2001 Nissan X-Trail SE+ from UK and Ireland - Comments

None.

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.

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.

2002 Nissan X-Trail Sport 2.2Di.

Good Points: The six-speed gear box in the 2.2 diesel (112bhp) version is great on long voyages saves a lot of diesel. The panoramic sunroof comes in basic models, which gives you a light airy cabin. The modern seats are more than comfortable in the sport model. Large 16" alloy wheels come optional on standard models and basic on sport models. Climate control comes standard on the sport model its very easy to work. Electric windows all around including sunroof. The four wheel drive system is great for towing. The rear ski hatch in sport models is useful. There are storage facilities in the ski hatch and an arm rest for comfort. There is a six disc CD changer and cassette player in the sport model cassette player comes standard on all models. Four airbags in the sport model. Two can cool boxes in the front of the sport model. The rear spoiler is a great feature. Six speakers in sport models. Drilled foot pedals in the sport model. Polypropylene wings are a good finish.

Bad Points: A noisy diesel engine can be annoying when starting up. The exhaust sits rather low. The seats are very easy to stain in the sport model. Lids on the fridges seem weak.

I have Australian spec model Xtrail Ti-l 2004 2.5Lt, I don't Know why they don't supply the same spec car there, but I will tell you that the 2.5lt 132kw has plenty of power. In the wet I put it in the 4x4 auto mode and when taking off it will leave many cars for dead.