BusinessCar Office Blog: 4 July 2008

Date: 04 July 2008

Five of us were due to travel down on the Wednesday, transporting - in total - four tents, five rucksacks, a trolley, five chairs, a flag and various other camping detritus.

When all the equipment was laid out on the pavement, I was slightly concerned at its sheer volume. But, I needn't have worried, as the 603-litre boot and its underfloor storage swallowed the lot.

Five revellers in high spirits have few requirements of a vehicle once it has proved it can carry all of their stuff. Comfort and music are about it, and the X-trail provided both of these. Despite the car being loaded to the gunwales, the stereo was definitely clear enough for the occasional singsong.

In terms of comfort, we were well catered for: the seats were luxurious (but I'm not sure cream was the best colour for them given the X-trail's task); and, little touches such as cooled bottle holders ensured we arrived refreshed and comfortable.

It would be unfair for me alone to comment, so I shall pass the mic over to my passengers:

"The satnav appeared on the ball when you altered your route," said Lee Butler, the front seat passenger. "It was pretty comfy, although I feel that a car of its size should have been more so." Presumably, Lee is more used to being carried in a sedan chair.

"Finally, I liked the delicious looking titanium-effect strips alongside the centre console and the ability to soak passengers with the windscreen washer when the sunroof is open!"

Tom Sawyer, stuck in the rear middle seat despite being a six-footer, said: "I would say it was nice - as you can see I'm not an expert on writing about cars! It was a tad uncomfortable in the middle, though - how was it fair that I had to sit in the middle both ways?!"

Our two female passengers - Amy and Emily - have yet to comment. However, they spent most of the journey asleep - surely a compliment in itself.

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