Review of the new Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 dCi Range

When Nissan's X-Trail compact 4x4 was first introduced, it would have been fairest to say that the diesel version was not the one to choose. It wasn't particularly fast, nor was it especially refined, both important drawbacks in such a tightly-fought market sector. Fortunately for the many buyers who appreciate this car's innovative design, this issue has been put right with the inclusion of potent 150 and 173PS 2.0-litre dCi diesel units in the latest line-up.

These engine power outputs take the X-TRAIL to the top of its class. Torque or pulling power of 320 or 360Nm (depending on your choice of engine) at 1,750rpm is not to be sniffed at, yet combined cycle fuel consumption sits at 38.2 mpg with CO2 emissions at 198g/km, even with the more powerful unit. As you'd expect, this makes the X-TRAIL dCi rather faster than the original diesel versions with the 173PS variant recording a 10.0s 0-62mph acceleration time and a top speed of 124mph.

New from the ground up, the latest X-TRAIL is slightly larger than before: its wheelbase has increased by 5mm to 2630mm, while overall length has risen by 175mm to 4630mm. Much of this extra length can be found in the luggage area, which has increased dramatically in size. With the rear seat in place, the original vehicle had a luggage area VDA measurement of 410 litres up to the lower edge of the rear window: in this latest X-TRAIL, the equivalent figure is 603 litres, an increase of 193 litres (including double deck trunk capacity). Fold the rear seats forward and this increases to 1773 litres.

This has been achieved by rerouting the exhaust silencer from its original transverse position under the boot floor to a north/south location alongside the rear wheel well. This has allowed the creation of an innovative double deck luggage area, with space for a sliding drawer under the floor where valuable items can be stored away from prying eyes. The drawer has partition walls that can be placed in a number of different positions or removed altogether as required. The floor and the drawer can both be removed to increase load space even further. As a result, the luggage area of this X-TRAIL is deeper and wider than the original and, even with the false floor in place, virtually as tall. With it removed, luggage height is increased by 127mm over the original.

"A class-leading part of what has become a well respected compact 4x4 line-up."

Prices look a little higher than before, but that's mainly because 2-wheel drive variants are no longer on offer, all X-TRAIL models now equipped with Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4 system. This normally operates in two-wheel drive only to minimise fuel consumption and transfers into four-wheel drive mode as and when the vehicle detects it is needed, or when All-MODE is manually selected by the driver.

Apart from entry-level 'TREK' spec for the dCi 150, both engines come with a choice of either 'SPORT' or 'AVENTURA' trim. There's the option of an automatic gearbox either way - though not the clever CVT set-up available on the petrol models.

Equipment levels are pretty complete, even the entry-level TREK variant coming with Bluetooth phone integration, 16" alloy wheels, full body coloured bumpers, climate controlled air conditioning, a full suite of airbags (driver, passenger, side and curtain), plus a CD/radio with 4 speakers. The SPORT variant that most customers will choose adds a larger 17" alloys, an upgraded 6-speaker remote control stereo system with a 6 stack CD auto-changer, chrome for the front grille, plus front fog lamps, a large panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, cruise control, reach adjust steering, auto headlamps and wipers and a ski hatch.

Though there are exterior styling changes with this latest generation model, more important are the improvements wrought inside. Nissan knew that to compete against rival products like Land Rover's Freelander2, the latest Honda CR-V and Toyota's MK3 RAV4, they would have to up their game in terms of cabin fitment and this they've certainly done. The rather icky plastics of the first generation car have been replaced with more soft touch finishes, metallic highlights and tonnes of auxiliary storage space. Nissan claims an extra 50 litres of oddment stowage around the cabin with various bins, boxes cubby holes and cupholders never more than a few centimetres away. The designers have resisted the temptation to lever a useless pair of seats into the car's boot, the X-Trail remaining resolutely a five-seater only. It would have been thoughtful to have allowed the rear bench to slide to and fro, prioritising luggage or passenger space at will but perhaps that's a job for the 2010 facelift. As it stands, there's a rather neat 40/20/40 split system for the rear bench.

Road manners remain pretty near the top of the compact SUV tree, certainly far better than average. Roll is well suppressed and wind noise is also agreeably muted, although the tyres make an infernal din on poorly surfaced motorways. Off the beaten track, the Nissan still does reasonably well, although it lacks the fancy hill descent control of the Land Rover. Although most compact SUV buyers are unlikely to venture off-road, it's good to know the Nissan at least has some trousers to back up that shiny mouth. The SPORT and AVENTURA models get an 'ALL-MODE 4x4-i' set-up, incorporating Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).

USS is a fully automatic system that activates on any slope that exceeds a 10 per cent incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. The system also works if the vehicle is reversing up an incline. DDS - operated via a switch on the centre console - operates when ALL-MODE is in lock mode. DDS uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a descent speed of 5mph allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like USS, DDS also works when the vehicle is in reverse.

The fly in the X-Trail's ointment has to be the gearchange. The six-speed 'box fitted to the diesel versions is, despite its well-chosen ratios, pretty woeful. Be prepared to develop a left arm of splendid musculature and rehearse a plausible reason why.

All told, the Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi models are a class-leading part of what has become a well respected compact 4x4 line-up. If you're buying a car in this sector, this is an alternative you can't ignore.

TOP 3 X-TRAIL DEALS

The results below show the top X-TRAIL deals on buyacar

Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi 173 Tekna 5dr Diesel Station Wagon
Price £24,699 Read X-Trail Reviews	Save £4,866
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi 173 Acenta 5dr Diesel Station Wagon
Price £21,279 Read X-Trail Reviews	Save £4,486
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi Tekna 5dr Auto Diesel Station Wagon
Price £25,954 Read X-Trail Reviews	Save £4,986
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