Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi Range
When Nissans 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 wasnt 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 cars 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 youd expect, this makes the X-TRAIL dCi rather faster than the original diesel versions with the 173PS variant recording a 10.
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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 thats mainly because 2-wheel drive variants are no longer on offer, all X-TRAIL models now equipped with Nissans 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. Diesel customers will need to budget from £20,395 for the dCi 150, or from £22,495 for the dCi 173. Apart from entry-level TREK spec for the dCi 150, both engines come with a choice of either SPORT or AVENTURA trim.
Theres 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 Rovers Freelander2, the latest Honda CR-V and Toyotas MK3 RAV4, they would have to up their game in terms of cabin fitment and this theyve 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 cars 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 thats a job for the 2010 facelift. As it stands, theres 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, its 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-Trails 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 youre buying a car in this sector, this is an alternative you cant ignore.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi range
PRICES: £20,395-£24,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 190-216g/km
PERFORMANCE: [dCi 173PS] 0-60mph 10.0s / Max Speed 124mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [dCi 173PS] (urban) 30.4mpg / (extra urban) 44.8mpg / (combined) 38.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver, Passenger, Side and Curtain airbags, ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4510/1765/1750mm
