Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi 173 Tekna
Credit: Autocar (www.autocar.co.uk)
Price as tested £26,855
What is it?This is Nissan's facelifted X-Trail SUV. Revisions for the 2011 model year include a redesigned front grille and rear light clusters, and refreshed interior look. But spend just five minutes driving the X-Trail, and you'll realise that its strengths are still the drivetrain and the packaging.
What's it like?
The X-Trail lacks the Freelander's exceptional ride, handling and extreme off-road ability or the good looks and chic sophistication of the Q5, but somehow emerges from this on a par with its higher-class rivals, because of the sheer quality of the package.
A revised turbodiesel engine that produces 171bhp and emits 15 per cent less CO2 normally spells a distinct lack of low-end torque and lost driveablility. In the X-Trail, arguably the best Nissan on sale in the UK apart from the GT-R, there are no such concerns. The engine will happily pull from idle (800rpm) in third at 15mph, and starts spinning strongly from around 1500rpm, which translates to a winning combination of relaxed urban and motorway driving and good economy.
The interior also gets an extra bit of polish, with better materials and stitching, and now includes the excellent Nissan/Infiniti touchscreen sat-nav and entertainment system in top-of-the-range Tekna spec.
The build quality is excellent throughout. You won't hear a squeak from the centre console without using a sledge hammer and a mouse, while the redesigned boot, combined with a 5mm wheelbase extension, now offers an impressive 603 litres of storage (measured up to the bottom of the glass).
Should I buy one?
The Tekna, at £27,495, is packed with expensive equipment, and the sweet spot is surely the Acenta edition, lower down the range. But in either trim this is an excellent SUV that can unusually accommodate not only the family but also their luggage.
Ed Keohane
Nissan X-Trail Tekna 2.0dCi
Price: £27,495; Top speed: 124mph; 0-62mph: 10.0sec; Economy: 44.1mpg; CO2: 168g/km; Kerb weight: 1660kg; Engine: 4 cyls, 1995cc, turbodiesel; Power: 171bhp; Torque: 265lb ft; Gearbox: 6-spd manual
Credit: Autocar (www.autocar.co.uk)
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