On the X-Trail

Model tested: X-Trail 2.2 D Columbia DCi 5Dr Manual 
Price as tested: £21,395
Range price: £16995-£23395
Insurance group as tested: 10
Insurance group range: 9E-12E
Date tested: March 2007
Road tester:Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 80%

SUVs have had a hard time following the budget – but motorists still love their looks, practicality and driving position.

The X-Trail was Nissan’s first attempt at a soft-roader and has been a hit since it first hit UK streets in 2001.

Find out whether it is the 4x4 for you now.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety |Equipment | X-Factor| Rivals

1. Looks

The X-Trail looks substantial, chunky and capable. The entry-level SE model comes with plenty of goodies including body colour bumpers, roof runners and 16 inch alloy wheels. Choose the mid-range Columbia model we drove and you get rear privacy glass, 17 inch alloys, roof spoiler and, sunroof and fog lamps. The range-topping Aventura adds xenon headlamps with washers while roof-mounted “safari” spot lamps are an option exclusive to this trim.

8/10

2. Looks inside

The X-Trail is both functional-looking with a simple layout and robustly family-friendly. The dials are located within the central console above the optional sat-nav, stereo and temperature controls, creating a neat uncluttered appearance. Drivers used to the information display being visible beyond the steering wheel will need a few journeys to adjust. The entry-level SE trim includes a leather-trimmed gear knob, hand brake and steering wheel with integrated audio controls and twin cooled can holders. We drove the Columbia model which benefited from a sunroof, aluminium foot pedals and an attractive two-tone material for the seats. The top-spec Aventura trim comes with leather upholstery.

8/10

3. Practicality

X-Trails are available with or without 4x4 capability. Either is very practical. Depending on whether you are using the rear seats, the storage capability ranges from 410 litres (350 below the cover) to 1,841 litres. The boot floor is covered in a resin material making it easy to clean while a cargo net is available to keep your possessions from sliding about. The hatch-style boot opening makes for easy loading and unloading.

8/10

4. Ride and Handling

As you would expect the X-Trail soaks up bumps with ease. The flipside, due to its size and height is it wallows a little in corners. However, it handles well considering its size. The 4x4 system also helps you out of tricky situations by delivering the appropriate pulling power to each wheel – especially handy in slippery conditions.

7/10

5. Performance

Buyers can choose between petrol and diesel. Going for petrol? There’s a five speed 2.0-litre manual or a choice of manual or four speed automatic for the 2.5-litre option. We drove the more economical 136bhp 2.2-litre diesel model with a 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds and maximum speed of 112 mph. The six speed manual gearbox and a very respectable 232Ib/ft of pulling power gave a smooth and powerful performance.

7/10

6. Running Costs

Gas-guzzling SUV? Not at all. We drove the diesel model boasting average fuel consumption of 41.5mpg. Choose the petrol option and it edges just the right side of 30. Insurance Group 10 won’t hurt too much. Go for the diesel model we drove and your annual tax bill will be £205. However, that rises to £300 for the 2.5-litre petrol models. Own it more than four years and the X-Trail will still retain more than a third of its value.

8/10

7. Reliability

Nissan’s are well-built reliable cars and having been around since 2001 should help give buyers confidence. The car itself feels very well constructed and not at all flimsy.

8/10

8. Safety

The X-Trail has been awarded four stars in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Safety features electronic stability programme and electronic brake distribution comes as standard, as does traction control. Go for 4x4 capability and this will help you out when encountering slippery conditions. Steering wheel-mounted stereo controls help keep your hands where they should be.

8/10

9. Equipment

The entry level SE model boasts a generous level of equipment including body-coloured bumpers leather trimmed gear-knob, hand-brake and steering wheel as well as 16 inch alloy wheels and CD player. Columbia and Aventura trims provide nice upgrades including sunroof, leather upholstery and sat-nav.

9/10

10. X-Factor

Being a great SUV/family car combo. The X-Trail is fun to drive and immensely practical. Lazy people would call it a gas-guzzler, and that is reflected in the tax bill. We call it great value.

9/10

Rivals
You might want to consider:

Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sportage
Toyota Rav 4

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