Popular family SUV proves to be a good bet, if you choose wisely. X-Trail, the first soft-roader to exit the Nissan factory, arrived locally in 2001 in 2,0- and 2,5-litre petrol versions plus a 2,2-litre turbodiesel, all four-cylinder engines. The public soon took a liking to the newcomer with its lineup of front- and all-wheel drive variants. There are lots of second-hand examples from which to choose, since this first-generation vehicle sold in significant numbers (for an SUV) over its seven-year lifespan. Luggage space is a very good 352 dm³, increasing to an impressive 1 408 dm³ when the rear seats are folded, which provides a fully-flat surface for easy loading of items or for use as a bed. The interior is easy-toclean, although it lacks a really plush feel. Seating is comfy all-round and there are enough creature comforts to ensure a relaxing time in the cabin. Ground clearance is 195 mm, which is fairly good for a softroader. Most examples were fitted with Bridgestone Dueler tyres that offer reasonable off-road grip.
WHICH MODEL?
The 2,0-litre offers 103 kW and 192 N.m of torque, the 2,5-litre provides 132 kW and 245 N.m, and the 2,2 diesel delivers 84 kW and 270 N.m. The basic model is the 2,0-litre 4×2 but if you need some 4×4 grip, look at both the 2,0, or 2,5-litre versions. The higherspecced models sport roof rails that may look macho but add to drag (and therefore fuel consumption) and wind noise. The sweetest to drive is actually the 4×2, which has a reasonable 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10,53 seconds. Fuel consumption is lightest on the diesel at 7,6 litres/100 km. The 2,0-litre 4×2 should achieve 10,53-litres/ 100 km and the 2,0-litre 4×4 about 11,88, which is a bit disappointing, while the fuel index of the 2,5 is in the same ball-park at 11,3 and 11,9 litres/100 km respectively for the manual and automatic models. A minor facelift took place in 2003, but the major change overseas (a power boost of the diesel engine from 84 to 100 kW) was not released in South Africa, although there was some confusion at the time and reports still talk about the higher powered engine…
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
ENGINES
Thumbs-up for the petrol engines but, as is so often the case, lots of tears for the diesels, with turbos failing, sometimes repeatedly, even as soon as 10 000 km after being replaced. The intercoolers are prone to leaking oil from the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system: the intercooler is mounted on top of the engine and accumulated oil tends to collect at the lowest point, leaking out over the engine and onto the ground if there is a split in the casing. The EGR valves can also give trouble. A new turbo cost one owner R28 000 plus R2 000 for labour, so it might pay to shop around. Apart from the note of caution, the diesel is well-liked for its low-down torque, smoothness and quietness, not to mention fuelsipping habits.
TRANSMISSION
Whereas the new X-Trail 4x4s have an electronically- activated centre differential, the original versions, in common with some other makes, use a viscous coupling. While there were few complaints about these, research indicates that they can give trouble after about 160 000 km. The nice thing about the X-Trail is that it has a front-wheel drive setting, which is the best to use in normal driving, since it will reduce fuel consumption. Some drivers leave the selector in “auto” or “lock” mode, especially if they do a lot of towing or off-road driving, and that can put strain on the system.
If the coupling does give trouble, it can be in one of two ways. Firstly, the fluid could lose its thickening ability, in which case you will not have the rear axle helping out when the front wheels lose traction. If, however, the fluid thickens without the heat build-up required, you may have a locked diff that will put extra strain on the transmission. Also watch out for the front tyres wearing out before the rears, thus creating a difference in the front to rear tyre diameters. That scenario can lead to different axle speeds, upsetting the coupling. Rather rotate the wheels to even out tyre wear and stick to two-wheel drive mode whenever possible. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on the 2,0- and 2,5-litre models, whereas the 2,2 diesel has a six-speed gearbox. The 2,5-litre can also be had with a four-speed automatic transmission.
SUSPENSION, BRAKES AND WHEELS
The ride is difficult to describe. Some say it’s soft, others sporty, translating to a setup able to cope with bumps, gentle on good quality tar roads and still reasonably absorbent on gravel. No major issues were reported other than a couple of brake problems and one front-wheel bearing hassle.
STEERING
The steering wheel is mounted at a slight angle to the facia, which annoys some drivers – except perhaps those who like to sit slightly sideways with their arm out of the window?
ELECTRICAL
One driver’s airbag switch malfunctioned. The dealer quoted over R10 000 to repair it BUYING USED Visit the Used Car Guide at…. (probably for the replacement of the entire airbag) but an auto-electrician replaced the switch for R800.
INTERIOR
Seating came in for some flak for poor stitching and the slippery cloth upholstery. Not everyone liked the centrally-mounted instrument panel either, but everyone appreciated the air-conditioned drinkholders. Looseness in one car’s rear seat was easily sorted out by tightening the mounting bolts. There was mild criticism of the quality of the interior plastics in general.
BODYWORK
Persistent rattles in one sunroof were fixed by the dealer, free of charge.
SUMMARY
This is a very popular SUV that gave Toyota a hard time, outselling the usually untouchable brand’s RAV4. Many examples are available for the choosing, and we would go for either of the petrol versions. Check that the viscous coupling is working by pulling away on a slippery surface with a friend watching the wheels. If you don’t believe our “oil’s not well” story and still want a turbodiesel, check the vehicle’s service history carefully and have the AA give it a once-over. There will be no guarantees, however. Nissan dealers seem to deliver above-average servicing but parts are on the pricey side with a surprise that the diesel ECU is much cheaper than that of the petrol models – usually it’s the other way round.
ALSO LOOK AT?
Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander, Daihatsu Terios, Jeep Patriot, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Pajero iO, Subaru Forester.
