AS the big brother to the ubiquitous Qashqai, the X-Trail is perhaps the complete all-rounder in Nissan's crossover stable.

It's been around for a long time, and has been pushed out of the limelight by the Qashqai and the Juke, but now Nissan has added a brilliant new engine to give the line-up a welcome boost.

The engine in question is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol, transplanted more or less straight from the Qashqai. With 161bhp and exceptionally smooth manners it should offer a dignified new option for SUV buyers.

Impressively silky and hushed, it’s been tuned to deliver its not inconsiderable torque gradually, which makes for a forgiving drive. It is super-smooth going up and down the gears in traffic, but on motorways and inclines you do need to drop gears and put your foot down.

From the front, the X-Trail is barely any different to the Qashqai. Spot one in your rear view mirror and you would struggle to differentiate between them.

The X-Trail feels like a premium product. There’s a huge amount of space for five thanks to a sliding middle row of seats that can open up limousine-style legroom behind a short-legged driver.

It can be hustled up a twisty road with much more abandon than you would expect.

This model is a healthy four-figure sum cheaper than the entry-level diesel. The diesel will be cheaper to tax, but whether the better fuel economy and reduced tax bill will make it the more sensible choice is down to each customer.

Parents with three, four or even five children will need to spend extra to get a seven-seat version, and for many higher specification Qashqai in a high will probably make more sense.

The X-Trail combines Nissan's acclaimed 4x4 heritage with fresh ideas and technologies, and is just as tough and accomplished as the previous generation model.

What this new one brings to the table is crossover style and efficiency, exceptional comfort and practicality.

It now has a sporty profile that includes bold new headlamps - available with LED as standard on high-grade models - and a distinctive LED signature strip that makes the car recognisable at night. Other details include a powered tailgate and a power-opening panoramic roof.

The X-Trail also showcases the latest-generation NissanConnect system that offers smartphone integration and a host of innovations including several in-built apps to enhance the connected driving experience.

Available in two and four-wheel-drive forms (petrol in two-wheel drive only) the dCi 130 unit features Nissan's latest-generation All MMode 4x4-i transmission.

A marked departure from its squared-off predecessor, the X-Trail showcases next generation SUV design introducing a smoother, more flowing look without compromising the vehicle's potential off-road abilities.

In terms of size, the X-Trail is 17mm longer (4,643mm) than the previous generation model, and has a 76mm longer wheelbase that helps deliver more space inside. The new model is also 30mm wider and 5mm lower than the previous car.

The main dashboard area combines advanced technology with an intelligent layout that allows the driver to concentrate on the road ahead. The split-level dashboard has been designed to be as clear and easy to navigate as possible, with the gently raised centre console housing both the infotainment system and the ventilation controls.

The cabin area features a host of high quality materials, including chrome, piano black and leather with contrast stitching. To further enhance comfort for occupants, Nissan examined every surface where the driver or passenger comes into contact with the car. As a result, the door armrest pads and centre console pad is eight times thicker than sector rivals offer. Other touches include a large between-the-seats storage box, big enough to take an iPad or 10-inch tablet.

The versatility pioneered in the previous model goes a step further in the current X-Trail thanks to a double load floor providing flexible storage options.

Designed to take the guesswork and stress out of finding and parking in a suitable parallel or car park bay, Nissan's acclaimed Around View Monitor makes even the trickiest of manoeuvres seem easy.

You might want to take a look at the new X-Trail.