Road Test: Nissan X-Trail 2.0 facelift !

This is an unofficial road test done by me for the first time! I know the all-new Nissan X-Trail was launched in Malaysia recently, but the X-Trail which I'm reviewing is the 1st generation of facelifted X-Trail.


I'm sure everyone is familiar with Nissan X-Trail because it is abundant on the road. It grabbed a myriad of awards and outsells the Honda C-RV! Let's find out how good is it, shall we? By the way, the design of the exterior is outdated and need not to discuss it further.

The version I drove was the automatic transmission, 2.0cc with 140bhp engine. First of all, I'm very impressed with the engine. Despite after 3 to 4 years of usage including long journeys to other states, the engine was still very smooth and refined! I love how it accelerate and change gears smoothly, creating a relaxing drive.

However, I do feel that it was (just) a little underpowered with an adult and 2 children onboard, maybe the 2.5cc engine will provide a more powerful performance.


In the handling department, it handled quite well, albeit body-roll was present due to the slightly higher centre of gravity compared to sedan. It kept tidily on your lane while cornering, but it will have slightly understeer if cornering in high speed. Just reduce the speed and it solve this minor problem.


The interior was spacious at the front but a bit tight in the rear. Everything was in the range of reach (good ergonomics). The meter panel was located at the centre of instrument panel, maybe this was the reason why I rarely glance at the speed I was going!

The boot was big enough to 'swallow' your weekend trip to grocery store or even the famous Sweedish furniture mall trip! Moreover, the boot floor is removable and washable! Good for carrying dirty mountain bike after a trip down the muddy road!


It was quite refined on the highway, but the steering was slightly lighter than what I've expected. However, it was a boon during parking where I found the car was fairly easy to be manoeuvered with its light steering, despite its large sized body.

Although it sucked up the large bumps pretty well, the X-Trail struggled to keep the interior a comfortable place to be when it encountered uneven road.

Being a SUV with 4 wheel drive (and can change to 2 wheel drive electronically), X-trail excelled during rainy day. It has excellent traction and stability when going through puddles of water. Thanks to its high seating position, all-round visibility was good and everything was made easier when driving in bad weather.

All in all, it's a value for money car. I can understand why so many people adore the Nissan X-Trail. It's rugged, durable and also a good family car. However, with new competitions like the Peugeot 3008 and 3rd generation Honda C-RV facelift, the 2nd generation Nissan X-Trail will have a tough time to stay at the top!