It offers more interior space than before, greater comfort and refinement, more equipment and, thanks to three new engine options, better performance, economy and reduced emissions, Nissan says.

New from the ground up, the latest X-Trail shares the same platform as the recently launched Nissan Qashqai. That means a strut-type suspension at the front with a multi-link system at the rear, both ends being mounted on separate rubber insulated sub-frames.

As a result, new model is a little than before: its wheelbase has increased by 5mm to 2,630mm, while overall length has risen by 175mm to 4,630mm. Much of this extra length can be found in the trunk area.

The approach and departure angles of 28 and 23 degrees respectively and a 200mm ground clearance enable the X-Trail to venture off the blacktop with more confidence, making it more of a credible sister model to bona fide off-roaders like the Patrol and Pathfinder.

At the heart of X-TRAIL's 4x4 capability is the latest 'intelligent' version of Nissan's ‘ALL MODE’ electronic all-wheel drive system. ALL MODE 4x4-i has a rotary knob on the centre console offering a choice between two-wheel drive or Auto mode. Lock operates at speeds of up to 40km/h and is automatically over-ridden each time the engine is re-started.

Among the other highlights of ALL MODE 4x4-i are DDS and USS, standing for Downhill Drive Support and Uphill Start Support. USS is a fully automatic system that activates on any slope that exceeds a 10% incline, holding the vehicle on the brakes until the driver starts to move away. The system also works if the vehicle is reversing up an incline.

DDS - operated via a switch on the centre console - operates when ALL MODE is in lock mode. DDS uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a descent speed of 7km/h. allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like USS, DDS also works when the vehicle is in reverse.

New X-TRAIL has a wider range of engines than its predecessor, with two petrol and two diesel options on offer. Only one powerplant - a 2.5-litre 16-valve 4-cylinder petrol unit - has been carried over, albeit with improvements, from the original model. The other three engines are all new. The turbodiesels are versions of the 2.0-litre M1D unit developed by Alliance partner Renault.

In X-TRAIL, power outputs are 110kW (150hp), which increases to 127kW (173hp) when the engine is intercooled. Torque outputs are 320Nm and 360Nm respectively, 90% of which is developed, in both cases, at a low 1,750rpm.

Standard on both versions is a 6-speed manual transmission, though the 110kW model is optionally available with a new 6-speed automatic. It's the first time a diesel X-Trail.

The new petrol engine, is a lightweight all-alloy 16 valve 2.0-litre producing 103kW (140hp) and 193Nm. Development was led by Nissan and it will be used within the Renault Nissan Alliance. Unusually for a petrol engine, much of the torque is developed low down the rev band – 90% is available from 2,400rpm.

Engineering is therefore much changed but the styling is familiar, as market research proved that the existing shape was well-liked.

Inside the most dramatic change is in load space. With the rear seat in place, the original vehicle had a VDA measurement of 410-litres up to the lower edge of the rear window: in the new X-TRAIL the equivalent figure is 603-litres.

This has been achieved by rerouting the exhaust silencer from its original transverse position under the boot floor to a north/south location alongside the rear wheel well. This has allowed the creation of an innovative double deck trunk, with space for a sliding drawer under the floor where valuable items can be stored away from prying eyes.

As before, the rear seat backrests recline through 7 degrees for maximum passenger comfort, and also fold flat to increase load space. But rather than a conventional 60/40 split fold, the new car has 40/20/40 folding system for flexibility.