| Replacement Model Preview | First UK Details & Pricing | Nissan X-TRAIL |

First revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Nissan has finally provided details of the latest chapter of the award-winning X-TRAIL, with hopes of further improving on the 800,000 units already sold world-wide.

On sale in the UK on September 1st, and coming in three distinct grades (TREK, SPORT and AVENTURA), the new X-TRAIL echoes the robust styling of the old model, presumably so as not to alienate current customers. The new car looks set to compete head on with the stocky Land Rover Freelander.

As well as enlarging the overall shape, Nissan has rerouted the exhaust silencer to provide room for a double-deck storage system and sliding drawer under the boot floor, which offers 603 litres of space or up to 1,773 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The double-decked floor space and drawer can be removed too, allowing a deeper and wider volume than the original had. The rear floor is finished in easy-to-clean non-slip plastic improving practicality and answering calls from buyers who dislike hard-to-clean carpets.

Nissan has continued the chunkiness of the X-TRAIL's looks inside, which features air vents mounted on squared, silver-finished plastic that stands out from the rest of the dashboard, whilst the dash itself takes on an angular yet functional appearance. Nissan has also finished all the car's touch points in materials of better quality than its predecessor.

The cheapest powertrain offering at £18,795 (for the TREK model) is a 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine that develops 139bhp and 144lb.ft of twist. The unit itself develops 90 percent of its power at 2,400rpm with a Combined Cycle fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg. The 2.5-litre, 167bhp petrol offers more performance with maximum torque at 172lb.ft and is available on both the SPORT and AVENTURA models, giving 29.4mpg. It can also be partnered with Nissan's CVT auto 'box for an additional £1,200 over the standard manual transmission.

The new Nissan X-TRAIL shares the same 2.0-litre M1D diesel unit as the Qashqai, but offers two variants. The 148bhp version produces a respectable 39.8mpg (which is an improvement over the out-going 2.2-litre dCi engine), along with an increase in overall torque, now at 236lb.ft - 90 percent being available at only 1,750rpm. Nissan gives the option of a conventional automatic transmission with the motor, costing around £1,100 extra. The alternate diesel is a 171bhp unit available on SPORT and AVENTURA grades. Making use of an additional intercooler and capable of pulling 2,200kg, it develops 265lb.ft of torque with a 38.2mpg return on fuel.

Nissan has equipped the X-TRAIL with a multi-link rear suspension that incorporates a vibration-reducing sub-frame and makes use of the 'ALL-MODE 4x4' system that can employ two-wheel drive until more grip is required. Alternately for SPORT and AVENTURA models, 'ALL-MODE 4x4i' is fitted providing ESP, USS (an incline assist) and DDS (a hill descending assist).

TREK editions come complete with air conditioning, 16-inch alloys, an array of air bags, CD player and body coloured bumpers as standard. The SPORT features extras such as fog lamps, a panoramic sunroof and cruise control. The range-topping AVENTURA, for a further £2,000, includes a black or sand coloured leather interior, heated and electric-powered front seats, intelligent key and electric folding door mirrors.

Only time will tell as to whether the 'evolution' design approach has worked for Nissan. We'll be driving the new X-TRAIL in the coming months.

Kyle Molyneux - 16 Jul 2007