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jalalski Profile
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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posticon The FIRST Test Drive of T31 X-Trail (Impressions and Review)


Hi Guys,

I just came back from the dealer after test driving the new exy when I received a phone call telling me to come in. Of course I dropped everything I was working on and rushed to the dealer LOL emoticon

The new exy was an ST-L, Manual, 2.5LT QR25DE engine and the colour was...well, I don't know what it's called, it's a new colour that looked like a very light burgundy.

The exy was waiting for me at the workshop undergoing PD (pre-delivery) checks before it goes into the showroom. This is the first and only exy that was received by this dealer today. The blue one is currently being displayed at the Sydney Motor Show.

We started with the interior and straight away I liked what I was seeing and it includes the following very good points:

1. The leg room for the passengers at the back has increased, I sat at the back seat and felt very comfortable.

2. My favorite gadget has to be the rear passenger air-con vents coming out of the centre arm-rest...finally Nissan has listened to us emoticon I love it.

Image

3. The seat fabric in this ST-L model looked and felt very comfortable and most importantly VERY durable, the same goes for the roof lining, which is no longer a plain gray material that can be easily stained.

Image Image

4. The internal door handles and panels are made of very soft material...no longer an easy to scratch plastic and the black plastic trim in other areas of the interior is VERY strong and won't show so much scratches as the current gray interior.

5. The rear boot area looked massive with so much storage in there that you can get lost emoticon

Image

6. The biggest storage area improvement is the passenger glove box, you won't believe how deep and spacious it is until you see it.

Image

7. The centre storage compartment is OK, but not big enough and no longer has the additional power socket.

8. We didn't get the SAt-NAV screen, instead Nissan has given us a 6CD stacker that now has the ability to play MP3's (only the ST-L and Ti get this) and the ST gets the single CD player and radio.

Image


Instruments and Guages:
==========================

1. The dash looks VERY nice indeed with the dials behind the steering. At first I thought am not gonna like that having gotten used to the dials in the middle, but for some reason I felt very comfortable looking at them in there because they're so big and very easy to read/see.

These 2 photos provided to me by Greg & Anita (fishy05) from the SA Motor Show

Image Image

2. The dials have an electronic guage in the middle that includes the trip meter, A and B settings, time and temp, but most importantly it now also includes a trip computer giving you your fuel consumption and stuff like that in LT/100kms which I thought was very handy to have indeed (seeing that we're looking at getting the same type of gadget for our current models)

Image

3. The air vents are massive in size and very well positioned, there is no longer an air vent available behind the steering wheel pointing at the driver (Series II), as the side and middle air-vents have doubled in size and blow massive amount of air through them.

4. The cooler boxes are still there on the sides but there is no longer a cooler box in the centre console area. (like Series II)

5. Controls and dials are positioned well, although the new 4WD, LOCK and 2WD mode switch is a bit out of reach (not by much though)

6. In keeping up with a smoke "less" environment, Aussies will still get the lighter, but this time we only get a portable ashtray that is positioned close to the hand brake emoticon You're expected to take your ash and ciggie butts with you when you leave the car, which is not a bad idea, this portable ashtray can also be used as your coin box if you're not a smoker emoticon

7. The centre arm-rest and storage box has considerably reduced in size, I forgot to check the height of the arm-rest to see if it is higher than the current models and more user friendly.

EXTERIOR:
=============

1. Surprisingly enough, the photos we have seen don't do the new exy any justice. From the photos looking at the rear of the exy, it looked as if the ground clearance has reduced, but it is not the case at all, the bottom edge of the rear bumper is still high above the ground and I think the same height as ours (if not more)

2. The tailgate is OK, but too many ribs and curves to my liking.

Image

3. The rear bumper fog light (as seen in the photos) has been replaced with an additional reverse light, so in Australia, we get 2 reverse lights (instead of one fog and one reverse). These reverse lights are very bright indeed. It actually looks better with 2 reverse lights.

4. The 3rd brake light is now external and mounted above the tailgate, it has 5-6 LED globes in it and very bright, the plastic lens itself is white.

5. The tail lights are massive, but I didn't like the shape of them at all, again, too many ribs and curves and they're standard globe ones (not LEDs)

6. From the side, the new exy doesn't look bad at all, you can tell it's longer than the old shape exy, but not by much (or it's not showing it)

Image

7. We now come to the headlights...what can I say?? Plain UGLY pair of headlights that makes the exy look more scared than it was before (before fitting the eyelids that is) The specs stated xenon lights, but the guys received an exy with standard halogen bulbs, so no excitement there at all.

Image

8. The front bumper fog lights are available on the ST-L model and they look exactly the same as the current shape (series II)

9. The front bumper looks a bit funny from the corners, as it has that huge lip section joining the lower portion of the bumper with the front fender.

