It's been a while since I’ve felt so at home driving a vehicle of this type. It never felt intimidating to drive or park and it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the freeway grands prix with the very best. Perhaps a tad expensive, one needs to remember the Nissan X-Trail dCi is far more than just the sum of its parts.
Under the bonnet of this particular model is one of the liveliest two-litre turbodiesel powerplants around (110kW/320Nm). Cruising along at the national speed limit (120km/h) the rev counter reveals a lazy (and thus ultra-economical 2,100rpm). Mated to a six-speed automatic box — no manual version offered — this particular powertrain remains simply remarkable in the way it goes quickly and quietly about its business.
This LE version of X-Trail is so easy to drive . . . I’m sorry to say I didn’t have time to put her through her paces on one of the many 4x4 tracks we have in the area in and around Cape Town — but I don’t doubt for a minute you’ll ever get stuck.
Creature comfort levels are so high you actually begin to understand that justified price tag: for starters everything is power-operated — even the panoramic, double-sized, tilt-opening sunroof — how I wish we had a vehicle like this for touring around Kruger National Park in the old days. I’m not sure about the need for heated front seats, though!
I’d venture to say that this is the vehicle built especially for South Africans . . . large cargo area, seating for five big adults, legroom for all — and numerous cubby holes plus angled and cooled drinks holders on the outer edges of the dash. I’d also venture to say the air conditioner fitted is one of the most powerful I’ve ever encountered in a vehicle of this type.
Naturally the X-Trail can boast multiple airbags, crumple zones, ABS brakes and other computer-driven aids to ensure maximum protection and keep you on your intended path — the Euro Ncap test was a breeze for this model, apparently.
Look, R418,900 is a big pile of money I’ll be the first to admit. But when you factor in what you are getting for your bucks — a vehicle like the X-Trail LE dCi is undoubtedly going to last you 20 years — yet still look good.
All the usual warranties apply on the X-Trail — as with all Nissan products. Prices do start at R268,300 by the way, for smaller engined and less specced models in the range. Great to see servicing is only required at 15,000km intervals — best you seek out 50 ppm* diesel fuel then!
*If you live in the Cape Town area — as I do — 50 ppm diesel fuel is fairly easy to source. There’s a garage on Ladies Mile advertising 50 ppm less 20c a litre between 9 am-5 pm — be there!
NEED TO KNOW
Nissan X-Trail
ON SALE | Now
LAYOUT | Front engine, 4WD
ENGINES | 1995cc turbodiesel 16V, 110kW @ 4000rpm, 320Nm @ 2000rpm
PERFORMANCE | 0-100kph 10sec , 188kph, 8.1ℓ/100km
PRICE | R418 900
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Comments
simply the best
i simply just love the new look xtrail. i haven't bought one yet but i know exactly what i am going to get.
XTRAIL GREAT
Just a note for any prospective XTRAIL Buyer ... XTRAIL 2 is a very reliable vehicle. I have done over 40000km in mine (bought it new in 2010) without any problems whatsoever. All my previous vehicles which I bought new had some niggle, or rattle or problem during the 1st 2 services but not the XTRAIL. PS. I must also add that I have never driven a vehicle as hard as the XTRAIL and on as many rough services as I did with this XTRAIL. PS. People with Diesel problems probably bought their vehicles 2nd hand ... you never know how the previous owner treated the engine so be mindful of ANY 2nd hand DIESEL vehicle (irrespective the manufacturer) and only buy used from Nissan Dealers.
2003 Nissan Xtrail 2.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4
I bought my vehicle secondhand and the warranty had expired by then as well. I have only put on 67000km since buying it in 2008 and I have had to replace the injectors as well as the air mass meter. Problem is, vehicle is still not idling properly and no-one seems to be able to pin point any other problem. Why on earth would Nissan produce a vehicle which no mechanic is able to fix? I will never ever buy a Nissan again let alone a diesel, so far the cost of repairs is R23 000.
XTrail
I think that if you have some good truck accessories with this one, i'm sure that thing would be alright and okay when you finish it and edited it. Hope that all is well by now.
xtrail petrol
i just love my 2010 xtrail. I do have a liking of the previous model, but this ones shape is similair. It is a cult classics these xtrails. Whenever i see one my heart just skip a beat. it have a feel of its own, the gearshift is just amazing, and its not slow at all. my whole family can fit in it, and i trust its safety aspects. I never feel intimidated by any other vehcle on the road. The reliability you can feel, it simply cannot let you down. The car is just there. my car just shine its way into our life, eversince i saw it in the garage, i left with it because i wanted it. I bought it without even driving it:) the soundsystem and aircon is always on, and my favourite moment is when i wash it, and see my reflection in its window, then i smile and think, how lucky i am.
WHAT?
U guys are just kia fans.. yes kia sportage has lots of features and has a ''kool'' look for the money .. but the materials WTF.... plus driving that car with those pedals really makes u think ur driving a toy car... not mentioning the space, headroom etc.. this car is just like a kia cerato but taller... even the kia soul looks like it has more space...
I own a xtrail pretrol 2.5 myself.. and it is a very good car.. for those saying it is a slow suv.. u guys just dunno how to drive and shift wth...
good space, engine, materials quality... i like how it looks but thats my personal taste..
and yes i can say allthis cuz i got nothing against kia.. i like the soul for the urban jungle... in fact im planning on getting one for my wife
my friend has a sportage and i dun really like it that much compared to the xtrail..
We have used Nissan since 1987... and never had an issue... and no im not a fan.. i just drive what is good for me...
I've always love the Nissan
I've always love the Nissan X-trail. For me its the best among its type. Good off-road and in-road driving really makes the difference. Add to this the durable seat cover and its good to go.
just get a 2010 Kia Sportage
just get a 2010 Kia Sportage
Petrol xtrail not thirsty
I drive a 2010, 2.0l petrol X-trail and get 8.3L/100km in town driving. Maybe not the fastest (or sleakest) SUV but I need space for my wife and three daughters, and no other SUV comes close for the price! Friends who have driven the car can't believe the smooth, comfortable quality ride. My next X-trail will be the 2.0L diesel - AWESOME pulling power!!
2010 Kia Sportage
2010 Kia Sportage
Shame on Nissan SA
I own a 2009 dci model. Brilliant Car. Very Fast, pulls like a horse on steriods. BUT, Nissan SA failed to inform me which fuel to use and STILL after i contacted them they didnt give me an answer. I will sue when my injectors pack up...just watch.
X TRAIL FALLEN BEHIND
The "new" x trail is a step back in my opinion, looks too similar to the old one just a bit uglier, and in too many other areas its behind some of the opposition such as Hondas crv, or even Vws dull but good Tiguan. petrol engines in particular are gutless and thirsty.overpriced as well.
get a 2010 Kia Sportage
get a 2010 Kia Sportage
X-trail VS Tiguan
Having driven both, you can't really compare them. The X-traill is much bigger than the Tiguan. Yes it is expensive, but it is very well equipped and any SUV should be diesel nowadays...
don't bother comparing the 2
don't bother comparing the 2 just get a 2010 Kia Sportage
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