Driving Nissan’s top spec X-Trail SUV, the Ti-L at $57,900 drive-away, the second best-selling medium SUV and Nissan’s best seller – you can understand why when you drive it – a class act in this fourth generation series – 27 percent torsionally stiffer in a body structure predominantly in ultra-high strength steel but with lightweight body panels, the front mudguards, bonnet, and doors now aluminium, the rear tailgate in composite material. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder gained a small power and torque boost in this fourth-generation model while the CVT automatic is refined with just the right amount of slip but with paddle shift override – linked to four dial selectable drive modes. I found ECO mode ideal for day to day running, managing 7.9L/100 with a mix of driving, thankfully on 91 grade petrol. Nissan have sharpened the steering response with a quicker ratio and its noticeably more nimble while an updated suspension including a multi- link rear setup has improved ride and handling. The flagship X-Trail Ti-L at close to $60,000 is not your most affordable medium SUV but it does get all the bells and whistles and much more although it lacks a full-size spare. Braked towing capacity now a welcome 2,000 kilos. Warranty, five-years/unlimited km.

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