City slicker and bundu-basher

OK, sometimes the terrain is rugged enough to lift a wheel - but the X-Trail still negotiated this.

The new seven-models in the X-Trail range are 90kg lighter, longer and wider to provide more legroom and are equipped with flexible seating to create more luggage space when required.

To improve its bushwhacking abilities the Nissan white coats raised its ground clearance and also stuck in a multi-link suspension set-up to make sure the wheels remain in contact with the ground over rough terrain.

Spoilt for choice

We spent some time in the flagship 1.6 dCi LE six-speed manual transmission version blessed with an "all-mode" gear selector system which can be dialled into three different modes - 2WD front wheel drive; AUTO, which sends power to the front or back, depending on where it is needed most, and LOCK, which splits the power between front and rear on a 50:50 basis.

Other assistance systems also on tap to ease the journey over rough terrain include hill descent control, hill start assist, and an electronic limited slip diff.

Steep enough?

To balance the scale between the X-Trail's bush muscle and its city slicker appeal, the living quarters have also undergone a stylish make-over and now boasts liberal black and chrome trim, attractive dials- and-gauges clusters and, on the fancier models, a full-colour seven-inch touch screen display. The seats also feel a tad more comfortable and the driving position is more flexible.

Excellent ride quality - but where's the park assist?

But what we found the most impressive about the upgraded small SUV is its excellent ride quality. The cabin is well insulated to the point where it probably is best in class. The steering is light and in spite of its size the wagon is easy to park (having said that, a vehicle of this stature should really have park assist as a standard feature).

But this is where you are probably most likely to see the X-Trail.

Unfortunately, circumstances dictated that we did not have the opportunity to get dust or mud on its shiny bodywork but all reports indicate that it is at least as capable in the bush as the model it replaces.

There are a variety of engine sizes, transmissions (including CVT auto transmission) power, and drive models from which to choose. Our test vehicle was armed with a new to the range 1.6 turbo-diesel that produces 96kW and 320Nm.

Prices range from R334,100 to R473,600 (for our test vehicle) and include six-year/150,000km warranty and a five-year/90,000km service plan.

2015 Nissan X Trail Test Drive

Nissan X-Trail review

2015 Nissan X-Trail Malaysia Review