There are few things in life I can recommend unreservedly, but one is a second-hand Nissan X-Trail.

Introduced to the UK in October 2001 the X-Trail could easily have been just another 4x4 entering a crowded marketplace.

But in an age when new cars are often more about hype than substance the Nissan X-Trail delivers just what it says on the tin: proper off-road ability, bags of space, practical design and more driving fun than anyone would expect from a vehicle with an entry-level price of just over £16,500.

At launch the X-Trail was powered by either a 2.2 litre 112bhp turbo diesel or a 138bhp 2 litre petrol engine. Despite its modest power the diesel never feels slow, and when the turbo kicks in you’d be forgiven for thinking the unit was nearer three litres than two. Equally well endowed is the petrol engine. You’ll lose some of the diesel’s economy (expect 8-10mpg less) but it accelerates more briskly and will tow just as happily.

A more powerful 2.5 litre 165bhp petrol engine became available in December 2002 and a 136bhp diesel was introduced a year later. But while the 136bhp diesel is perhaps the most desirable engine in the range, there are no duffers in the line.

In a hotly competitive sector of the market Nissan hoped the X-Trail would win sales by offering a generous list of standard equipment. Base S models enjoy front airbags, antilock brakes, front and rear electric windows and a huge electric “skyroof”. Pay about £800 extra for

a used Sport version and you gain alloy wheels, electronic climate control, side airbags and a keyless entry system that also operates a sophisticated alarm and single-disc CD player.

Top of the range is the SE+, adding leather seats, leather steering wheel, power-fold door mirrors and a CD stacker. Costing about £2,000 more than the Sport when new, the SE+ retains much of that premium second-hand and you can expect to pay about £1,500 more for one.

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While most second-hand X-Trails will have enjoyed the usual life of school runs, supermarket visits and family outings, there are exceptions. The X-Trail’s off-road ability, reputation for reliability and good towing characteristics make it an ideal workhorse, so don’t be complacent when checking over second-hand examples.

Take a good look underneath for damage caused by off-road use and avoid models that have a towbar fitted since this can indicate a hard life: you don’t want an X-Trail that has been in salt water every weekend launching a jet ski. And don’t buy without a complete service record to validate the mileage as interiors are hard-wearing, making clocked cars potentially difficult to spot.

With second-hand X-Trails in strong demand you are also unlikely to find many bargains. But I never said that a Nissan X-Trail was the cheapest 4x4 you could buy, just one of the best.

Sunroof
Large electrically operated skyroof a great standard feature

Stereo
Fiddly buttons and gaudy design make it an idea to replace it with a better unit

Diesel engine
Check later 136bhp cars for smoking turbo, a handful have been reported

Timing chain
Check for rattles on 2.2 litre models

Front wings
Made of a plastic composite, they flex rather than dent or crumple in minor scrapes

Facelift
December 2003 saw changes to the bumpers and front grille, uprated engines, revised dashboard and the addition of audio controls to the steering wheel

Boot space
Large boot and completely flat load area when rear seats are folded

Rear seats
Easily reclined for improved rear comfort

Insurance
Reasonably low group 9 for diesel and 10 for petrol

Climate control
Standard on all but base S model

Four-wheel drive
Simple dash-mounted switch transforms X-Trail from 2WD to 4WD

Drinks chiller
Dash-mounted drinks chiller either side of the stereo

Sat nav
3D bird's eye satellite navigation was a £1,500 option and few new buyers chose it

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Nissan X-Trail 2.2Di Sport
Engine Four-cylinder, 2184cc
Power 112bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 39.2mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 13.7sec
Top speed 103mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Nissan X-Trail 2.2Di Sport 2001 51-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £13,295 from a main dealer with 12 months’ warranty or £12,295 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

2001 Y-reg Toyota RAV4 2.0D-4D VX
2002 02-reg Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2.5TD
2002 02-reg Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC SE
2003 03-reg Land Rover Freelander 2.0 Td4
2004 54-reg Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD

VALUES: Nissan X-Trail 2.2Di Sport