I've driven a Nissan Xtrail 2.0 for 10 years and just traded it in for the new 2015 Xtrail 2.0. Different engine, different look and different colour.
The old boxie Xtrail had been a very useful and practical car for me. I'd fold down the back seat, flattened the back to carry dog, sofa, table, chairs, baby crib, cupboard, children bicycles, mattresses and even a fridge (4 ft height, 1-door fridge). There was this once when my husband hosed down the back with water as it was filthy with mud. Literally sprayed water into the back. So, yes, I really love this car that has served all my purpose. When I chose this car, the main puller was that all I needed to do to get in was - just turn side ways and slide. The seats are my butt-height. I was planning to have a baby, so it all just fell into places.
Apart from the spacious factor, I tend to drive up side walks/curb to park my car especially at places where parking is scarce and I just needed to do a quick run. Malaysia Boleh!!! :P The height is perfect, I don't have to worry about scratching the bottom of my car when I drive up the curb. Best part, I can see traffic jam way before reaching. This is where I'd decide to change course and take another route. FYI I'm only 5feet tall. This car makes me feel tall!
I fell in love with the look of the new Xtrail when I was invited for the exclusive private pre-launch preview. It was specially for loyal existing Xtrail customers. They dropped the boxie look, it was curvaceous. Fierce looking frontal, just like the Murano. Eagle-eye lights, taunting. And 3 rows seater!!! My kids can squeeze into the last row when we need to carry more people. Actually was thinking it'll be great for when we need to fetch my mom, but she just passed away 2 months ago on 2nd Jan...that's another story which I prefer to keep to myself.
The first difference I noticed when I went for the test drive was that the car roof/ceiling is higher. I used to put up my hands and can easily flatten my palm on the ceiling. But with the new Xtrail, I had to stretch and can't flatten my palms. The interior is more spacious, more leg room even though it's 3 row seater. But of course, the last row is meant for kids only - little leg space and short. I can still put down the last row and 2nd row (flat) to carry big stuff....with more space. Higher ceiling and longer.
The 2nd row now gets airconditioning vent. The old Xtrail takes a while to cool down the back as it all depended solely on the aircond vent from the front. That was the problem I was starting to have worth the old car. The compressor was giving way and can't cool the car on a freaking for day...Which is everyday here!
Nissan has also added more cup holders. Both sides of the 3rd row and middle of the 2nd row. Which I like!
I'm loving the controllers on the steering wheel, the advanced surround view camera, the additional USB port (I used to use the ciggy port) and am still getting used to the key-less system.
Overall, I'm loving it. My old Xtrail was a birthday present from my wonderful husband. He'd jokingly said that it'll be my present for the next 10 years. Sure enough it served us well throughout, that I actually still didn't want to let it go when he suggested it was time for my next 10 years birthday present. Some problems cropped up here and there ie. airconditioning compressor giving way, suspension making noise and engine sounds louder... In the end, I love you Xtrail.
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