Diesel is the X-Trail choice

Diesel power is beginning to dominate most sectors of the car market but especially the 4x4 and Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) sectors. Nissan's spacious X-Trail is the latest to offer the diesel option and here Michael Moroney examines its potential

Driving a Sports Utility Vehicle or SUV gives you the immediate bonus of better road visibility compared to driving a car. With that comes the feeling of security, as you can see further ahead and should be better placed to anticipate the actions of other road users. That fact, coupled with good space and the freedom to go anywhere off-road, have been the attractions of taking the SUV route.

Most of the early models were petrol powered as the concept was originally designed with an American market in mind. And now there are serious diesel powered options that can deliver economy levels that match those of large saloon cars.

Nissan's X-Trail, first introduced with the petrol only option, has now been joined by a diesel version. There is now a choice of five diesel-powered SUVs on the market, enough to provide a good comparison.

The new diesel X-Trail comes fitted with a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine. It's a similar engine to that fitted to the Primera car, but under the X-Trail bonnet it has been tuned downward to deliver slightly less power and a different torque rating. The objective is to give the X-Trail more pulling power and a steady acceleration because of its heavier weight.

Compared with the competition, the X-Trail diesel is about average in power terms and a little higher in the torque stakes. And while it's very marginally slower than the Land Rover Freelander and the Toyota RAV4 diesel options, it scores very well in terms of economy despite its size and weight.

The other bonus for the X-Trail over the competition is its towing ability. The diesel version comes with a braked trailer towing rating of two tonnes; the nearest rival is the smaller Suzuki Vitara diesel at 1.85 tonnes. And that is achievable because the overall weight of the X-Trail is higher than the competition.

While these are the basic mechanical items that can provide measurable comparisons, the X-Trail offers a lot more. It has great space both in terms of passengers and luggage.

The luggage area is the biggest in the sector and it comes with a durable floor covering, which can be easily removed and is a practical alternative to carpet that easily stains. The driving position is good, with plenty of adjustment to comfortable seats. The large centre mounted speedo and rev counter are remarkably easy to get used to a read. But the chrome type fittings around the radio would not be my personal choice.

Nissan has made driving easy by incorporating some neat electronics into this 4x4, to make them work for you even when at times you don't know it. In normal road driving conditions, the drive is to the front wheels. A set of buttons on the dash provides a range of drive options. When the Auto 4x4 button is selected, the X-Trail's electronic system detects any wheel slippage and instantly provides drive to the rear axle as well to balance out the traction. If the Lock option is selected then the engine power is delivered to both the front and rear axle in a 57:43 ratio to cope with more difficult off-road conditions. This engagement is by means of a clutch pack in the drive system, so the change over is effortless and lacks the crunch that you experience when engaging four wheel drive with some other systems. The X-Trail comes with disc brakes all round and they are linked to a ABS braking system for better steering control during braking.

Many potential SUV drivers are opting for the petrol option, for perceived ease of driving and smoothness.

The X-Trail diesel option is the clear choice from Nissan. At €36,995 its marginally cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 diesel. North of the border, the RAV4 is almost stg£1,500 sterling cheaper.

The petrol powered X-Trail gives marginally better acceleration, but you pay the price in terms of economy. The diesel option gives 28% better economy and a lot more towing power all for about €300 extra. Need I say more!