SECOND-HAND SENSEIf you take the rather sensible view that many so-called four by fours are really the embodiment of a clever marketing campaign and that in a relatively benign climate like ours the need for proper off-road vehicles is exceedingly limited, then you are in a position to stand back and ask exactly what you are getting when you consider the option of a four by four.
Land Rovers and Isuzu off-roaders, for example, are working vehicles and that is why the majority you see on the road do not have a row of back seats or petrol engines. The Toyota Ravs and the Honda CRVs on the other hand are cars designed to appeal to those who want something different, want to make a lifestyle statement but still want to feel they are driving a car rather than a tractor. Neither should the snob value attached to these cars be underestimated.
One of the reasons I like the Nissan X-Trail is because it achieves a good balance between the working and the recreational. It has good solid looks, drives well, has been practically thought-out and does pretty well off-road. Anyone looking for a compromise between the purely practical - someone towing the odd horse box or an angler visting remote locations, for example - and the cosmetically pleasing would do well to consider the X-Trail for a variety of reasons.
The Nissan is also well equipped when you consider some of the competition and the price comparisons. There is plenty of standard equipment, such as electric windows, on every model and the choice between the petrol and diesel offers a sensible option. Usually fitted with a 2.0 litre petrol or a 2.2 diesel unit the X-Trail has engines that are appropriate to its size and weight although it has to be said the car itself has a sense of proportion and balance in respect of both.
The car is good for carrying loads and the normally adequate boot can be extended by folding the rear seats down for a flat surface. On the open road it drives well and has good cornering and handling. It is not amazing in either respect but again there is always an issue of balance with these smaller four by fours. The interior is comfortable and bright and the seating position good.
The car has no major recall faults. It scored a very respectable four out of five stars in its EuroNCAP crash tests, albeit after some modifications. However, there was criticism of its head protecting airbag and areas were found beneath the facia that could cause problems for the knees of the driver and front seat passenger. There was also criticism of the rearward facing child restraint showing potential risk of neck and chest injuries.
The X-Trail has a deservedly good reputation so it does not come cheap on the second-hand market. An imported 2001 version with a 2.0 litre engine and 45,000 kilometres on the clock, with extras like dual front airbags, alloy wheels, central locking and CD player, has an asking price at one garage of €18,800. A two-year old locally sold car with the 2.0 litre petrol engine (extras include spotlights, electrics and airbags) and 67,000 kilometres on the clock is for sale at €28,500, while a similar car but with a 2.2 diesel engine and 32,000 kilometres on the clock, is on offer at €27,750.
- DONAL BYRNE
FOR: Good design and practical layout. Good compromise between full off-roader and car for occasional rugged pursuits
AGAINST: Expensive second-hand