THE X-Trail has always been a fine car to drive and the latest version enhances that track record.
Nissan's SUV hides the fact that it's a big bulky automobile behind a facade of excellent road manners that give a saloon-like drive.
It was one of the first of the so-called 'soft-roaders' offering a decent level of off-road capability but set up primarily for tarmac.
The handling is composed while life in the cabin for driver and passengers is nothing short of comfortable and relaxing.
The suspension absorbs virtually everything the nation's roads can throw at it, while cornering is anything but onerous thanks to the decent levels of grip on offer.
The steering is well weighted giving the driver a good feel for what is happening on the road.
Yes, with a 0-62mph time of 11.2 seconds it's about as fast as a two-legged cheetah, but for cruising up and down the nation's motorways with a family and a truck load of luggage there's few better than the X-Trail.
Four adults can easily be accommodated within its generous dimensions - although a fifth sitting in the centre of the rear seat will have feet either side of a raised floor section.
The boot is very clever though, with two underfloor areas providing handy cubby holes for all sorts of family nick-nacks.
The rear seat also collapses into the floor when needed, creating a huge boot space for particularly awkward items.
The two litre diesel engine is a frugal beast given it powers a car this size, allowing this X-Trail to boast an average fuel economy figure of just under 40mpg.
There's also plenty of low down pulling power making towing relatively easy while the six-speed manual gearbox is neat and accurate.
It is also incredibly quiet helping to make the X-Trail very refined.
Looked at from the outside the X-Trail appears ready for anything - you may be pulling into a supermarket car park but this Nissan 4x4 looks like it should be pulling out for a Polar expedition.
Not that it's a world-beater off-road - but its four-wheel drive system copes pretty easily with wet muddy fields or dirt tracks.
The eXpedition trim also adds uphill start support which basically stops you rolling backwards and downhill drive support for difficult descents.
There's a decent level of equipment included which is just as well as at just over £23,000 the X-Trail isn't cheap to buy although with a bit of haggling and a fair wind a discount should be obtained and the model is expected to holds its value reasonably well for an SUV.
Goodies include 17-inch alloy wheels; front fog lamps; cruise control; panoramic sunroof; privacy glass; leather steering wheel; six-CD autochanger with six speakers; automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers; heated door mirrors; climate control air conditioning, and power windows all round.
There's also a trip computer while safety is covered by driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags.
The X-Trail is a serious competitor in a tough SUV marketplace and will continue to hoover up a decent number of customers.
FAST FACTS
Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi Sport eXpedition 5dr
Price: £23,195
Mechanical: 148bhp, 1,995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 11.2 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 190g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust