Nissan X-Trail (2007-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The cabin is plain and undistinguished in its design, but it's user-friendly, with clear controls and dials, and easy-to-find instruments. All the usual useful items are present and correct - including six cupholders - and a large glovebox and storage areas. The boot is bigger than before - up to 603 litres loading as high as the rear windows, though this does entail removing the 'false floor' sliding tray and its under-floor storage drawers, a fiddly job. With the tray/floor in place, the boot is a little shallow, but it is lower than before, making for easier access and loading of heavy objects. With tray/floor out and the rear seats folded flat (the rear seat squabs can be removed) there's up to 1773 litres of cargo capacity, finished with wipe-clean surfaces. The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allow for loading long thin items - such as skis - with two rear-seat passengers.

With its high roof (a near full-length glass panel and sunroof optional) and large windows, there's plenty of headroom and a light, airy feel to the cabin despite the dark grey and black finish in most models. The wheelbase is up 5mm to 2630mm (total length is up 175mm to 4630mm) and the X-Trail is now 20mm wider, so it's generally roomier all round, with plenty of legroom in the back and more elbow room in all positions.

The seats are well shaped and supportive, and Nissan has done a good job in reducing noise levels - one of the main criticisms of the outgoing model. There's still a little wind noise around the roof rails, but there's now less intrusive tyre and engine noise. With the increased body rigidity, there's an impressive lack of squeaks, rattles or other complaints, even on very rough and rocky ground, yet the car-like fully independent suspension allows for on-road flexibility. It's set up for a firm but comfortable ride.

Equipment levels for UK-market X-Trails haven't yet been confirmed, but Nissan usually equips all its cars well; the higher spec versions will come with reversing cameras and sensors, DVD colour sat nav, automatic lights and wipers, tinted glass, fog lights, cruise control, 17" alloy wheels, and all will get air conditioning, roof rails, Bluetooth phone kit, keyless entry, front and rear electric windows, electric folding/adjustable mirrors, a trip computer, 16" alloy wheels, a sunroof and a CD player. Options include leather upholstery, xenon headlights, roof spoilers, side steps, body mouldings, specialist roof boxes and bars, and driving lamps incorporated into the roof rails.