Nissan X-Trail – there’s nothing better

For the second year running, the Nissan X-TRAIL has been awarded “best compact 4x4” in the What Car? Car of the Year 2006 Awards, beating off competition from the Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage.

The prestigious awards were held last night in London, and Nissan’s managing director, Bill Bosley, was there to collect the award from Mary Nightingale.

What Car’s judges, said: “The X-TRAIL is one of the most adept cars in the class at making progress on the sticky stuff. Thanks to its sophisticated four-wheel drive system it can easily cope with mild cross-country work. High ground clearance also helps its cause. However, it’s just as impressive on the asphalt as it is off it. Bends are tackled with composure, and quick, responsive steering adds to the fun. It rides well, too. Bumpy surfaces cause it few problems, and suspension clatter is far less prominent in the Nissan than in many of its 4x4 rivals.

“Above all the X-TRAIL represents fantastic value for money.”

The X-TRAIL comes with a choice of three engines: 140PS 2.0-litre and 165PS 2.5-litre petrol, and a 136PS 2.2-litre common-rail diesel. Last year, a 4x2 version was introduced, sharing the same 2.0-petrol and 2.2-lire dCi engines with the award winning 4x4 range.

Nissan’s latest addition to its family, the NOTE, was also commended in the Supermini category.