10. The front fenders are metal panels (no longer plastic) so don't go around bashing the new fenders at the show-room and warn the salesman NOT to do the same LOL emoticon

11. The front radiator is still VERY much exposed, in fact it is more exposed that the current shape exy, so this will be your first mod to put a mesh in there to protect that radiator from stone hits.

12. The front grill is chrome on the ST-L (yummm emoticon ) and it looks huge and very similar to the Navara.

13. The new exy gets 17" alloy wheels (ST-L and Ti) and 16" steelies for the ST.

Image

OK, so that is 3 areas of the new exy covered so far and here is a summary of my likes and dislikes:

Likes:
=========

1. Rear vents for the passengers.
2. Trip Computer.
3. Huge passenger glove box.
4. Very comfortable seats.
5. Driver's seat goes up and down (height adjustable)
6. Leg room
7. Steering controls and steering size.
8. Quality of the interior.

Dislikes:
==============

1. The rear storage area (I mean the drawers) are far too flimsy and I think a bit too much. It'll be a nightmare trying to get to the spare tyre if you have loaded up these drawers with stuff.
2. I hate the shape of the tail lights and head lights (just a personal opinion)
3. Massively exposed radiator at the front.
4. The shape of the front bumper is a bit out there at the corners and makes the exy look like it has a huge chin (looking at it from the side)

My next post will include a review of the under-carriage, engine bay and of course the TEST DRIVE impressions so stay tuned! emoticon emoticon emoticon

P.S. Working on the photos as well as I type this and most probably will update this post and the subsequent report with photos tomorrow.

Last edited by jalalski, 4/Feb/2008, 8:38 am


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11/Oct/2007, 6:35 pm Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
Oompa01 Profile
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Date Registered: 10-2007
TOTAL POSTS: 7
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


Good review, and as a prospective xtrail owner it covers off all I need to know.

One thing though I did notice that Nissan (as of tonight) has updated their xtrail page with the new vehicle but there is no such burgundy. Can you have a look and confirm one of those colours wasn't the one you were looking at
11/Oct/2007, 7:58 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
jalalski Profile
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


The one I test drove today is called FLINT on the Nissan website. That's the colour name.

Welcome to the forum, please create an intro post HERE if you don't mind.

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11/Oct/2007, 8:11 pm Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
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Date Registered: 08-2005
Location: NEWCASTLE
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


Very informative speal you told it how it should be told cant wait for the next update

---
(Dave Newcastle 2004 ST
ID: X211

11/Oct/2007, 8:18 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
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Date Registered: 02-2004
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


OK Guys,

Had to take a break from writing a bit cause I started to see doubles emoticon

Here is the rest of the review:

UNDERCARRIAGE:
=================

1. Starting from the front of the exy while it was on the hoist, you will be pleased to know that the amount of plastic protection has considerably reduced, in fact I could only locate 2 plastic panels on the side near the wheels. The oil sump and gearbox are still very much exposed, but at the same time they're protected by 2 side cross bars (frames)...in summary a bash plate is still a very big MUST for the new exy as it is the case with the older models.

2. No change in the front wheel set-up (or not a noticeable change there)

3. Nissan included the exact same flexi coupling for the exhaust system as the one you see in the Hi-Tech system, so I was very pleased to see that.

4. The second cat converter was staring me in the face, but it and all exhaust pipes were very well protected and surrounded by heat shields. I gave the exhaust system a good shake and it didn't move much at all, as it is held by MANY brackets and hooks along the way. There is a resonator box in line as well to keep the exhaust system super quiet.

5. We now come to the Nissan show-piece, the MUFFLER! 10/10 to Nissan for finally getting rid off the bulky monster at the back and replacing it with a diagonal muffler that is tucked in nice and high and can no longer be seen, here is a PLUS for ground clearance.

Image

6. The other HUGE change is in the rear suspension set-up which has completely changed and now offers shocks that are independent from the springs (meaning the shocks no longer go through the middle of the springs) and also has many adjustments for the extra suspension arms. Looks very solid and advanced indeed compared to what we now have.

Image

The suspension is made by SACHS and this type of suspension can be found on the BMW!! Great improverment there for sure!

ENGINE BAY:
===============

1. The first thing that will catch your eye when you open the bonnet is the massive support bracket for the engine block on the left hand side, it is wrapped around the engine head ensuring it doesn't move anymore and I later found out exactly how it improved the drivability of the exy.

Image Image (photos by Rich-basshead)

Image Image

2. As I told you guys before, the alloy intake manifold has now been replaced with a plastic one. Looking at it closely, I believe the reasons for the change are to reduce overall weight and to easily have the intake manifold chamber opened and cleaned when needed.

Image

3. At the top and near the engine head you will also notice a large resonator box that is used to reside in the left corner of the bumper in the older models.

