We liked the original X-Trail as a 4x4 with proper road manners, and that still applies to the latest versions, of which the T-Spec is the top model, here with the 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine.One of the things which appeals about the X-Trail is that it feels solid, not just in its overall build quality, but also in the operation of the steering, gearchange, minor controls and so forth. That's solid as in sturdy, not as in stolid or ponderous. Out on the road, the last two adjectives definitely don't apply.The T-Spec is loaded for bear, with the X-Trail's most generous specification including traction control, ESP, satellite navigation using the familiar Nissan Birdview system, and neatly styled roof rails with built-in forward-facing "Safari" lights which are far less aerodynamically obstructive than these things are when mounted out in the open. In this case they're certainly bright enough, working only in conjunction with the headlamps on full beam, and Nissan is right to say you should be pretty careful about where you use them.This is one of the Nissans for which the Renault connection does no harm, because that's the source of the 2.2-litre dCi engine with its 134bhp and 231lb/ft of torque at 2000rm. It doesn't make the X-Trail an absolute flier, but it does produce lively enough performance for a 4x4 of this overall size, with good mid-range pull and, thanks to the six-speed manual transmission, an easy motorway cruising gait.The seats are all-leather in the T-Spec, those in front being heated, quite supportive and electrically adjustable. There's a chunky-to-hold leather steering wheel rim too. Features familiar from lower-priced cars in the X-Trail catalogue include a slide/tilt sunroof, fold-in door mirrors and a slide-forward centre armrest between the front seats.Rotary is the design theme for the air-conditioning controls, and also for the one, down by the driver's left, which offers an easy switch from two-wheel to four-wheel drive. Like so many vehicles in its class, the X-Trail can give a good enough account of itself in quite rough going, although it's set up to be more of a comfortable road car with a better ride quality than many of its rivals, not an all-terrain bruiser.Like the other X-Trails, the T-Spec has all its instruments on the centre of the fascia top rather than in front of the driver, and they're easy to catch sight of in a quick glance down from the road ahead.All the X-Trails score well for rear cabin space, with generous knee, leg and ankle room for back-seat passengers. The seats have the usual 60/40 split, and that might be useful from time to time, because the load area, while wide, is pretty high-floored.There's a full-size spare wheel underneath, something we're quite relieved to see, because we don't want 4x4 designers to waft away into the airy-fairy realms of instant puncture repair kits, which, as we've already experienced with another car, find it hard to cope with the kind of bent wheel rim incident not unheard of among off-roaders.But if the T-Spec's load floor is high off the ground, it's sensibly surfaced. No nonsense about fancy carpeting, just because this is the high-specification version of the X-Trail. The ribbed flooring material will take a lot of punishment. Solid, again.Out on the open road, the T-Spec is more stable at enterprising speeds than a number of its direct competitors, and in 2.2 dCi form a strong climber. Especially when it's cranked up nicely in sixth gear, overall noise levels are low.Altogether, this is a 4x4 designed and equipped to be a business or family car during the week, but easily capable of going to a fishing stance, hill-walking area, horse trial or other sporting event at the weekend. It's by no means in the utilitarian category. The performance, build quality, interior fittings and open-road handling make it another 4x4 which doesn't seem like half the car of more ostentatious rivals twice its price.Second opinion: Except on damp roads, when the high centre of gravity inevitably makes the X-Trail a little skittery, this car handles very impressively for its type. I also reckon it feels quicker than the main article suggests, though the acceleration is helped by a close-ratio six-speed gearbox which gives barely 30mph per 1000rpm in top - by no means a high figure for a modern diesel. Noise is well subdued, except during a cold start, when the engine is briefly very clattery. The sound effects recede quickly, though, and from that point on the X-Trail proves to be one of the nicest off-roaders to drive of anything available right now. It's certainly Nissan's best car, and it makes you wonder what on earth's going on with the Primera. David Finlay. Engine 2184cc, 4 cylinders Power 134bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 39.2mpg / 190g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.5 seconds Top speed 112mph Price £23,395 Details correct at publication date
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