2008 Nissan X-Trail TS dCi Review
October 29, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Nissan X-Trail TS dCi Review & Road Test
X-Trail certainly suits the urban jungle
Model Tested:
- Nissan T31 X-Trail TS dCi 2.0 litre diesel six-speed auto – $38,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic paint $395 (Fitted – Electric Blue)
Cargo area, safety, drivability, fuel efficiency
Sluggish performance, handbrake position
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Rose Harris
I may not have a crocodile named Boris to shove in the back of my X-Trail, but I do have two kids, which, some might say draw their similarities. As a soccer mum by definition, it is only right that I take Nissan’s latest addition to the X-Trail family for a spin around the suburbs because let’s face it, these days you’ll see far more SUVs in the soccer stadium car park than tearing up the dunes in Australia’s outback.
While, personally I choose to buck the trend and drive a station wagon, after my date with the X-Trail TS, I can see the appeal of the urban SUV. Space, superior visibility and the feeling that you own the road are I’m sure some of the leading reasons so many ‘mums’ drive this type of car.
The new diesel-powered Nissan 4WD clearly has family living in mind; it is very functional. Let’s start at the back, as all families need space and the clever boot design of the X-Trail is definitely one of its best attributes. The two large floor panels are completely removable and washable, making it easy to get rid of the evidence of whatever was smeared everywhere from the pram wheels as there is ample space for the pram and associated paraphernalia.
Underneath the floor panels is a drawer with compartments, a great spot for stashing all those little things that seem to be forever floating around in the boot. One drawer comes as standard and a second can be added.
It makes packing for a holiday an ease as frequently accessed items can be put in the drawers meaning you don’t have to constantly unpack the boot for that one item. I can imagine the boot design would also be a dream for the caravaner, the fisherman, or for the big 4WD trip when all the mud can be hosed straight off.
The child seat anchors are located across the base of the rear seat-back which is a feature not often seen in 4WDs. Their location means the child seat anchor straps don’t cut across rear visibility.
Overall visibility in the X-Trail is quite good with large windows and windscreen. The big side mirrors help cover blind spots and of course being that bit higher also helps to see the road ahead. The step up to the Diesel TL (and the petrol Ti) bring with it a sunroof to further embrace the sunshine.
The height of the X-Trail is perfectly proportioned for city driving. It isn’t as high as many other 4WDs that see you taking a leap of faith or reaching for the step ladder, it is low enough for young children to get in and out unaided and lifting children in and out is no problem. It is still high enough to easily clear speed humps and successfully provide that 4WD feel. However, serious off-roading may be a challenge with only 200mm ground clearance.
*****PRIMO!****
I have owned 2 X Trails a S1 and the just replaced S2 series
DNA of Patrol off-road for sure, better than the vw job and all the others [refer OzTopGear snow part]
Great vehicle really, but over the SUV theme and getting her a hatch of some sort.
Would like a Corolla but it does not have enough stuff inside for the coin, ouch the i30 looks the best VFM?
:-)
Cheers
F-0
another review vouching for the quality and performance of the X-trail. Such a shame that it’s just so damn ugly.
Why can’t they produce a better diesel donk? 0-100 of 12.5 is very ordinary even among suvs. Personally I like the looks. If they had a 7 seater with a better diesel, I’d test drive tomorrow.
I’ve driven the manual and it was a torque monster the engine was really good. Not the smoothest but it would pull really well from 1500 onwards. The gearbox was a bit unconnected.
The steering & the chassis was a big turnoff. the steering was vague and it really only had understeer on offer.
Ground clearance isnt really the issue. Moreso ,it’s the “temporary” plastic undertray at the front. And the exhaust wrapped under the rear suspension. tip: Get to know your local exhaust fitter
I’m surprised that the towing ability is quite low on the auto. You’d think people would like to use these for the camper trailer or boat? If they do you’d be better off with the manual.
Sorry i just can’t get past the looks…..it’s just too fugly and a real deal breaker for me, but it do respect the cars abilities and build quality….just too ugly in the end!!
Love the Xtrail…. you feel like floating on air cushioning every bum on the road…magic.. once inside the car…u can’t go wrong… like the way the water bottles are placed in front.
and get the sun-roof… worth every cent.
have to say it looks ugly in likes of forester and rav4, but no diesel offered currently by these 2 manufacturers.
i don’t actually mind the looks too much. Seriously, there isn’t a good looking compact SUV anyway
Cameron, if you’re after a better diesel in an SUV with 7 seats and IMO better looks and fit, buy a Santa Fe!
Cameron, if you need a 7 seater diesal 4WD then you might as well go for the Nissan Pathfinder or a Patrol.
I have the TL manual, and it rocks. The manual produces more power and torque than the auto, and it is fantastic to drive. The gearbox is very smooth and light unlike other cars in the class like the forrester which is notchy.
Agree the looks aren’t for everyone, but once you’ve driven one you’ll have to agree that it’s something you can get past. Stick a nudge bar and some roof bars on and they look great.
The manual diesel will go 0 – 100 in about 10secs, which is the fasted diesel SUV on thhe market.
Cheers,
Chris.
I purchased the Xtrail Ti recently and took it to Double island point last weekend. I got on the sand fine but getting off at DI in very soft sand, the new rear bumper design which covers the tow bar and looks much neater acted like a scoop. I was half way through the exit when the rear dropped a little, scooped up the sand, ripped two tears in my rear bumper and locked me seriously deep in sand.
I got clear returned to the exit throught the camp ground and even though i returned to full tyre pressure for the 20 km trip throught he bush to Rainbow beach, i still bottomed out in the ruts and had to travel at 15km ph.
The xtrail needs more height and needs to revert bsack to the old high bumper.
Cheers
Tony – Off to pedders!
The petrol X-trail is a better bet than the new diesel version. I own a diesel X-Trail and it has an oil leak which continuously contaminates the EGR valve and air filter, affecting performance. Nissan has been trying to fix the problem for 8 months, but no permanent solution on the horizon.
The Diesel X-trail is a lemon.
Just trying to get track of Tony Lindley (a NZ’er I met way back in 1989 in Melbourne) – is it you?
talitha
talitha.guittin@gmail.com