DESPITE Nissan's classy X-Trail having a makeover and being new to these shores, it was like being reunited with an old friend.
Earlier this year I drove this new SUV in Greece so the comparison to driving it on British roads was intriguing.
Described by some as a 'soft roader' my earlier experience was that it would have to be a mighty good opposition off-roader to top the Nissan's performance on the rough stuff.
Nissan bosses are so confident of its performance they say it could comfortably take on the excellent Land Rover Freelander for off-road capability.
But it was on-road that it was put through its paces this time and it proved better than the first time round.
It's not perfect, rear seat head and legroom could be better and although cheaper than main competitior the Freelander, it will still set you back a fair chunk. Despite the more sparsely equipped two-litre Trek coming in at a highly-respectable £18,795, the range-topper tested would set you back a hefty £26,720
Nissan took the 'if it ain't broke, don't mend it' philosophy a long way with this uprated model.
Their market research suggested that customers were happy with the original boxy shape, so although the new model could almost be mistaken for the old, there are many significant improvements. The company has changed nearly every panel, offering new engines including for the first time a diesel mated to a six-speed auto box and many other cosmetic changes.
The engine range includes two new two-litre diesels, a new two-litre petrol and an upgraded 2.5-litre unit.
It is longer, taller and wider than its predecessor and the exhaust layout has been changed to accommodate more boot space.
The 150bhp diesel is the first Nissan 4x4 to offer the option of a six speed automatic gearbox while the more powerful 173bhp currently only offers a manual box.
Both the 140bhp and 175bhp petrol variants offer both manual and CVT auto transmissions.
The ride is excellent for a car of this type with road and wind noise kept to a minimum, but diesel clatter is evident on tickover.
Driving position is commanding and legroom is good for front occupants. But rear passengers of just average height suffer from lack of headroom, particularly with optional panoramic sunroof installed, and legroom is tight unless front occupants keep their seats well forward.
The boot area offers a split, false floor and sliding drawer. Remove this and a cavernous 603 litres of space is available, an increase of 50 per cent. Fold the rear seats and this increases to 1,649 litres and with all seats folded and the double floor in place this extends to a class-leading 1,773 litres. A lower sill and deeper tailgate mean access to the rear is also improved, allowing easy access for puschairs, shopping, diving equipment, the kitchen sink, you name it.
Build quality is excellent and the dash layout has been changed to give it a more modern appearance. Controls are handily and logically placed and the car feels sturdy and well made.
Standard kit is impressive, even at entry level with electric windows, door mirrors, air con, bluetooth and a decent sound system, plus and impressive raft of safety gear.
This standard gear is now particularly important as more buyers are migrating from big family saloons to cars like the X-TRAIL, but are demanding the same levels of equipment.
It certainly offers plenty on the rough stuff thanks to the electronic ALL MODE 4x4-i intelligent drive system which works in conjunction with traction, stability and braking programmes and sends power to the wheels that have grip.
This allows the driver, to choose between front-wheel two-wheel drive or fully automatic four-wheel drive, which is regarded as the default mode. The third 'LOCK' setting, splits the drive 50-50 to tackle the off road rough stuff.
Other features include Downhill Drive Support (DDS) when manoeuvering either forward and backwards. The driver can take their foot off the pedals and the intelligent system contols the rate of the descent to just 5mph.
FAST FACTS
Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 dCi 150 Aventura Explorer auto
Price: £26,295
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 12.5 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group:13
CO2 emissions: 216g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust