steep slopes. A 4x4 this size will never drive like a sports car, but the X-Trail handles very neatly, sticks to the road well (especially in auto 4wd mode) and can really be hurried along. The diesel, with its six-speed gearbox, is the more rewarding drive of the two, with loads of torque and a more meaty exhaust note.

Neither the petrol nor the diesel are particularly quick off the mark, but just feel the torque (pulling power)... The power kicks in nice and quick, and there's plenty of it. The diesel is the better drive of the two - the petrol has to be revved up a bit, and comes only with a five-speed gearbox - it's the best suited to towing or hard work, and it cruises better at speed, thanks to its six-speed gearbox. Off-road, the X-Trail can scale slopes easily and grips well, although it doesn't have clever gadgets like Hill Descent Control. It does have an electronic 'All Mode' four-wheel-drive system; the X-Trail is front-wheel drive for normal driving but All Mode cuts in with power to the rear wheels if traction slips. You can also select auto four-wheel drive yourself, handy for fast progress on slippery roads. The power split can vary automatically, or you can lock it yourself if conditions get harsh.