irishcar.com - Nissan X-Trail review

The introduction of Nissan’s X-Trail SUV marked the 50th year of 4x4 production by the Japanese car maker. So it must be something special.

While not as costly as some other SUV’s, it certainly makes it mark, inside and out. We found it a surprisingly nice vehicle to drive and it wasn’t behind in the comfort zone either.

But you can’t help feeling that it is aimed more at the leisure and recreation market than the typical 4x4 farming community.

X-Trail is strong on looks. Practical too. Big, strong lines, and that Nissan trademark 4x4 grille give impact up front. From the side, there’s plenty of glass to provide an airy feel to the interior. A neat spoiler adds to the rear.

Inside, it can easily fit four adults and all their luggage.

It is available here with only one engine here, a new QR20 2.0-litre petrol unit outputting 140hp and returning over 30mpg.

On a test run, it proved very refined and quiet to drive. Handled extremely well, too. It’s a car that grows on you ... quickly. You’ll just want to take it out and drive it.

The engine response is immediate, but also smooth and quiet on the roads we travelled. And they varied from motorways to up and down (and potholled) bog roads in County Kildare. A good test for any 4x4.

The X-Trail has the shortest braking distances in its class in much part due to the light weight of the suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. At the other end of things it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.3 secs should the need arise and has a great turning circle and manoeuvrability.

The gearshift works a treat too, which is no surprise from Nissan. The car can be driven normally in 2WD which is easier on fuel. There is an automatic option on the dash to allow the car to go into 4WD if it meets with awkward conditions. And a third electronic option locks it into 4WD mode.

Visibility is great as the high driving position allows a clear view in all directions.

I especially liked how the instruments cluster is set in the middle of the front fascia between the driver and front passenger. This allows a very clear view of the dials with no obstruction from the usual arc of the steering wheel in front of the driver.

Special cup holders are located in the centre of the dash. They will keep your drink cold if the aircon option is fitted. Other swing out holders are located at either end of the dash.

Metallic touches here and there add a modernity and tech feel to the ambience. Seats are extremely comfy and supportive.

The large sunroof in the review car stretched back to the rear passengers making the cabin warm on hot days. It comes with a blind should it get too hot inside. However, air con is rather needed. Also, there was no anti-glare tinted area at the top of the tall windscreen. You miss it when it’s not there.

The car comes with that electric sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, electric windows front and rear and nicely styled cup holders.

With the rear seats folded flat, the cargo area is extended to almost an estate size. For extra long items, this space can be further extended by dropping the back of the front passenger seat. Seat backs and the cargo floor materials can be removed and washed if they become soiled.

Getting yourself in and out is easy due to the wide openings and the sills built into the bottoms of the doors. These sills also help keep dirt away from your clothing and shoes after a spell of off-roading.

If it’s raining, you won’t get very wet as the cargo area door hinges from the roofline and allows you shelter when loading or unloading.

X-Trail is available at 33,260 euro. For many, it’s a viable alternative to a large family car ... even if you don’t have a particularly active lifestyle. After all, not many 4x4s bought by urban dwellers actually get to go off-road. That’s more where the farmers come in.