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X marks the spot

Thursday, 13 March 2008

It was back to ‘Motown’ on the Naas Road this week for another test drive. This time it was to Nissan where there was an impressive display of new X-Trails and the best-selling Qashqai in the pick up area.
I really liked the Qashqai when I drove it last year and obviously so did a lot of other writers, as it finished second to Ford’s Mondeo in the Semperit Car of the Year competition.
But duty called and the re-vamped X-Trail was my target. It’s a few years since I drove the original X-Trail and I cannot remember every detail. So I have to take the manufacturer’s word that the new model is substantially bigger with more space in the cabin and boot than the original model. And if you want to bring this jeep where it really belongs, off road, it’s good to know that the ground clearance has been increased to 200mm.
The original model was launched in 2001 and obviously it has been a good seller, as Nissan has not radically altered the overall design. However, it does have a new chassis and is every so slightly longer, taller and wider than the first model. In fact it looks a lot leaner that other SUVs or jeeps, whatever you want to call them.
The whole family loved the high driving position which gives excellent views when driving in the countryside. And of course it’s very comfortable. Back in the city I liked the way as driver I could get my bearings when navigating from the lines on the bonnet. I did find the diesel a bit noisy, but then I suppose most diesels are a bit noisy.
In the cabin there are plenty of cubby holes for holding drinks and two unusual ones in the corners of the dash for both driver and passenger. Between the front seats there’s a cooled storage box, which can hold 13 CDs or four 350ml drink cans. At first glance I didn’t think I would get 13 CDs in there, but I checked it out and it did take 13, but no need to keep my country music cool.
You also get electronically controlled four-wheel drive with hill start assist and hill descent safety controls built in. Two roof lines help to give the X-Trail that rugged off-road look, while the front lights are very neat and would do justice to any family saloon.
Nissan could probably have opted for a seven-seater, but I think they were correct to stick with a five-seater and provide the extra boot space instead. Internally the dominant colour is black, but a touch of grey, which was the external colour, did provide a nice contrast.
The boot is truly massive and even more space can be got by leaving down the back seat. The huge cargo area includes a double floor and a drawer to keep items you are carrying stored away from the eyes of would-be thieves. The hidden drawer could also be used to keep your muddy boots or wellies as really this motor is best suited to people who work the land.
Prices start at e32,950 for the 2.0 petrol, while the 2.0 diesel 4x4 I drove costs e45,100.

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