Nissan X-TRAIL 2002 Review

Nissan's Patrol and Pathfinder have earned several accolades (and buyers) over the years, but the company's lack of a compact 4WD meant lost sales to the likes of Honda and Toyota.

Enter the X-Trail -- a brand-new design conceived to stick it up the likes of the CR-V and RAV4.

Visually, the X-Trail does not break any new ground, conforming to the norm set by the established contenders. Like its Toyota and Honda rivals, Nissan's contender is distinguished by large trapezoidal headlights, along with rugged looking bumpers and flared wheelarches.

Under the bonnet lurks a new-generation 2.5-litre, 16-valve powerplant mounted east-west across the engine bay, as is the case with most of today's compact off-roaders.

The engine cranks out 132kW at 6000rpm and 245Nm at 4000rpm -- numbers that compare favourably with the Honda CR-V's outputs of 118kW and 220Nm. The Nissan powerplant also comfortably eclipses the RAV4's figures of 110kW and 192Nm.

But it is on the road where the difference can really be felt. The X-Trail's greater reserves of low-down grunt means you don't have to thrash the living daylights out of it in order to extract decent performance. What's more, the engine is as smooth and refined as they come -- thanks partly to balance shafts that cancel out vibrations.

Mated to the engine is a five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically-controlled four-speed automatic (that adds $2000 to the price). We drove the manual version and found it to be a generally agreeable device.

X-Trail's rack-and pinion steering is well-weighted and offers reasonable feedback for a vehicle of its type. Turning circle is a none-too-ponderous 10.6 metres.

Ride quality is excellent, the X-Trail gliding over all manner of undulations -- including speed humps -- without the occupants being unduly tossed about. There is a degree of body roll when cornering, but that is to be expected in a vehicle that is nearly 1.7m tall.

The ST model we tested rides on 15-inch steel wheels shod with 215/70R15 Toyo radials that provide reasonable grip levels and a welcome absence of tyre roar.

Stopping power comes from disc brakes at all four corners, governed by a standard anti-lock system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. The latter applies maximum braking force when it detects an emergency braking situation.

While the X-Trail's car-like monocoque chassis delivers good tarmac performance, it also performs with aplomb when the going gets rough. We didn't get a chance to test the vehicle out on real mountain goat territory but went far enough off the beaten track to conclude that it will easily fulfill the needs of most prospective buyers.

The X-Trail's four-wheel drive system is simple to operate. It has three modes, with electronic selection via buttons on dash. In normal driving situations you just select the 2WD mode, which directs drive to the front wheels only.

In AUTO mode, the X-TRAIL's electronically controlled coupling engages four-wheel drive when sensors detect the need for extra traction and distribute the appropriate amount of torque from the front-wheels to the rear wheels. So you might choose to select this setting in wet or slushy conditions.

But when the occasion calls for maximum traction, the LOCK mode can be quickly engaged, ensuring all four-wheels are working, with a set front/rear torque distribution ratio of 57:43. Suffice it to say you would only pick this setting when you're tackling really tough terrain.

As far as kit goes, even the base model comes reasonably well equipped, with dual airbags, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, air-conditioning and an AM/FM radio with single in-dash CD player thrown in at no extra cost. The Ti model also scores 16-inch alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning, cruise control and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake.

Anyone who has owned a Mini will feel instantly at home in the X-Trail, courtesy of the centrally-mounted gauges. Nissan says the instrumentation's central positioning allows the steering to be set at any height without impeding the driver's view of the gauges. No argument there.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive and even rear-seat occupants also have little to complain about as there is ample leg and headroom (unless your name is Joel Garner).

The load area is trimmed in durable plastic, which is fine, but it's also quite slippery so items such as golf bags need to be secured in order to prevent them from sliding around. Those who venture off-road regularly will be relieved to know a full-size spare lurks under the load bay.

So what does the X-Trail have going for it? Well, for starters, it's got the best engine in its class and it's right up there in terms of refinement levels. There is also little to fault in the areas of build quality, practicality and off-road ability.

And most importantly for some, it's priced competitively, starting at $31,990 for the ST manual and $35,990 for the Ti. This puts it lineball with the CR-V, RAV4 and Mazda Tribute.

It could just be the new benchmark in the compact off-roader segment.

Read more on our Compact 4WD Comparison here.