Don’t dismiss the new X-trail on account of its same-again styling because this is a very different and vastly improved beast from its highly successful predecessor.
The biggest step forward is the interior, which is both much better designed and of significantly better quality than the first generation 4×4, which exceeded all Nissan’s sales expectations.
The new model is also larger and more refined, and the 150PS 2.0 dCi engine we tried is plenty strong enough, though the 190g/km of CO2 is more than rivals such as the Honda CR-V.
The X-trail does, however, match the CR-V in cost per mile terms, losing out to the Honda by just 0.4p at 34.5 pence per mile in the Sport Expedition trim we sampled. Generous standard kit includes cruise control, satnav, six-CD changer and parking camera.
Verdict: A serious player in the volume 4×4 segment and a much-improved car.
