X Change

Nov 18 2007 Graeme Lennox

Nissan's Transformed 4x4 Is Full Of Nifty Gadgets..and The Price Is Right Graeme's Verdict

THE boxy looks of the old Nissan X-Trail were a big turn-off for me.

But when pictures of the new model landed on my desk I was forced to sit up and take notice.

It is still pretty chunky but the jagged edges that blighted the original design have been replaced by a rugged fluidity that makes it look more like a mountaineer than a pumped-up gym junkie.

I took the top-of-the-range diesel Aventura model up to Fort William and was blown away by the giant strides Nissan had made...this is no second-generation tweak.

Every body panel has been changed, the chassis is brand new and the four-wheel-drive system and suspension are straight out of the box too.

The interior is a lot bigger and a lot more refined. Harsh plastics and creaky panels of old are a thing of the past. Entry-level Trek models come with climate control and Bluetooth as standard.

The leather-bound, chromeplated opulence of the Aventura is great but I kept losing the keys thanks to the "intelligent" ignition system.

A transmitter in the fob lets you start the car without getting the keys out of your pocket but you will still be scrabbling around for an ignition slot after a fortnight.

The X-Trail narrowly lost out to Land Rover's Freelander 2 in the SUV category at this year's Scottish Car Of The Year awards.

Both cars are impressive but the X-Trail starts from £18,795 compared to the Freelander's £20,960 starting price.

Steering is sharp and the new four-wheel-drive in Sport and Aventure a models has electronic stability featuring uphill start and downhill drive support which proved vital while negotiating the muddy lower slopes of Aonach Mor.

The turbocharged 171bhp 2-litre diesel version I took was quick, quiet and returned almost 40mpg - impressive for a two-tonne "gas guzzler".

The soft-roader market is full of good cars but if you are looking for one that will get you almost anywhere with lots of equipment and good looks at a decent price book a test drive now.

TECHSPEC

NISSAN'S X-Trail range starts from £18,795. I drove the 2.0 dCI 171 Aventura model costing £24,495. Performance: 0-62mph in 10 seconds, 124mph top speed. Fuel: 38.2mpg Equipment: Bluetooth integration, 16in alloys, climate control. I loved: The double-floored luggage space. I hated: The cream leather interior.