You'd be forgiven for thinking that the all-new X-Trail is just an upgrade. Nissan decided to keep the original car's silhouette intact as it was a popular and distinct design. So the changes on the new car are subtle and only visible to the keen eye. The biggest change is under the bonnet though. There is an all-new 150bhp common-rail diesel motor on offer. It will impress you with its smooth, refined nature and is reasonably potent. A slick six-speed gearbox should allow brisk progress too. Good on tarmac and good off it too. That's the line that Nissan engineers have followed with the X-Trail.



The tall stance, high ground clearance and high-set seats should make it a more dominant off-roader than the Honda CR-V. You get features like differential locks, hill descent control and an auto mode to select four-wheel drive. These are features which its rivals do not even offer as options. The biggest change in the interiors is the shifting of the gauges back to their original location in front of the driver. There is plenty of space for the passengers in front, but you'd wish you got more space in the rear. Unlike rival Chevrolet Captiva, the X-Trail doesn't offer seven seats. This X -Trail really is a fine all-rounder. It promises to be better finished and better equipped and is well worthy of recommendation.