Image

4. I couldn't see the manifold and if there is any change there as it was covered by the heat shield from the top, but the location of the two O2 sensors has not changed at all.

5. Same type of intake (only a bit larger and wider) than the older model exy and its position hasn't changed.


THE TEST DRIVE!
===================

For the first run around the block I was a passenger sitting at the front and you can tell straight away that this is a different car all together than our current model xtrail for the following reasons:

1. VERY and I mean VERY VERY quiet on the road and you can barely hear the engine revving up (this is where the extra huge engine support bracket came into play)

2. No squeaks, rattles or any type of symphonies to be heard LOL emoticon Yeah I know it's still a brand new car, but even when I test drove my brand new exy back in 2003, I could still hear a little bit of rattle coming from the back, there is NONE with this exy!

3. An excellent view for the driver and passenger from the side windows as they're now larger and much more open and the A pillar is no longer in your field of view.

4. An acceptable view using the rear view mirror (which is now stuck to the windscreen) but not much improvement there to be excited about.

5. An awful view from the rear quarter panel glass sections (if you wanna use this to check your blind spot) as the glass has reduced in size, so you want see much through these windows at all.

6. I played around with the head unit and it was OK, 6 Cd stacker which now has the capability of playing MP3's, the Ti gets a Bluetooth interface as I was told.

Now came my turn to drive emoticon emoticon

I got into the driver's seat and felt very comfy in the seat which just wrapped around my back and provided the needed support, I still felt I needed to adjust it a bit, so used the handles on the side and adjusted it to perfection and even adjusted the height of the seat to suit.

Taking off in this new exy (Manual) cheered me up indeed and gave me a huge relief that the QR25DE engine is still very much alive and kicking the way it should be emoticon Yes, the exy has indeed kept that great power punch and there is plenty of power, even though it is only 125KW rated, it feels VERY lively indeed.

Again, no engine noise under load to be heard and the ride was very smooth, the rear suspension was doing its magic and you could barely feel the pot holes I was going through (for testing of course LOL)

Braking felt much smoother too, although I didn't notice that the calipers have changed in size, as they looked the same to me as our current model.

I may sound a bit girlish in this observation, but I liked the clicking sound of the turning signals LOL it's different from what we currently have and I think they used a much sexier blinker relay to produce this nice sound LOL emoticon

Lastly, the gear change was very smooth indeed and the gear stick handle was very nice and so is the steering wheel.

That's about it guys, if you do get a chance to test drive one maybe you can cover areas which I have overlooked or didn't talk about.

Oh! 2 more things, the horn is still the same ( so Stebel horn group-buy looks like it'll happen again) and the new exy finally gets chrome BADGES on the tailgate instead of stickers to specify the model emoticon

Last edited by jalalski, 3/Feb/2008, 2:20 pm


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11/Oct/2007, 9:32 pm Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
Revhead Kev Profile
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Date Registered: 10-2006
Location: Mona Vale, Sydney, AUSTRALIA
TOTAL POSTS: 6355
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


I would be interested to hear your impressions of how "lively" the new Xtrail feels in Automatic transmission form if you get a chance to test-drive one Jalal.
We all know manual transmissions feel more responsive than automatic ones and since it is a different type of automatic transmission you should notice differences from yours too.

---
Kev X450(c) T30 Guru
03 Titanium Ti T30 Series 1 **MODIFIED**
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12/Oct/2007, 8:06 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
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Date Registered: 02-2004
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


That is exactly what my answer was to the question if am gonna buy one. The service manager told me that the auto exy with the CVT transmission has been reported to have even more torque than the Manual exy, so am very interested in test driving one for sure. I'll wait until they get one and let you guys know.

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12/Oct/2007, 8:52 am Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
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Date Registered: 10-2006
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


Jalal,

Does it still have the fish eye exterior mirrors?

Good write up.

thanks,
12/Oct/2007, 9:11 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
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Date Registered: 02-2007
Location: North Shore, Sydney
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


Excellent review Jalal!
It's good to see that the new X-Trail is still allowed to tow 2000Kgs, despite earlier reports (attributed to European brochures) of them going down for automatics to 1350Kgs.

---
Ron X563

2011-current X-Nissan owner
2008-2011 X-X-Trail owner
2005-2008 X-Trail Ti-L

Turramurra, NSW
12/Oct/2007, 9:22 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
jalalski Profile
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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Re: The FIRST Test Drive of Series III (Impressions and Review)


quote:

RJ5023 wrote:
Jalal,

Does it still have the fish eye exterior mirrors?



Yes, I believe the mirrors are still convex type like the Series II, the ST and ST-L get standard mirrors, while the Ti gets the automatic folding ones.

One more thing I forgot to mention is that the curtain/side airbags are now standard across all models. The Japanese designers finally agreed to look after the added safety of us Aussies LOL emoticon



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