With a threefold increase in X-Trail sales since the third generation car arrived in 2014, it seems many motorists agree with Nissan’s theory that this is the “perfect family car for adventures.”

Now a facelifted version of the vehicle has taken to the roads, with exterior styling that’s subtly more aggressive and sharper than that seen on its predecessor.

The latest X-Trail is also touch longer and taller than before, but it’s width has remained the same – probably because it was already a wide enough machine to manoeuvre.

Inside, there’s a more luxurious feel to the cabin.

Top-spec Tekna models, such as the one tested here, now come with creature comforts such as heated seats in the front and back, plus impressive Bose speakers.

Meanwhile, the test car came with distinctive tan leather seats, which made the X-Trail’s cabin feel a bit different from those of its rivals.

It struck me that it’s probably a sensible colour choice for a parent who wants to load mud-covered children into the car after Saturday morning football.

DAB radio comes as standard across the range, while a flat-bottomed and slightly thicker steering wheel is another addition, making it easier to slide in and out of the driver’s seat.

The centre console has been re-styled for more storage space and there have been various other upgrades in materials and finishes.

All this adds up to a vehicle that is, frankly, a very pleasant thing in which to sit.

On the outside, the nose has been remodelled and is now more aggressive and distinctive.

The rear bumper has been reworked to create a similar effect, while higher-spec models benefit in appearance from a big chrome strip that runs along the bottoms of the doors.

Turning to the choice of engines, fans of diesel power have two turbocharged variants from which to choose - a 1.6-litre with 128bhp and a 2.0-litre that produces 174bhp.

The version tested here came with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine offering 161bhp.

With a 0-62mph time of less than 10 seconds and official average fuel economy approaching 45mpg, Nissan feels to have got the balance right between power and economy.

In everyday driving conditions, the X-Trail is by no means blistering but it doesn’t feel sluggish either, so long as you work it fairly hard through the six-speed manual gearbox found on this model.

With excellent space in the cabin and little noise from the engine, this ‘right powered’ vehicle feels very refined and capable of acting as a family-orientated workhorse.

In terms of handling, the X-Trail is more nimble in the corners than you might expect for a sizeable car, although the steering doesn’t offer enough feel to truly engage the driver.

However, it feels rugged enough to satisfy most buyers in this segment, but the light controls mean it easy enough to manoeuvre on the tighter roads.

There’s no shortage of driver assist options on the X-Trail, including the newly-introduced Rear Cross Alert that gives warnings when reversing out of a parking space.

In a bid to further tempt buyers from premium rivals, Nissan is also offering ProPilot autonomous-driving technology on the new X-Trail, with a mixture of adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist combining to control steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane during both congestion and cruising at higher speeds.

For anyone toying with the idea of buying a seven-seat vehicle or a family SUV, the X-Trail is certainly worthy of consideration.

In summary, it has a high-quality interior, great levels of safety equipment and a decent choice of engines.

It also offers class-leading levels of space and efficiency, not to mention more appealing looks, and we mustn’t forget the tempting option of seven seats for those who need it.

THE LOWDOWN

Nissan X-Trail Tekna

PRICE: £31,350 on the road

ENGINE: 1.6-litre petrol, four-cylinder in-line

TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual, front wheel drive

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds

TOP SPEED: 124mph

ECONOMY: Emissions of 145g/km and fuel 44.1mpg