Test drive Nissan X-Trail 2001-2003 SUV

All photos of Nissan X -Trail 2001 - 2003

Car "X"

Nissan X-Trail is a typical representative of the new generation of light SUVs who have received the general designation of SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), in fact representing cars fed under the jeep sauce.

In a strange way in long -developed countries, roads are more varnished even in winter, in large cities there is an acute lack of useful parking area, and it is impossible to leave for nature, not having spoken private property. But at the same time, the number of SUVs is growing.

However, are these SUVs always? Oh no! In most cases, this is a kind of stylization for serious crooks, created for those who want to get a jeep, but there is no need. When asked why it was precisely the increased cross-country engines that have become so popular recently, you can answer differently. It is possible that the matter is a harmonious combination in the SUVs of the properties of various types of cars. Full -wheel drive will help to cope with the car on a slippery road, the whole family will fit in a tall and wide body, and some liberties in handling the relief of the unaster -powered area will fit in a relatively large road clearance. But, most likely, this is just another squeak of fashion: to ride a jeep means leading an active lifestyle.

Nissan X-Trail is a typical representative of the new generation of light SUVs who have received the general designation of SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), in fact representing cars fed under the jeep sauce. Primary class signs of such cars: a passenger, a motor -loving motor and an exclusively asphalt chassis, not designed for long -term operation in the conditions of off -road. The main style and practicality.

With the style of X-trail, everything is in order. Despite the fact that all the most popular design decisions of recent years have united at once, the car does not look eclectic. High rear lights, a chrome radiator grilled from large cells, integrated with extensors of the wheel arches of the bumpers and doors handles under the natural grip, we have already seen all this on nissans and other manufacturers. But the overall impression is this: I like it. Dynamic and expressive.

Inside is light and spacious. Huge, half -wings, hatch and beige leather upholstery visually extend the salon. Give the volume! Open the hatch, lower the glass and the machine will be filled with air and light.

The X-Trail interior is literally woven from the little things, but woven to the highest degree correctly. The first thing that catches the eye is the unusual location of the dashboard, which is located in the center of the torpedo, while the devices themselves are facing the driver. The realization that the new one is nothing more than a well -forgotten old one: on many cars for half a century ago, devices were also located in the middle, and after all, people traveled. We discovered at least two pluses of such a solution: firstly, the devices are excellently read regardless of the position of the steering wheel, and secondly, a personal driver’s glove compartment formed in the vacant place.

X-trail is one of the most thirsty cars that we had to deal with. Having fulfilled the request indicated by the inscription Pull, two cup holders one can extract from the front panel one at a time for the driver and passenger. The rear passengers have their personal bottle holders attached to the central tunnel. But the hit of the season is two tanks cooled by air conditioning for cans of 0.33 l on sides from the radio. The car is generally rich in all kinds of secret places. In addition to two mess and boxing between the front seats for large trifles, there are also compartments for small under the radio and in the armrest of the rear seat.

Those who are not used to the trifle, will immediately open the fifth door. The trunk is small: in width it is limited by protruding wheeled arches, and besides, a full -size reserve and the necessary minimum of tools are hidden in its bowels. But no one interferes with the rear seat, forming a flat cargo platform. We also note that the seat is laid out in parts, requiring, however, the removal of the head restraints. However, this may not be enough: if a tall driver is sitting at the wheel, then the back of the rear seat will rush into the driver's seat pushed back.

God be with him, with the trunk. To free rein, in pampas! Turning the key, a two -liter engine comes to life, the devices awaken from sleep and we think in what mode the transmission is the corresponding icons, hidden under the dashboard, with difficulty with difficulty. The proprietary transmission of the All Mode 4x4, by the way, quite advanced for the SUV, is controlled by three buttons. Only front -wheel drive works by default; When activating the Auto 4x4 mode, the rear bridge is connected only when the front wheels are slipped; And if you block the interdosseous coupling, then the torque of the engine will be distributed between the front and rear axles in a ratio of 57% by 43%.

So, we will be front -wheel drive. Already when touched, problems arise. The torque of a 140-horsepower engine at low speeds is not enough, and the car begins to move very sluggish, but it is worth slightly raising speeds, and the front tires are already shy. When the tachometer arrow passes the number three, the motor begins to spin very briskly until the speed limiter is triggered, providing assertive acceleration. But to overcome the line of 120 km/h, the rate of speed set is significantly reduced, and then the car accelerates very reluctantly. Perhaps this is the fault of long gear rates of the transmission. The box pleases with clarity and transparency of the switching, for which it can even forgive the lack of protection against accidentally turning on the rear gear. The brakes are excellently extinguished by speed, only with a springy pedal you need to get used to it.

The controllability of the X-Trail deserves all praise. The steering is very accurate, the responses of the car to the driver’s actions are delighted with their uniqueness, although the reactions contain delays characteristic of machines of this class (raised center of gravity, highly profile tires). Despite the significant height of the body, the car behaves reliably and predictably in turns, faintly rolling and holding the trajectory perfectly, for which one should thank the harsh but energy -intensive suspension. And the steering saturated with feedback provides invaluable help to the driver. This is not an SUV, it is a car without five minutes!

The assessment of all -terrain qualities of the machine should be realistic. The X-Trail is easily and fun through the broken primer, but you have to overcome the fragmented areas and steep climbs on all-wheel drive, it is better with a blocked interdessual differential. In a simple all -wheel drive mode, the difference in the speed of rotation of the wheels of the front and rear axles is still noticeable, but the disconnection of the ESP stabilization system allows you to please the audience with a spectacular fan. It is better not to climb on heavy off -road: the torque deficit on the bottom and the absence of a lowering series of transmission will quickly stop this adventure.

So what is a car in a Nissan car. Not Hummer, of course, but not a five -door station wagon. This all -wheel drive car is not for everything, but for many occasions. For the city, for a picnic, for the family. For yourself, finally! Or, in other words, a sports and utilitarian vehicle. Stylish, fashionable and modern.

The car is provided by Illan.
During the test, the car is insured ASK Trust.