Nissan X-trail

Before Nissan's latest 4x4 came into my life, I have to admit that off-roaders were a mystery to me. Heavy, ugly and usually with agricultural steering, I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. But now, after three months with our long-term X-Trail, I'm a convert.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Pete Gibson

August 2003

Rating:

Before Nissan's latest 4x4 came into my life, I have to admit that off-roaders were a mystery to me. Heavy, ugly and usually with agricultural steering, I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. But now, after three months with our long-term X-Trail, I'm a convert.
As Auto Express's staff photographer, I'm always on the move. There are nearly 9,000 miles on the clock now, 8,000 of which I've done in the last two months. So, the X-Trail is busy all day, every day. There's no cosy underground car park for the Nissan, no shelter when the weather turns nasty. It just has to get on with it.
First the good points. The X-Trail is one of the most comfortable cars I've driven. Despite the huge distances I've covered in the last few months, the seats have proved wonderfully supportive and not once have they caused me backache. Unusually for an off-roader, they are deeply sculpted - almost sports car-like - and have big side bolsters that grip your spine and hold it firmly in place.
The driving position is spot on and gives a great view over the square-edged bonnet. Like the Micra, it has small bubbles at the top of the headlamps that make locating the corners simplicity itself - particularly useful at night. I've also been impressed with the 2.2-litre diesel engine. Although it's noisy at start-up, it's a tough performer. Torque is its main weapon, firing it out of low-speed corners and allowing changeless motorway overtaking. If you're used to a petrol unit - like I was - the temptation to rifle through the six-speed gearbox is overwhelming. However, you soon learn to leave it in gear and let the engine do the work.
I also love the cabin design, which is original and packed with neat features. I've got used to the central dials and although I've yet to find a use for them, the cubby holes in the armrest are a nice touch. Nor can I fault the automatic air-conditioning, which has performed brilliantly during our recent heatwave. Despite the X-Trail's big glass area, it cools down within seconds - blasting cold air into every corner of the cabin.
Downsides? Well, the boot is not quite big enough for my needs. There's nothing wrong with the size of the aperture, but there's too much in the way of suspension intrusion. I have two suitcase-sized boxes with me on every shoot and there just isn't room to fit them side by side. Stacking them puts them above the load line, so I often have to fold the seats down.
I've also noticed that some of the plastics are beginning to look second-hand. I know I give them more abuse than many owners, but I'd still expect them to last longer than three months. I could also do without the chromed running boards that make the sides of the car look a little too fussy.
So would I recommend the X-Trail to anyone contemplating a switch to a 4x4? Yes, I would. On our recent New Car Honours photo-shoot, I spent two days snapping the best new cars in the country - a line-up that included the X-Trail. I don't always agree with the road testers as to what makes a good car, but on this occasion, I think they got it absolutely spot on.