I am presently running a 2003 Xtrail and a 2006 Corolla Verso.

What is it you want an opinion on? You don't need me to tell you how big the boot is.

Both are diesels, the Corolla is the 177 hp version with 5 seats.

I will be changing the Xtrail in September but not for another one, although I'm pretty satisfied. I'm going to get a RAV4.

Why? I've had a couple of minor quality issues which the dealer at little expense could have fixed and kept me happy (after all, it was my 3rd Nissan in a row). The importer wasn't interested and advised me to take it up with the delaer.

There are 2 major reasons: the present model has been lengthened compared to mine and the boot is enormous (especially if you remove the floor) but I just don't need an enormous boot any more. I want a diesel automatic, but the autobox doesn't shift into 6th until 120 km/h. That's over 70, so if you stay within the limits in Britain, you'll never see 6th. If you use manual mode and force it into 6th at 100 km/h, as soon as you go back to auto mode (which is probably why you paid 1400 euros extra) it shifts down into 5th again. It would seriously irritate me going everywhere (I very rarely use motorways) in 5th using more fuel than necessary.

The Corolla has had a series of engine management/anti pollution system faults - it limped home on 5 occasions. The problems were dealt with efficiently with support from the importer, so I'm prepared to belive that I was just very unlucky. A search on the Net doesn't show any recurrent , well-known shortcomings.

If a Zafira isn't roomy enough, and your budget will run to it, add the Ford S-Max to your shortlist. Likely to be more fun to drive than some other MPVs.

Edited by Avant on 22/05/2010 at 23:54

The new xtrail from 2007 on, has a huge boot if you remove the raised shelf, which i find pointless and heavy around 25kg at a guess.

The rear seat seats 3, and would be ideal for kids, but not adults as the rear seats are raised, so headroom is poor for adults, and the rear doors are small.

Try and get one with satnav, this will give you the rearview camera, as rear view is compromised, as is the new CRV, the boot in the CRV is smaller, but compares well with the MK1 xtrail.

I can recommend the 171bhp version.