Driving Nissan’s X-Trail SUV – the Japanese car maker’s best seller, in fact it represents 31 per cent of Nissan’s sales – a popular medium sized SUV in 11 models in a mixture of 2 and 4WD and in hybrid power. Nissan has now added a mid-spec model between the ST-L and Ti grades called the N-Trek – 2.5-litre four- cylinder with CVT transmission, $47,790 in front wheel drive with five seats, $50,890 in four-wheel-drive with seven-seats. The N-Trek models designed to reflect a more adventurous spirit for customers who embrace the outdoors. The President of product marketing suggesting they started with a theme of “let get dirty’’, as such the X-Trail N-Trek features a gunmetal finish to lower front and rear bumpers, a new front bumper design, a dark finish surround to the grille, blacked outdoor mirrors and handles and new design alloy wheels. Inside, and over the X-Trail ST-L Grade it adds a 12.3-inch touch screen, a similar sized digital instrument cluster and a very welcome 10.8-inch head-up display. Also, synthetic leather seat trim with water resistant qualities. So, if you’re looking for something more rugged the X-Trail N-Trek is worth the extra $3,600 over the ST-L grade. But how does it drive – details next segment. I’m David Berthon.

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