It's got the x factor

If NASA built 4x4s then Nissan would have some seriouscompetition. As it is, they don't, so the Japanese outfit can rest ontheir considerable laurels for a while and bask in the sure knowledgethat in their X-Trail they have created one of the best sportsutility vehicles on the market.

To stay with this space theme a while, it seems that cars thesedays are getting more and more like space craft every day and the X-Trail is no different.

While this form of transport may have originated in the muddyfields of world wars and farms up and down the land, they've come along way and now contain all the rugged capabilities our modern worlddemands along with a collection of creature comforts that can equalanything else on the road.

But it's on the road and not the muddy stuff that the X-Trailreally impressed. It's all very well being able to navigate the lunarsurface, but what about a quick jaunt to Tesco, or a cruise down themotorway.

Well, I know this makes me sound like a bit of a sexual predator(and I'm not, honest) but I just couldn't stop cruising in this car.It was a delight. The 2.5-litre petrol engine offered me plenty ofpoke, and once up to speed on the motorway, things were quiet andunrushed. The gear change was smooth and clean and by the end ofseveral long journeys I felt fully relaxed despite having toconcentrate for hours.

This is driving as it should be, and the whole experience isenhanced, for me at least, by the fact that the cabin is so high up,offering all on board a commanding view of the road and allproceedings around me.

The view is further improved by the huge wing mirrors provided.They're massive, big enough on which to roast a turkey (and if youknow what I mean by that, then you're a better man than me).Seriously, the large mirrors are a godsend, because, let's face it,the X-Trail is a big car and the more you can see of others on theroad, the better.

It helps, too, with parking, although the precision steering andsuperb visibility help with this most difficult task.

Back on board, and I found the X-Trail to be blessed with a goodamount of space, large enough in front to really space out and relax,and large enough in the back for three to sit in comfort. And withthree, three-point safety belts, add to comfort, safety.

Indeed, safety is a key concern for Nissan in this car, so a goodarray of airbags, roll bars and safety cages add to the feeling ofall-round security.

Further back from the seat, and you'll find a cavernous bootwhich, like in most of the cars in this class is entered through theback door. Unlike many cars in the class, however, the door is hingedon the top, so it opens like a conventional hatch rather than astandard side door. It's horses for courses, I suppose, but I ratherlike the standard door approach.

Inside the boot and there's room enough for almost anything youcare to choose to throw in there and, with all manner of cleverlittle netting devices, cubby holes and secret compartments you'reable to fasten things down and stop everything ratting around. Verysensible.

What wasn't sensible, however, was me and my four surfing friends.Think Jack Ass, add a few surf boards and you're just about there.But the X-Trail coped admirably with our antics confirming to me thatthis really is a car that can suit most tastes.

Perfect for the family driver, as good on the road as it is offit, great for the city poser and practical for just about anythingyou throw at it.

There are a couple of negatives, however. I didn't like thepositioning of the dials, perched in the centre of the car ratherthan in front of the driver. It did, I suppose, leave room for acouple of extra compartments, but I found it distracting to look tomy side to check whether or not I was breaking the speed limit.

And I didn't like the way people stared. I know, I know. I'm agreat looking guy and this is a great looking car, but come on girls,avert that gaze.

Price: GBP22,595 Top speed: 116mph Acceleration: 0-60mph in 9.9seconds Economy: 38mpg (test average) Insurance: Group 9 Verdict: Agreat car and a real jack of all trades. Comfortable, stylish andpractical. It is quite expensive, however, and it doesn't quite havethe cache of a freelander. Still, nice try Nissan. At least we canforget all about the Terrano!