2001 Nissan X-Trail SE+ 2.0 petrol

Summary:

A comfortable, reliable but underpowered car

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

A comfortable and quiet off-roader.

Good driving position and all round visibility.

Instrument panel is clear and being central on the dashboard does not become obscured when steering wheel is adjusted to its lowest position.

Plastic front wings so rust should be minimal over the years.

Alloy wheels attractive and simple and easy to clean.

The biggest drawback is the 2.0 litre petrol engine which seriously underpowers this heavy car particularly if automatic. This applies to the UK where the 2.5 engine is not available. Even slight gradients can be infuriating and be prepared for trucks to overtake you.

The heating/ventilating controls are too low on the dash and the LED display is too small to read. On bright sunny days it is sometimes impossible. This is the same display shared by the new Renault Laguna which I understand also suffers from the same problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2003

31st Jan 2003, 20:02

I have the Australian spec model Xtrail Ti 2.5Lt, I hav'nt driven the 2.0Lt model, but I must say the 2.5Lt 132Kw and 245Nm of torque has plenty of grunt. My previous car was a Nissan Bluebird which I bought new in 1985, when I sold that one it had 335,000Km great car, liked the brand so much bought another Nissan.