THE X-Trail is number one for Nissan. A highly capable five or seven-seat beefy crossover aimed at adventure-loving families, it’s the brand’s best-selling vehicle worldwide.

Big brother to the company’s Qashqai, it is perhaps the complete all-rounder in Nissan’s crossover stable. It’s been around for a long time, and has been pushed out of the limelight by the Qashqai and the Juke, but now Nissan has given the line-up a welcome boost.

The star engine remains a 2-0litre diesel unit that brings 177PS to the party.

From the front, the X-Trail is barely any different to the Qashqai. Spot one in your rear view mirror and you would struggle to differentiate between them. The X-Trail feels like a premium product, with a huge amount of space for five thanks to a sliding middle row of seats that can open up limousine-style legroom.

It can also be hustled up a twisty road with much more abandon than you would expect.

Parents with three, four or five children will need to spend extra to get a seven-seat version, but for many the five-seat will suffice.

The X-Trail combines Nissan’s acclaimed 4x4 heritage with fresh ideas and technologies, and is just as tough and accomplished as the previous generation model. What this new one brings to the table is better style and efficiency, exceptional comfort and improved practicality.

It now has a sporty profile that includes bold new headlamps - available with LED as standard on high grade models, a powered tailgate and panoramic roof.

Also showcasing the latest-generation NissanConnect system, it offers smartphone integration and several in-built apps.

Available in two and four-wheeldrive forms (petrol in two-wheel drive only) the dCi 130 unit features Nissan’s latest-generation All Mode 4x4-i transmission.

A marked departure from its squared-off predecessor, the new X-Trail has a smoother, more flowing look without compromising the vehicle’s potential off-road abilities. In terms of size, the X-Trail is 17mm longer (4,643mm) than the previous generation model, and has a 76mm longer wheelbase that helps deliver more space inside. The new model is also 30mm wider and 5mm lower than the previous car.

The cabin area features a host of high quality materials, including chrome, piano black and leather with contrast stitching. Other touches include a large between-the-seats storage box, big enough to take an iPad or 10-inch tablet, and double load floor providing flexible storage options.

Entering the car, the striking new D-shaped steering wheel is the first thing drivers will notice. Heated seats for both front and rear occupants (not third row) are new, and standard on Tekna grade

Designed to take the guesswork and stress out of finding and parking in a suitable parallel or car park bay, Nissan’s acclaimed Around View Monitor makes even the trickiest of manoeuvres seem easy.

Every new Nissan X-Trail comes with driver assistance systems including stability control. Other standard equipment includes cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity, manual air-conditioning, electric folding and heated door mirrors and alloy wheels.

For dog owners, there’s now a Paw Pack which comprises of a dog guard, ramp, dog bed, non-spill water bowl, boot liner and accessory tidy.

The X-Trail continues to be powered by a range of three efficient engines, including the 2.0-litre 177PS diesel launched last year. It means customers have the choice of petrol or high and low-powered diesel, six-speed manual or XTronic automatic transmissions, and two or four-wheel drive.