What Car? Car of the Year 2005 - Compact 4x4

Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi SE
List Price £18,595
Target Price £17,262

The X-Trail has always been a strong performer, blending impressive on-road dynamics with credible off-road ability. Nissan hasn’t rested on its laurels, though, and has made the X-Trail better than ever.

Extra kit, a higher-quality cabin and a more powerful diesel engine option have all been added since our last awards, making the X-Trail the benchmark car in this highly competitive class.

For added practicality, the rear bench folds flat, increasing load capacity from a useful 350 litres to an estate car-beating 1841 litres. On top of that, Nissan has come up with lots of neat interior solutions to make life that little bit easier, including a plastic-lined boot for easy cleaning.

Most X-Trails are unlikely to venture into the mud, but it’s actually quite capable in this environment. On-road, the steering responds swiftly with impressive poise through bends. Its suspension irons out bumps in a fluid and controlled manner at all speeds.

The new 2.2-litre turbodiesel is the engine to go for. It’s flexible, hushed at motorway speeds and cheap to run. It registers 39.2mpg on the combined cycle and a company car tax banding of 27%.

All X-Trails are well equipped, with even the entry-level SE spec providing twin front and side airbags, climate control and a CD player.

Broadband users click here to see our video review of the Nissan X-Trail

Dial-up users click here to see our video review of the Nissan X-Trail

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Toyota RAV4 2.0 VVT-i XT3 5dr
List Price £18,745
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