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Using the X-Trail as a guide for upcoming traffic, I knew where I could push the Civic to its limits and where I had to back off. I can liken pushing the VTi beyond the legal limits as fun and exhilarating as having a harem—it’s certainly mischievous. It can make you laugh out devilishly. However, my life suddenly flashed before my eyes as, in a minor driving error, I mistook a small intersection for a straight two-lane highway. As a small tricycle with its headlight out blitzed across my nose, I had to press the Civic’s brakes—hard. Since the VTi didn’t have anti-lock brakes, the sedan skidded, all four Michelins aquaplaning. I simply straightened the wheel and muttered a short prayer. I let out a sigh of relief as I narrowly—and I mean hairs-breadth, missed the tricycle. Pushing on, I eventually caught up with the X-Trail at the entrance to the Caylabne resort. The private road here is one fun experience: it is 15 kilometers of mountainous, sweeping one-lane bends capped off by the infamous Magnetic Hill, where an optical illusion can make anything seem to defy gravity. Because of the Nissan’s advanced all-wheel drive system, it found no problem negotiating the bends at relatively high speeds. On the other hand, the front-wheel drive Civic offered some degree of security, but when taking bends at 90 km/h, that feeling of security just disappears. The Honda remained stable, neutral and nicely balanced all the way. However, because of the lack of traction from the rear tires, it wanted to snap off, like a rear-wheel drive sports car. This is probably the first and only time I’d like to feel the sensation of absolutely on-the-limit handling on a twisty, wet road with ravines greeting you on either side. Since I was able to write this piece, I made it to the resort—alive. I was smiling so sheepishly, enthusiastically sharing my unique experience. I managed to call close friends and family just to tell them of my narrow escapes and death defying acts. Jason asked how the Nissan X-Trail drove. My response: what X-Trail? You should try using the Civic VTi to catch up with an X-Trail, that’s more fun. |
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