AS VERSATILE family cars go, the Nissan X-Trail has plenty to offer.

With four-wheel drive and the option of seven seats, it’s a vehicle that’s equipped for a variety of situations.

The X-Trail is currently available with a choice of a 1,618cc petrol engine or a 1,598 turbodiesel, with the latter tested here.

However, a face-lifted X-Trail is expected to arrive next year with a more powerful 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine alongside cabin and technology updates.

Those upgrades will keep the X-Trail fresh and bang up-to-date in a sector that is ever-changing and ultra-competitive.

Behind the wheel, I found the current turbodiesel variant offered reasonable acceleration - not blistering but sufficient for most everyday situations.

Considering the relatively modest size of the engine, it’s not a bad achievement to reach 62mph in 11 seconds and go on to a potential maximum speed of 117mph.

The engine can be a little noisy under initial heavy acceleration, but that sound smoothes out fairly quickly into an otherwise refined driving experience.

Emissions are fairly low at 139g/km, a figure which is matched by fuel economy statistics of 53mpg combined.

During normal on-the-road motoring, the vehicle remains in front-wheel drive.

However, when the going gets tough, you can engage the extra axle by turning a centrally mounted dial. It’s a switch that’s easy to reach and operate.

In terms of ride quality, the soft suspension seems to soaks up all but the biggest of bumps.

For a larger vehicle, it also handles well in the corners, with light steering.

It may lean when cornering at higher speeds, but that’s only to be expected from a vehicle with these dimensions.

In terms of looks, the X-Trail is rounder and more curvy than its predecessor.

It’s a stylish-looking machine, with cohesive lines running throughout complete with a chunky front end and bonnet.

From certain angles, it looks like a big brother of the Qashqai.

The resculpted X-Trail is hardly recognizable from the previous version, which was considerably more boxy and upright.

Inside the car, the cabin has a classy and roomy feel, with several high-quality features.

The vehicle is 100mm longer than the previous model plus a little wider and taller, which gives it class-leading interior space.

Seating in the front is comfortable and there’s plenty of adjustment to ensure the driver is comfortable.

There is also lots of space for adults in the middle row, while the third flip-up row is okay for children, but a tight squeeze for adults.

Meanwhile, the boot is very large and can absorb 445 litres of luggage, increasing to 1,992 with the rear seats folded down.

However, the boot’s automatic opening system, operated by a button, seems to take a long time to complete its function.

The top-spec Tecna version, tested here, comes with a fantastic range of equipment.

When you’ve got your family in the car, it’s reassuring to know that the X-Trail features a host of safety features, including Safety Shield technologies to help avoid accidents. Indeed, the X-Trail has a maximum five-star safety rating by independent safety organisation EuroNCAP.

It’s worth noting that the Juke and Qashqai have the same five-star rating, making Nissan’s crossover range one of safest and protective in the business. Tests showed that, during front impact, the passenger compartment of the X-Trail remained stable, with dummy readings indicating good protection for the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger.

All in all, the vehicle is up there with the best in its class due to a combination of great practicality, safety, economy and versatility.

Nissan X-trail Tekna DCI 130

PRICE: £32,110 on the road

ENGINE: Four-cylinder, in line 1.6-litre diesel

TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE: 0-62 mph in 11 seconds and max speed of 117

CO2: 143g/km

FUEL: 52.3mpg