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The Nissan X-Trail is certainly one of the best built cars that we have ever tested. You don’t have to be JD Power and ask thousands of people to understand that the machine is well put together. And on top of that, it is powered by an engine that should win a few awards all by itself. The problem area, as Mr Alvares would emphasise, is the price. At the current price point, the X-Trail, unfortunately, has to compete with the likes of the Suzuki Vitara (with a V6 petrol engine) and the Hyundai Terracan (with a massive CRDi engine) and both these machines can dwarf the X-Trail in size alone. Its real competitors are the CR-V and the Forester, and I have no hesitation in saying the X-Trail sets a new benchmark in that league. We hear Hyundai is now planning to introduce the Tucson – a Rs 13-15 lakh SUV that is dimensionally comparable to the X-Trail, again featuring a common-rail diesel unit. Perhaps Nissan should take a second look at their pricing strategy for India, and if they do that, expect the X-Trail to lead the soft-roader game in the country.
As for Mr Alvares, he still may not buy one for some time. Unfortunately for him, the X-Trail will not be available in white until its launch day in August.
For more info on the X-trail, call Rahul Nair at Aquest Auto Pvt Ltd on (022)22076296
DRIVER CHANGE
Godzilla. That’s what they call Nismo-tuned Nissan Skyline GTRs which make 1000 horsepower and rule the ‘drifting’ and street-racing scene in Japan. For me, the last-generation (R34-spec) Skyline GTR, even though it’s no longer produced, is up there – it’s the last word in over-the-top, wild-eyed performance. It’s God. And that, right away, made driving the X-Trail special. You see, this SUV’s 4WD driveline is loosely based on the GTR’s. A rather tenuous connection, but it’s there all right.
Stylewise, I find the X-Trail somewhat similar to the Chevrolet Forester. Riding on 16-inch, 5-spoke alloys, this estate-SUV crossover certainly is handsome – it’s nice and angular and sharp.
Most X-Trails will probably not see extreme off-roading and will not be driven to too many surfing/ river-rafting championships. But even if you do want all that action-man stuff, the X-Trail should be more than capable. Also, unlike most SUVs, whose handling feels ponderous, the X-Trail feels tight and composed. I hustled it around a few corners at speed, and there is little roll or wallow to speak of.
Bottomline is, it isn’t as quick as petrol-powered Vitaras and CR-Vs, but unless you’ve been playing too much Need for Speed – Underground on your office PC, you’re unlikely to feel the need for more grunt. Power delivery is solid, stable and uninterrupted and the ‘Trail’s dCi engine feels unburstable. Should be fairly economical also.
The X-Trail’s good fun to drive, is supremely practical, boasts of great build quality and looks good while at it. If Nissan can get the pricing right in India, this could be the SUV to buy.
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