The current generation Nissan X-Trail sits atop the brand’s SUV range which includes the all-conquering Qashqai and unmistakeable Juke.

It’s built on the jointly developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Family Module (CMF) platform which it also shares, albeit in a larger guise, with the Qashqai.

It’s marginally bigger than the previous model – just 17mm longer thanks to shorter overhangs but boasting an additional 76mm between the axles – but greater use of high tensile steel in the platform has helped reduce the weight by a not insignificant 90kg.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol.

The styling is not too far detached from its smaller brother, the Qashqai, and some elements, such as the light clusters, go a long way to suggesting a shared parentage. The X-Trail does, however, have a boxier, more utilitarian look more typical of a genuine off-roader. Certainly the build quality suggests that the Nissan should be more than capable of soaking up a few knocks.

However, as Nissan have opted not to make four-wheel drive standard across the range choosing, instead, to sacrifice the extra traction and off-road ability in exchange for the reduced emissions and improved fuel economy that two-wheel drive - in this case the fronts - can provide the X-Trail may be suited for the rough stuff but not necessarily booted.

Even so, given that only a very small minority of drivers will ever venture off-road a front-wheel drive X-Trail makes perfect sense and will help the big SUV appeal to a broader, more cost-conscience, audience.

The interior manages to avoid being overly sombre thanks to the addition of a few glossy inserts in the doors and glovebox, as well as the centre console surround. All the panels feel robust and all the switches and dials have a nice, solid feel to them while hard plastics are kept to a minimum in what is a comfortable and well-thought out passenger space.

Attention to detail is impressive, with special mention to the cup holders which are equipped with their own vents to keep your drinks hot or cold.

The Tekna model sits at the top of the range and is kitted out accordingly. For your cash you get 19in alloy wheels, automatic bi-LED headlights with high beam assist, LED daytime running lights, automatic wipers, cruise control and speed limiter, dual zone air con, powered tailgate, heated (front and rear) seats and steering wheel and lots of leather.

You also get NissanConnect Evo sat nav and entertainment system operated via a seven-inch touchscreen mounted in the dash. It’s equipped with Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree calling, DAB radio, a ‘just in case’ CD player, and aux and usb sockets.

The high driving position offers a commanding view of the road, as you'd expect, and the seats are generous and supportive, and it's easy to get yourself comfortable, particularly with the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is good, although the thick c-pillars are a bit of a blind spot in what is, let's face it, quite a big car however, it's safe to say that I didn't find it too much of a hindrance to manoeuvring helped, in no small part, by Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor with colour front, rear and side cameras.

The sliding rear seats provide plenty of flexibility and, in their rearmost position at least, plenty of legroom. I did, however, find the seat backs to be a little too upright and the seat cushions a bit on the short side which might make extended use a tad uncomfortable.

The third row of seats, which fold flat into the boot floor are, like those of many other seven-seaters, really only suitable for occasional use but there simple enough to pop into position.

Any concerns that you might have about performance quickly disappear because the 1.6-litre petrol has enough grunt to lug what is, after all, a sizeable piece of hardware. It's more or less on a par with its rivals out of the blocks and, unlike its diesel-powered brother, refinement is excellent with little more than a muted hum from the engine. Wind and road noise is impressively suppressed too.

While economy lags some way behind the diesel the claimed 44.1mpg is a decent return considering the small capacity of the power unit and the considerable mass of the X-Trail.

The clutch is nice and light and the gear box has a nice accurate throw despite its slight notchiness while the brakes do a commendable job of bringing the big SUV to a stop.

The balanced ride and competent chassis provides good cabin comfort and springs do a good job of isolating the occupants from surface imperfections. Body roll is ably controlled which, coupled with nicely weighted electro-mechanical steering ensures that, should your schedule require it, you can press on with some confidence. The only obstacle to even more rapid progress is a lack of feedback to your fingertips but there is also an absence of nasty surprises in the form of kickback, something that is not uncommon among some its rivals.

Spacious, flexible and, at times, surprisingly effortless to drive, the X-Trail is a great example of the new breed of big SUVs. There's less emphasis on towing capacity or off-road ability and greater focus on efficiency and comfort in a bid to deliver a driving experience that’s as car-like as possible. On those two markers alone – and buyers rarely look much beyond those attributes – it’s hard to fault Nissan's effort.

Nissan X-Trail Petrol 163 Tekna

OTR Price: £32,095

As tested: £32,755

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Power: 163PS

Torque: 240Nm @ 2,000 – 4,000rpm

Acceleration (0-62mph): 9.7sec

Maximum speed: 124mph

Urban: 34.9mpg

Extra urban: 51.4mpg

Combined: 44.1mpg

Emissions (CO2): 149g/km

For more information about Nissan cars visit www.nissan.co.uk