What's the news?

Nissan is following Ford's lead with the Kuga and is turning its next-generation X-Trail into a world car, albeit with two names. In Europe, we'll continue to have the X-Trail badge while in the US they'll get the rather more appealing Rogue name. In fact, the new X-Trail will be built in nine different factories around the world and is a key cornerstone of Nissan's current expansion plans.

Exterior

It looks a lot like a mini-Murano, doesn't it? This third generation X-Trail ditches the blocky, upright look of both of its predecessors in favour of something far more slick and sleek. High grade models get standard LED headlights and 19-inch alloys, making the X-Trail look ever more impressive.

Interior

Inside, Nissan has tried to make the X-Trail's cabin feel much more premium, so there's more soft-touch plastic than before, as well as plenty of aluminium trim and piano black panels. It's still a practical thing though; the doors open wide (80 degrees according Nissan) to make it easier to get in and out while the centre console box is big enough to hold an iPad.

Mechanicals

The X-Trail will get Nissan's Nissan Shield system, which ties in a number of electronic safety aids to try and make it as crash proof as possible. It'll also get Nissan's new Connect system that mates a big colour touch screen to a satnav system and an infotainment setup with downloadable apps.

Underneath, the electronically-controlled four-wheel drive can be switched between 2WD, automatic or locked modes depending on what kind of terrain you're crossing.

Nissan has also designed the X-Trail with four electronic systems that are supposed to make life more comfortable and even safer: two are world firsts and a third is currently found on the Infiniti M.

The two world firsts are Active Ride Control and Active Engine Brake. The former monitors the road surface to detect undulations that could potentially upset the pitch of the car body and alters the damping to compensate. Active Engine Brake, meanwhile, harnesses the power and controllability of the Xtronic transmission to add a degree of engine braking while cornering or when decelerating to a standstill. The benefits are greater braking control and enhanced feel with less pedal effort.

The third system, pioneered in the premium segment, is Active Trace Control. By using on board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle opening and braking effort, Active Trace Control brakes wheels individually, as required, to reduce understeer and help the driver steer a safer path through bends: it is particularly effective on slippery, wet roads.

Finally, the new X-Trail benefits from Uphill Start Support and Advance Hill Descent Control.

Anything else?

Nissan isn't talking specifics on the engine front yet, but it is pointing out that a great deal of attention has been paid to the car's aerodynamics so you can safely expect improvements in performance, economy and emissions, which could push the X-Trail - somewhat side-lined by its smaller Qashqai and Juke brothers lately - back on to buyers' radar.