REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Nissan -finally- gets it right.

The Xterra could change our image of a sports utility vehicle (its the best we could wish for it). According to the purists, after all, this category of vehicle has been progressively emasculated to satisfy the masses who prefer the container to the contents. On the one hand there ’ s the big SUV plated in gold; on the other hand there are those little guys: too flimsy to jump a rut. The Xterra promises to let us (re)discover the SUV ’ s origins: simple, robust and practical.Once in a while can ’ t hurt. Nissan ’ s California-style office, led by the capable Jerry Hirschberg, got lucky when picking the colours and contours of the Xterra. Of course, critical minds can point out that it ’ s just a cross (a Nissan specialty) between a Frontier (front end) and a Pathfinder (door handles mounted vertically on post C).

Still, you have to admit that having the roof flare up just behind the doors produces an interesting visual effect, as does the peculiar shape of the rear window. Add to that an aluminum roof rack able to hold your bikes (maximum capacity: 56.7 kg or 125 lbs) and a receptacle for, let ’ s say, your wet windsurfing togs (maximum capacity: 13.6 kg or 30 lbs). The basket is great, that is, until you decide to take advantage of the sunroof!

But while the Xterra looks great from the outside, the interior is disappointing. What a letdown! First, the suite itself, donated by the Frontier pick-up truck. Cheap- looking, lusterless plastic, and hardly inviting. Couldn ’ t the seat fabric at least have been made from brighter colours? I can already hear the Nissan dealer ’ s voice answering, Yes, but it would have been harder to keep them clean. Oh, of course.

If they haven ’ t been careful, you can expect the rear passengers to curse about having brushed the wheel wells with their skirts or pants or about having to hold their breath to squeeze in through the too-narrow doors. But don ’ t worry, once inside, they ’ ll feel better. There ’ s enough room for two adults. A third? Sure, but don ’ t forget to gag him, or he ’ ll probably start swearing about the cupholders nestled between his feet and the lack of a third headrest. Objects traveling in the rear cargo space will be more comfortable, benefiting from a dozen hangers for securely stowing both weapons and baggage.On the technical side, the Xterra has plenty of surprises in store, since it practically reproduces the mechanical and structural elements of the Frontier pickup truck. All by itself, this is a sign of strength and reliability.

Unlike Canadians, Americans have a wealth of choice: some twenty different configurations, ranging from a four cylinder with two driving wheels to a six cylinder with four driving wheels. Nissan Canada, which has adopted a different marketing scheme, is only offering the Xterra with a 3.3 litre 6 cylinder engine that rolls along on four driving wheels.

This engine is one that ’ s appreciated more for its torque than for its power, flexibility or fuel economy, three areas where this motor fails to live up to expectations. It ’ s true that it ’ s more fun to drive when the manual transmission is mounted on board. Despite its long stick, reminiscent of pickup trucks from the forties or fifties, I ’ m not sure which, the shaft is precise and the clutch is progressive. On the other hand, the manual transmission penalizes anyone needing to tow heavy loads. They will prefer the less demanding automatic gearbox for this kind of work.

Even though the rear suspension is based on a rigid axle, the Xterra manages not to jostle its occupants about too much the moment the wheels hit a surface that ’ s not as smooth as a billiard table. Even though the steering is deliberately slow, it is precise and correctly powered. Off- road, the Xterra has all the necessary qualities for exploration, though you have to watch out for ruts since the Xterra ’ s angles of approach and departure are not as good as those of some competitors.

Overall, the Xterra easily takes the prize for best all- terrain in its category. More practical than the Grand Vitara, more modern than the Cherokee and in particular, more formidable off the beaten track than the CR-V, Forester and other RAV-4s. On the other hand, it seems less civilized than the Escape/Tribute team which is just getting started this year.

PROS
Attractive form;
Original design;
Tried-and-tested engine.
CONS
V6 lacks zest and not very economical;
Depressing passenger compartment;
Vibrating rear suspension.

CRASH TEST
(five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *

New front fascia
Compressor engine
2003

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