Category: Small 4x4s 
Price Range: £19,245 to £26,795
Performance, on-road handling, value for money, fun image.
Loud engines, interior quality.
The X-Trail is a good drive on road and more than adequate off-road, but it's not quite as refined as it should be.
Fuel consumption was an important consideration for Nissan engineers - it's a crucial factor if you're to attract first-time 4x4 buyers. The petrol offers 30.4 mpg and the diesel 39.2 mpg - not too frightening for those more used to small-hatchback thirst. Insurance groupings are low - 9E for the S and Sport versions, 10E for the SE+ - and the X-Trail should hold its value quite well. Nissan parts and servicing are usually quite reasonable. Don't expect any used bargains for a long time; watch out for cheap Japanese imports. The X-Trail will, however, make a good buy for used-car purchasers thanks to its probable durability - demand should be high. It's cheaper than a Freelander, model for model, but is run close by the new Ford Maverick and the Toyota RAV4 five-door and comes dearer than the excellent Hyundai Santa Fe. But it's well equipped, should hold its value well, and makes an attractive, practical all-round package.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Nissan X-TRAIL
wrote on 30 12 2007
wrote on 18 10 2007
wrote on 31 07 2007