Description
Nissan used its experience in building 4x4 vehicles to create the 2001 X-Trail as a replacement for the Terrano and opened a new chapter in its history book.
While the body-on-frame vehicles started to fade away even from the 4x4 segment, Nissan had to find a solution to enter the SUV segment with a lighter vehicle but still capable enough to wear the Japanese brand's badge. So, in September 2000, it launched the X-Trail at the Paris Motor Show. The car was built on the same platform as the Primera, and the solution worked great.
With its chunky styling, the automaker created a vehicle that looked both rugged and still civilized. Its bulging wheel arches and the square-looking overall design fit both inside cities and into the woods. In addition, the comprehensive glass areas that surrounded the cabin were a promise for an excellent view from the inside, without dead angles. At the back, the vertical tailgate was flanked by high-mounted taillights, which were protected from small bumps in the parking lots and also from being scratched by bushes.
The interior carried over the idea of an instrument panel mounted in the middle of the dashboard, close to the windshield. Even though that solution was considered ideal by car designers, customers didn't like it. Yet, the big dials allowed drivers to see the speedometer without taking their eyes off the road. The front bucket seats were mounted high, and the rear split-folding bench was also designed for comfortable long travels. Last but not least, the trunk area was impressive for those times.
Unlike the Terrano/Pathfinder, the X-Trail featured a unibody construction with independent suspension in all corners. Under the hood, Nissan installed a choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel powerplants paired with either a five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic, depending on the version. The car was offered exclusively with an all-wheel drive setup.
