What Car? Used Car of the Year - 4x4s

Nissan X-Trail 2.2 dCi SE
Price from £9000 Year '04/04

The Nissan X-Trail won last year's award for best used 4x4, and it has triumphed again.

Not only is it a great family car but, unlike many 4x4s that put the emphasis on on-road ability, it also performs well in the rough.

Better still, in the face of strong competition, prices for used X-Trails have fallen over the last 12 months, so they're now even better value.

Last year, you'd have spent more than £16,500 on our winner, a 2.2 dCi SVE on an 05 plate, but this year we felt that the high number of SE models on the market made them better value.

You still get the refined and powerful diesel engine - the 2.2 dCi is a much better bet than the old 2.2 Di unit, which went off sale in 2003 - and almost as many creature comforts.

The SE may be the entry-level car, but it still comes with essentials such as climate control and all-round electric windows.

Family-sized
It's more than big enough to cope with a family of five, too. With 350 litres of boot space, it has room for suitcases, sports kit and the family pet. There isn't masses of legroom in the back, but all five passengers still travel in comfort.

With a reputation for reliability, the X-Trail is a tough customer, and its solid interior is durable, so it should be more than able to handle the rigours of everyday family life.

The Nissan also makes fantastic sense as a towcar, and its four-wheel-drive is every bit as useful on slipways as it on caravan pitches.

Last, but not least, the popularity of the X-Trail means that there are plenty for sale at franchised and independent dealers, as well as privately.

Buyer's guide:
Power: 134bhp
Fuel economy 39mpg (average)
Insurance: Group 10
C02 g/km: 190
NCAP rating: 4 stars
Reliability rating: 4/5
Service intervals: 12,000 miles

Also consider...

Up to £10,000
Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX 5dr
'02/02 £7250

£10,000-£20,000
Audi Allroad 2.5 TDi Auto
'02/02 £14,500

Volvo XC90 D5 SE
'04/04 £18,000

Over £20,000
BMW X5 3.0d Sport Auto
'04/04 £24,000

Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 SE
'05/05 £26,000