Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 dCi 173 Tekna 5dr Car Review - March 2012

With a maximum power output of 171 bhp at 3750 rpm and torque figures of 266 lb-ft the performance credentials of this vehicle are relatively strong and allow drivers to benefit from a relatively high top speed of 124 mph along with fast acceleration capable of reaching 0-62 mph in 10.0 seconds flat.

The engine performs fairly quietly at speed but when accelerating or at rest there is a far greater amount of noise generated. On top of this, wind noise is a real issue due to the shape of the car but noise from the road and suspension is all but eliminated.

The X-TRAIL has a fairly bulky appearance from the outside and this can make it unattractive to some buyers. The Tekna trim offers a few great improvements on other models but unfortunately many of the specifications are still the same and this means that the higher purchase price is a little unjustified.

Standard equipment which comes fitted with this model includes: power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking camera, leather seated interior, Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in sat nav and an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 compatibility.

The performance of the car is fairly good for its class and there is plenty of comfort offered to passengers. The suspension does a good job of eliminating discomfort from uneven road surfaces but unfortunately the driving experience lacks then response of rivals which makes it less enjoyable, especially as there is a lot of roll when travelling round corners.

In terms of quality, the car feels well built and both the interior and exterior has a solid and reliable feel. The car also comes with a three year warranty for 60,000 miles for additional assurances but reliability should not be a problem.

Safety levels are also fairly high and the car comes with a number of standard safety features including driver, passenger and front side airbags. On top of this there is also a fitted alarm and immobiliser to protect the vehicle from theft.

Practicality is fairly high with the boot offering a decent storage capacity of 603 litres even with the rear seats in place. Folding the seats down expands this to 1,773 litres – offering plenty of space for luggage. There is also plenty of adjustment in both the steering column and the seats and this means comfort levels are high. Front visibility is good but thick pillars make rear visibility a little distorted – something the rear parking camera can help to counteract.

Priced at £29,580 this car is a little steep considering what is on offer – especially when compared to other models within the range. The fuel economy is not bad at 44.1 mpg but both road tax and insurance costs are a little high under price bands H and 35 respectively.

The car also fails to hold its value well and this means it is a bit of a risky investment if bought at full price.