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2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
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Nissan X-Trail ST |
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The Nissan X-Trail's popular appearance is proof that if it ain't broke, there's no reason to fix it. But you'll find plenty of improvements under the skin. They say that the more things change, the more they stay the same, and this is true of Nissan's X-Trail. The new model, while slightly larger, doesn't look much different from the one it replaced because, according to Nissan, its compact SUV formula had proven itself in the marketplace and didn't need to change much. Nissan's new X-Trail now strikes that often difficult-to-achieve balance between on-road drivability and off-road performance, while providing a high degree of refinement, comfort, safety and quality in a package that abounds in practical features. While X-Trail retains much of its predecessor's styling, it's under the skin and inside that Nissan has made some important improvements. The 125kW, 2.5-litre, all-aluminium engine is slightly more powerful than the previous model, though it's the revised torque curve that really improves mid-range response. It also now comes with the option of a stepless CVT automatic transmission, which replaces the old four-speed automatic. The new manual transmission has six speeds instead of the previous five. The dashboard layout now places the instrument binnacle directly ahead of the driver to improve overall functionality, though the generally good ergonomics are let down to some degree by the lack of reach-adjustable steering. Nice touches include heated and cooled cupholders for front and rear seat passengers, lots of storage pockets and the use of higher quality trim materials. The cargo space has been substantially increased and a practical slide-out storage tray has been added under a lift-out double floor. Removing the false floor increases storage space by about 50 per cent. The boot floor has a tough, water-resistant and easy-to-clean plastic surface, with raised ribs to help prevent loads shifting when the vehicle is on the move. X-Trail's safety score has also improved dramatically over the previous model. All X-Trails are now equipped with an electronic stability program, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, while passive safety is enhanced by dual front, front side and full-length curtain airbags, active head restraints and seatbelt pretensioners. On the road, its passenger-car lineage is evident by its comfortable ride, and while handling is reasonable - and certainly a step above the previous model - it isn't a sports car and there is no pretence that X-Trail is anything other than an SUV. Off-road, the new X-Trail shows why it rated near the front of the recreational 4WD pack. Nissan's 'intelligent' ALL MODE 4x4-i four wheel-drive system is controlled by the twist of a centre console-mounted knob, which allows the driver to choose between front-wheel drive or fully automatic four-wheel drive. This ensures optimum distribution of engine torque between front and rear axles. A centre differential lock is also provided for improved off-road performance. Two new and worthwhile standard features are hill descent control, which uses the anti-lock brakes to control descent speed under off-road conditions, and hill start assist, which prevents the vehicle rolling backwards during hill starts.
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