The current generation Nissan X-Trail was launched just over a year ago and sits atop the brand’s SUV range which includes the all-conquering Qashqai and unmistakeable Juke.

It’s built on the jointly developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Family Module (CMF) platform which it also shares, albeit in a larger guise, with the Qashqai.

Despite being bigger than the car it replaces – just 17mm longer thanks to shorter overhangs but a generous 76mm between the axles – greater use of high tensile steel in the platform has helped reduce the weight by a commendable 90kg.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel. It’s an unusual choice, with most manufacturers opting for something around the 2.0-litre capacity which, incidentally, was the unit of choice in the previous model. The new engine produces the same amount of torque, 320Nm, but is considerably leaner and cleaner.

The styling is not too far detached from its smaller brother, the Qashqai, and some elements, such as the light clusters, go a long way to suggesting a shared parentage. The X-Trail does, however, have a boxier, more utilitarian look more typical of a genuine off-roader. Certainly the build quality suggests that the Nissan should be more than capable of soaking up a few knocks.

However, as Nissan have opted not to make four-wheel drive standard across the range choosing, instead, to sacrifice the extra traction and off-road ability in exchange for the reduced emissions and improved fuel economy that two-wheel drive - in this case the fronts - can provide the X-Trail may be suited for the rough stuff but not necessarily booted.

Even so, given that only a very small minority of drivers will ever venture off-road a front-wheel drive X-Trail makes perfect sense and will help the big SUV appeal to a broader, more cost-conscience, audience.

The interior manages to avoid being overly sombre thanks to the addition of a few glossy inserts in the doors and glovebox, as well as the centre console surround. All the panels feel robust and all the switches and dials have a nice, solid feel to them while hard plastics are kept to a minimum in what is a comfortable and well-thought out passenger space.

Attention to detail is impressive, with special mention to the cup holders which are equipped with their own vents to keep your drinks hot or cold.

The basic audio system, with Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming, USB and aux inputs, proved more than adequate and my phone connected with the minimum of fuss. Audio quality was pretty good, too, despite having to make do with just four speakers.

There’s no infotainment system and, consequently, no sat nav in the basic Visia model but it does come with cruise control and speed limiter, full-length panoramic roof with sunroof and a useful 5-inch full colour multi-function display mounted between the dials on the instrument binnacle.

The high driving position offers a commanding view of the road, as you’d expect, and the seats are generous and supportive, and it’s easy to get yourself comfortable, particularly with the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is good, although the thick c-pillars are a bit of a blind spot in what is, let’s face it, quite a big car however, it’s safe to say that I didn’t find it too much of a hindrance to manoeuvring helped, in no small part, by the parking sensors.

The sliding rear seats provide plenty of flexibility and, in their rearmost position at least, plenty of legroom. I did, however, find the seat backs to be a little too upright and the seat cushions a bit on the short side which might make extended use a tad uncomfortable.

The third row of seats, which fold flat into the boot floor are, like those of many other seven-seaters, really only suitable for occasional use but they're simple enough to pop into position.

Any concerns that you might have about performance quickly disappear because the 1.6-litre diesel has more than enough grunt to lug what is, after all, a sizeable piece of hardware. It’s more or less on a par with its rivals out of the blocks but refinement could be better with the diesel clatter infiltrating the cabin quite significantly under hard acceleration, although it does settle down at cruising speeds.

Drive carefully, however, and the rewards are great, particularly with a following wind. I managed a quite ridiculous 98mpg on a short drive down the A251 to Faversham. As I said, with a following wind...

The clutch is nice and light and the gear box has a slick, accurate throw despite its slight notchiness while the brakes do a commendable job of bringing the big SUV to a stop.

Despite the occasional lack of refinement the balanced ride and competent chassis provides good cabin comfort and the springs do a good job of isolating the occupants from surface imperfections. Body roll is ably controlled which, coupled with nicely weighted electro-mechanical steering ensures that, should your schedule require it, you can press on with some confidence. The only obstacle to even more rapid progress is a lack of feedback to your fingertips but there is also an absence of nasty surprises in the form of kickback, something that is not uncommon among some its rivals.

Spacious, flexible and, at times, surprisingly effortless to drive, the X-Trail is typical of the new breed of big SUVs. There’s less emphasis on towing capacity or off-road ability and greater focus on efficiency and comfort. On those two markers, it’s hard to fault Nissan’s effort. Yes, refinement could be better and a more pliable diesel option wouldn’t go amiss but while there are one or two reasons not to buy an X Trail, there are many, many more why you should.

Nissan X-Trail Visia

£22,995OTR Price:

£23,545As tested:

1.6-litre 4-cylinder dieselEngine:

6-speed manualTransmission:

130psPower:

320Nm @ 1,750rpmTorque:

10.5secAcceleration (0-62mph):

117mphMaximum speed:

49.6mpgUrban:

62.8mpgExtra urban:

57.6mpgCombined:

129g/kmEmissions (CO2):

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