Driving Nissan’s X-Trail today – the second best-selling medium SUV, the fourth- generation X-Trail comes in four grades, and depending on grade, in two or four- wheel-drive with the choice of five or seven seats. Three additional grades now come in what Nissan calls e-Power, a hybrid configuration with 1.5-litre three- cylinder petrol engine generating power to an electric motor on each axle – I’ll be talking about this hybrid in coming weeks. Today, I’m driving the top grade 2.5- litre pure petrol X-Trail Ti-L at $57,900 drive-away with CVT automatic and manual paddle shifters. The first thing you notice with this top spec Nissan X-Trail is the attention to detail and the fit and finish – tastefully executed it makes up for the higher pricing on this flagship featuring quilted Nappa leather seat trim, built in rear door shades, power tailgate with hands free opening, 10-way power front seats, a head up instrument display, wireless phone charging, 10-speaker Bose sound system, 19-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof. Boot space best in class while second row passengers get their own air-con controls. Internally two wide screens and intuitive controls, thankfully, with buttons for screen functions including audio and navigation. There’s much to like on this latest Nissan X-trail – drive details next.

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