Overview

IT WOULD not have come as a surprise if Nissan's product developers had insisted on turning the X-Trail into the best performing bush-basher in its class.

After all, there is reputation at stake here.

But to its credit, the Japanese off-road expert has thumbed its nose to tradition and built a vehicle that impresses with its emphasis on around-town economy, ease of use and safety.

There are some glaring omissions hindering its cause - yet there is cleverness, too, not to mention generous interior space and a solid equipment base.

This is one to take a long, hard look at.