Road Test - Nissan X Trail 09

Author: Ian Strachan

The wide range of 4x4 vehicles available today is mind-numbing. The choice used to be simple. Now there are all-wheel drive options across most sectors in all shapes and sizes.

But if you opt for the mid range: not too big and not too small, a big enough engine to give adequate power without frightening the bank manager, with reasonable off road ability and a respectable specification, you could well end up with a Nissan X-Trail.

This is the third time I have tested an X-Trail in four years, and it gets better and better. This time I tested the Sport Expedition version fitted with the new 173 bhp 2.0 common rail diesel engine, and it's a revelation. This unit is quiet, with smooth delivery and more than adequate power.  And as a bonus you get mixed driving fuel consumption of more than 38 miles to the gallon, which is excellent in a vehicle of this size.

The X-Trail is also available with 2.0 or 2.5 petrol power, though why anyone would opt for petrol when the diesel engine is so good is difficult to understand. The power unit is married to a smooth and refined six-speed manual gearbox which allows the engine's flexibility to be fully exploited. And it will propel you from 0-60 in less than 10 seconds.

The X-Trail Sport Expedition comes with an impressive standard specification list. This includes all-round airbags, electronic anti-lock brakes, 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, all round electric windows and mirrors, automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers and headlights, front fog lamps, six-speaker CD player, and clever, split level boot with removable drawer. You also get Nissan's satellite navigation system which includes a bird's eye view map - one of the clearest I have seen on any system.

The interior is light - thanks to the enormous sunroof - and roomy, with exceptionally comfortable seats. The instruments are mounted centrally, and there's more than adequate storage room around the cabin, including a useful lidded storage box complete with power socket, cooled can/bottle holders front and rear and a lidded facia-top box.

Locking/unlocking and ignition are keyless. You just need to have your key in your pocket to operate the system.

Load space is not the biggest in its sector, but is adequate and can be increased using the split folding rear seats.

Hefty-looking roof rails also come as standard, as does a rear parking camera. 

Handling is positive, stable and crisp, with no 4x4 wallow on cornering. You get a host of electronic aids to help its progress in difficult conditions. I took the X-Trail across some rutted muddy tracks and deeply ploughed, muddy fields to give it a fairly serious test of its off-road capabilities, and it certainly wasn't found wanting. In fact it performed with graceful ease where other vehicles - better known for their off-road credentials - struggled. That said I am firmly of the view that it's drivers who get stuck in the mud - not their vehicles!

I am hugely impressed by the X-Trail. At £24,700 for this specification you'll struggle to get a vehicle of equal quality, equipment and all-round ability for less.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk