After years of the old, butch, squared-off Nissan X-Trail, it’s still something of a surprise to spot the firm’s cuddly replacement model — rounder, more “friendly” but not so characterful.
Now offered with a 1,618cc petrol engine or 1,598 turbodiesel, it tends to live in the shadow of its hugely popular smaller sibling, the Qashqai (with which it shares its platform), but has much to offer, not least the option of seven seats and four-wheel-drive.
This versatile family car also has light steering, which is good around town, and a comfortably refined ride, even if it does lean in faster bends on open roads.
The manual gearbox (a CVT auto is an option) is light, although the diesel engine sounds gruff under acceleration.
The cabin feels reasonably classy and there is lots of space for adults in the middle row, not so in the third row (a £900 option on some models) which is tight, although with the seats down, the boot is capacious. Seating up front is comfortable, with a good range of adjustment — although, if you don’t specify the adjustable lumbar cushion, it lacks sufficient lower-back support.
I found that minor controls — ceiling light and central locking buttons — were insufficiently illuminated at night and the sat-nav worked only intermittently, proving unable to detect the vehicle’s precise position.
All versions are well-equipped and light and airy inside, offering clear views out.
If you opt for a four-wheel-drive model, this all-rounder is still willing to get its “boots” dirty, tackling mud and ruts and, of course, towing.
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