Nissan X-Trail

We don't only test cars here at Auto Express. Our consumer team tries out hundreds of new products every year to make sure you've got the right kit in your garage. From socket sets to sat-nav, headlamp bulbs to folding bikes, nothing escapes us in our quest to find the best motoring accessories.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By James Baggott

June 2003

Rating:

We don't only test cars here at Auto Express. Our consumer team tries out hundreds of new products every year to make sure you've got the right kit in your garage. From socket sets to sat-nav, headlamp bulbs to folding bikes, nothing escapes us in our quest to find the best motoring accessories. However, there's one problem that constantly troubles our testing team - how to lug all that gear around. Fortunately, a solution has arrived in the shape of our new Nissan X-Trail long-termer.
Boasting 1,841 litres of boot space with the seats down, OV03 WEX can swallow all manner of car-related products. This came in especially handy during a recent folding bike test, where I put 14 of the two-wheelers through their paces. The Nissan proved easy to load with its wide opening tailgate and, despite the fact that the rear seats don't fold completely flat, I was surprised at just how much it could hold. Couple this with its excellent 2.2Di powerplant and the X-Trail can rival any van-based MPV for carrying capabilities - no wonder it won our Recreational 4x4 Award at last year's New Car Honours.
The diesel unit sounds a little agricultural when it's just started up, but with a thumping 270Nm of torque on tap from 2,000rpm, it's no slouch. Around town, the X-Trail's large dimensions are a joy in traffic, with its elevated and comfortable driving position offering an excellent view of the road ahead. Meanwhile, on the motorway the six-speed gearbox makes for refined and relaxing cruising. We've had a little trouble getting it into second gear on occasions, but with less than 1,500 miles on the clock, we hope this problem will disappear as the transmission loosens up.
The interior is airy and I love the huge sunroof, which retracts halfway along the cabin. Adding to the feeling of space are the light-coloured interior materials, although I'm a bit worried the cheap-feeling cloth won't stand the test of time. The centrally positioned dials on the dashboard are great, particularly for a six-footer like me who struggles to see them in their normal position behind the steering wheel. What's more, moving the gauges has freed up space for a lidded cubbyhole which hides a 12v power socket - perfect for running the electrical accessories I regularly test. The hidden drinks-holders, which are air-conditioned, have also impressed.
It hasn't been all smiles on the ownership front, though. Low-life thieves put a brick through the passenger window to steal a colleague's mobile phone, which had fallen on to the front seat. The brick must have bounced off the seat, because a nasty crack appeared on the inside of the windscreen. Autoglass repaired the resulting damage (although we had a few days' wait because "the X-Trail is a rare car") at an eye-watering cost of ΂£648.49. The service was professional and quick and, impressively, the work was carried out on a Bank Holiday Monday. Nevertheless, the cost was a bit excessive - even the fitter winced when he quoted it! The only problem is that not all the glass could be removed from the deep door sill, leaving the car sounding like a baby's rattle under braking. I'll turn the radio up for now, but ask our local main agent to sort it out at the first service.
Despite this minor setback, life with the X-Trail has been great. It swallows up cargo with ease and is fun to drive as well. With this year's New Car Honours just around the corner, the competition had better beware because Nissan's 4x4 is still proving to be a lot of car to beat...