X marks the spot for Nissan SUV

PRETEND SUV Crossover models are all very well, but they’re often not much use if you want more than a modicum of all-wheel driveability and there’s a need to do things like towing.

For such times, you’ll probably be better off with a proper compact 4x4 that can deliver on the road and off it and in the search for such a thing, the revised Nissan X-TRAIL isn’t a bad place to start.

None of the changes that have created this facelifted second generation model have been targeted at improving its handling, so as before, the balance it offers is aimed more at comfort than dynamic response – almost certainly what potential family buyers are going to want.

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To put it another way, a RAV4 or a CR-V might feel sportier to drive but this Nissan is a better bet for bumpy urban use or over longer trips.

And it’s over these kinds of journeys that you appreciate the very flexible nature of this 173PS 2.0 dCi diesel engine, pulling happily as it does away from idle and really getting into its stride from about 1,500rpm for easy and relaxed overtaking, rest to sixty occupying 10s on the way to a top speed of 124mph.

Opt for the 150PS version mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the figures fall to 12.5s and 118mph. This 173PS powerplant offers a potent 360Nm of torque, which is why this car is rated to tow a trailer up to 2,200kgs.

As for the drive layout, well there are no 2WD models these days, pretend SUV motoring having been left to Qashqai customers. So every facelifted MK2 X-TRAIL gets Nissan’s All-Mode 4x4-i intelligent four-wheel-drive set-up that reduces understeer and gives some real capability in the rough.

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A relatively low ride height will ultimately prevent you from taking on anything too arduous, Hill descent control, a hill holder clutch function to help you up steep slopes, ESP stability control and individually braked wheels acting out the role of axle diffs all mean that few of the adventures you can take on with this car will be beyond you.

For the record, the most recent improvements amount to a redesigned front grille, flanked by smarter headlamps and flowing down into a revised bumper assembly, the bottom part of which is angled outwards to try and visually widen the car.

The profile of the car is slightly more purposeful too, thanks to larger wheels, while at the back, you’ll find a set of revised LED tail lamps.

But of course, very few of this model’s potential buyers will want this car to venture off the beaten track. They may need it to tow and they’ll certainly want it to be able to handle icy mornings and snowy snaps in its stride.

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It now feels like a £25,000-£30,000 car, with running costs that are at last on the right side of affordable.

Which means that if you like Nissan’s idea of SUV living and Crossover motoring doesn’t appeal, then X could very well mark the spot.

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