on demand 4wd

Be aware that the Xtrail will suffer from transmission overheat in soft sand and does not have a low range. You will also need to deflate the tyres down to at least 18 PSI to be able to float over the softer stuff.

No way for me Graeme , espically if its mainly for beach driving.

On demand means just that - traction has failed and after the event you get the extra wheels to connect.

Unfortunately that is the vital second when you need it.

Its very much like the difference between a manual and auto 4wd in sand - the time taken to engage a new gear is to much any many bog down right there.

We have had several new RAV4's and by the best was the first - it had a proper geared always 4wd action - not a slippy centre unit or 0n demand like all the others.

Hi Graeme

From memory the X-trail has a "Lock" button that splits the drive 50/50 front and rear - it needs you to push it before you get stuck though. It automatically disengages from (I think) about 30km/h, which is pretty silly given that in "softroaders" you will need a little speed to get back off the beach. Getting on the beach will be no problems.

There are other options that could also be considered, including the Suzuki Vitara, which also has low range, and the Mits Challenger, which is a little bigger, but still not huge. For mainly beach driving you need momentum, a little clearance and some torque.

Chris

I spent last wednesday being regaled by friends who've just returned from the kimberley. They drove the Tanami towing a Jurgens van. First night in it poured all night. Spent the next two days travelling out of the place in mud and helping some of the locals whose 2wd's were useless.
Their tow vehicle is a renault koleos petrol auto - the thing didn't miss a beat, nor get stopped. It has a set of general grabber all terrains and a tow bar as modifications.
He has done plenty of remote travel before, so the car was given the best chance of making it, and it did. He was, however - worried.
The xtrail/koleos has gone up a little in my estimation after their many tales from their latest trip - the Tanami Rd being just one.
Still don't think it'd be high on my list of beach bashers though - clearance is king - you don't need much, but you do need enough.

I've been out on sand with just about all of the AWD cars during club trips. The Xtrail is a decent car let down by the lock disengaging over 30/40 kph (not sure which). I have also owned a Suzuki Grand Vitara but didn't like it I'm afraid. It had poor clearance. The best by far that I've driven are a 2007+ model Freelander 2 or a 2005+ model Forester. The Freelander 2 has sand mode that locks the centre diff at any speed and you can turn stability control off so that the wheels don't lose drive when you need it in soft stuff. The Forester has symmetrical drive to all wheels when needed. Make sure that the car wheels are no bigger than 17" so you have some rubber to bag out a bit. An auto is a better pick than a manual if you don't have low range. You do have to watch the transmission temperature though.
I really like the diesels in the newer softroaders and it gives them grunt at lower revs so you can get moving without spinning the wheels easier. That plus a light car and the auto box really compensates for no low range.
The softroaders on the last trip that didn't make the cut were a near new CRV, a near new Outlander and a Rav 4. When the going got tough they lacked torque and/or a decent drive system and had to be rescued in a few of the more difficult places.

How many of the other posters drive an Xtrail? I recently did a drive on Stockton with 4x4Earth and we had 2 Xtrails in our group and yes one did get stuck in some very soft sand, but so did my GQ. Aside from that, neither had a problem on the sand. Goes without saying our tyre pressures suited the terrain.

Thanks to all,
I think I'll look at a Forester but today I saw an Outback, now I've got find out what's the difference between the 2.

Decisions, decisions. :)

You definitely need a rugged Landrover Defender 130, or maybe even a Defender 110!

Good luck with your search...

Hi Graeme, if you want to buy a vehicle for the purpose of beach driving then a softroader is the wrong one. On the top of engine and transmission stress, you'll loose the little clearance you have by deflating the tyres, exposing and digging the underbody parts to salt and sand, since you'll soon loose all plastic shields underneath the car. I've driven few softroaders on the sand and produced expensive damage, expecially when sand conditions are harsh.