Winterpeg

My wife and I test drove an X-trail SE AWD on the weekend, and it has definitely made the list of vehicles to consider.

The salesperson I talked to was quite knowledgeable about the vehicle, but told me something that I'd like to confirm. The X-trail we drove was an automatic and it had the AWD selection dial. I asked him if the system was the same for the 5 speed, because I've seen many SUVs limit 4WD models to only automatics transmissions.

He told me that there are only two modes if you get the 5 speed: 2WD and AWD (locked 50/50 torque), but there's no mode for variable torque distribution. Is that right? He said that the dial is substituted with a push-button instead (2WD/AWD). I think he might be confusing this with the Snow Mode button that you get on the FWD models.

I'd really like to get a standard, but if I'm getting more functionality in an automatic, I've have to reconsider.

Terranismo

5-Speed models use the same AWD system as the autos. It has three modes of operation:

FWD
Variable AWD (Auto)
Lock (50:50 distribution)

__________________
04 X-Trail AWD 5-Speed:06 Engine/2.5' Exhaust & Midpipe/Timing Advance/Knock Sensor Grounded/AEM CAI/SSA Header/ES & Filled Motor Mounts/MP 66mm Throttle Body/JWT BSR Kit/JWT Camshafts/SWA Pulley/Outlaw Engineering Thermoblock Spacers/Grounding Kit/Voltage Stabilizer/Apexi Super AFC II/JWT Flywheel/JWT Clutch/Toyo Proxes S/T 255/55R18 Tires/Arospeed Riot Hyper Gunmetal Wheels 18x7.5/Yokohama Advan Track Tires/Ti Mudguards/Ti Front Halogens/Tinted/Monochrome Black/Debadged/04 Clear Sideblinkers/Nismo Oil Catch Can/ Nismo Reservoir Covers/NOS Wet 60-Shot/NOS Microswitch

mike dockal

Yes you are right, the sales guy is confused.

ValBoo

Do you need a third party confirmation?

Here you go:
with 5 speed manual tranny you also get the three modes (same as automatic trans):
- 2 wd
- auto (variable upon front slippage)
- lock 4wd (50:50 distribution up to 30 Km/hr)

good luck with your shopping:
get the X-trail; see you again on this board!

ValBoo.

Winterpeg

Thanks for the confirmation. I was most interested in the SE FWD model until I realized it only comes with an automatic. The price differential is only $1200 to move up to a SE 5-speed AWD, so now I'm sitting on the fence.

Considering the winters we have here, AWD would be very helpful but I'm worried it will cost me more in the long run for maintenance and the slightly reduced gas mileage.

Too bad there's no fuel savings between the 5-speed and the automatic.