By CHRIS RILEY

IN the process of researching this story I came across a review by one of my esteemed colleagues.

Not once did he mention the fact that Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander are one in the same car, sharing a platform and drivetrains.

That makes Outlander, the X-Trail's most direct competitor, or so I would have thought.

Of course, they don't look the same and there are plenty of other differences, but you wouldn't buy one without checking out the other first.

Then again, the latest X-Trail is probably the pick of the mid-sized SUVs at the moment -- and that's a pretty big call.

STYLING

The styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary and it is clearly recognisable as an X-Trail, but looks more sophisticated.

Inside, it is a very different story where the car has undergone a complete makeover and looks nothing like the previous model.

It feels bigger inside, although slightly shorter than before (4680mm) with the same 2705mm wheelbase.

At the same time, it's 20mm wider and stands 15mm taller, and somehow, they've managed to find more rear legroom, with rear doors that open wider for easier access.

While they call it a 4WD, it's really all-wheel drive, in the sense that it doesn't have a transfer case or low range gearing like a Patrol.

Special attention has been paid to ergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.

Research has shown a preference for easy-to-use core functions, so X-Trail features simple, intuitive heating/air-conditioning controls, as well as buttons that govern the central screen functions, such as audio and navigation.

It rides on 17-inch alloys, with LED head and tail lights, along with auto high beam and dusk-sensing activation plus auto fold, heated exterior mirrors, push-button start, an electric parking brake and rear parking sensors.

By the time you reach the Ti-L (subject of our test), there's larger 19-inch wheels, tan or black quilted Nappa leather, three-zone climate air, a heated steering wheel, intelligent rear-view mirror, matrix 12-element adaptive headlights and a power tailgate with hands free opening.

X-Trail is covered by a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty along with roadside assistance during this period.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Fourth generation X-Trail offers a revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque – 9kW and 18Nm more than before.

This will be joined shortly by e-Power hybrid versions, based on a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, but with more power and torque, available with ST-L, Ti and Ti-L grades.

Available in two- and all-wheel drive configuration, all models are fitted with an Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) along with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and shift-by-wire technology.

SAFETY

X-Trail scores a full five stars for safety.

Dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard, along with a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are also standard.

DRIVING

The seats are generous, supportive with a Euro feel reminiscent of a Pug.

Key aerodynamic features include "3D" tyre deflectors in the lower front fascia and an active grille to control air flow to the engine compartment.

Specially shaped A-pillars and underbody covers manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique "air curtain" directs air from the front to the sides of the vehicle.

In the load area, a clever false floor composed of two panels can be lifted and fixed vertically to separate the load area into two sections.

There's also under-floor storage for smaller items and room for a space saver spare.

A central console-mounted rotary selector offers five drive modes: Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sports.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.8L/100km for the Ti-L.

It takes standard unleaded and we were getting 8.9 from the 55-litre tank after close to 400km.

The previous X-Trail offered perky if ultimately uninspiring performance.

Like its predecessor, the 'all-new' model is a bit of a mixed bag in this department.

Although the numbers are slightly larger, the naturally aspirated engine lacks torque down low where it is needed and has to be pushed hard to get it going.

This brings on the awful zoominess that we've come to associate with CVTs, together with higher fuel consumption.

Off the boil and cruising the open road performance is relaxed, smooth and relatively effortless.

In this context, demanding drivers will most likely find the way the car performs more than acceptable – and really, that's all that matters.

On the plus side, the ride quality is much improved, with little road noise penetrating the cabin.

You've gotta like that.

Large, bright, impressive digital displays for the driver and infotainment help the car standout too, with separate controls for most used features.

Of special note, the 10.8-inch head-up display in our Ti-L is one of the few, if not the only example we have ever encountered that is visible through polarised sunglasses.

Yay, team!

SUMMING UP

I still remember driving the first-generation X-Trail.

It was surprisingly good off road and a dream to drive compared to the big, clumsy 4x4s that ruled the roost back in the day.

X-Trail was late to the compact SUV party but it was well worth the wait.

I really liked the previous model I drove not so long ago, but this one is so much better it doesn't bear comparison.

Good work, Nissan!

RATINGS:

Looks: 7.5/10

Performance: 7/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7.5/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Overall: 7.6/10

AT A GLANCE

MODEL LINE-UP

X-Trail ST 2WD $36,750

X-Trail ST AWD 7 seat $37,790

X-Trail ST-L 2WD $43,190

X-Trail ST-L AWD 7 seat $46,290

X-Trail Ti AWD $49,990

X-Trail Ti AWD ePower hybrid $54,190

X-Trail Ti-L AWD $52,990

X-Trail Ti-L AWD ePower hybrid $57,190

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your

local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan X-Trail TI-L AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, CVT automatic, AWD SUV)

ENGINE:

Capacity: 2.5 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders in line

Maximum Power: 135 kW @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 244 Nm @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.8 L/100km

Emissions CO2: 183 g/km

DRIVELINE: CVT automatic, all-wheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4680 mm

Wheelbase: 2705 mm

Width: 1840 mm

Height: 1725 mm

Turning Circle: 11.1 metres

Kerb Mass: 1672 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Five years / unlimited kilometres