Driving Nissan’s second-generation X-Trail SUV today – launched last December the latest Nissan X-Trail is a big step up, this fourth-generation model arrives with more power, more capability, more technology and better safety.

The new X-Trail is 27 percent torsionally stiffer, is shorter overall to the old model, but 20mm wider, 15 mm taller, and offers more rear legroom. Six models, two front drive, and four all-wheel drive, two of which are seven seaters, all powered by an uprated non-turbo 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving through a CVT or continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters.

And the choice of three drive modes via a rotating knob, Auto, Eco and Sport.  I drove the mid-spec ST-L 2WD five- seater at $43,190 which sits more expensive to the likes of Mazda’s CX-5 Maxx Sport and Toyota RAV GXL. For the money – dual zone air-con, synthetic leather trim,10-way power driver’s seat, 360-degree camera and a full suite of safety technology.

Five-star ANCAP safety rating and an uprated braked towing capacity to 2,000 kilos. Disappointments – the lack of seat height adjustment on the passenger seat and the need now for 95 premium unleaded petrol. This aside though this new X-Trail is now up there with the best in medium sized SUV’s

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