THE Nissan X-Trail is the car of the millennium and the modern family.

Originally launched in 2000, it has evolved with the second generation in 2007 and the current third series from 2013.

Four trim levels, two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, manual or automatic transmission with choice or 1.6 diesel or new petrol engines providing 130 or 163ps outputs respectively should satisfy.

With each new series it has been updated and made more relevant so its no wonder its one of the most successful crossover SUVs currently on sale.

Today's model is one of the safest you can buy with a host of technology to protect occupants and third parties.

This particular model, the most popular in the series with front wheel drive and the diesel engine, offered very good room for up to seven, so long as you were young at heart to climb into the rearmost pair of seats.

It was roomy and very comfortable for five with a useful boot stretching from 550 to 1,982 litres and a truly excellent amount of oddments room inside for a family.

The interior has to be one of the classiest in its class with clean lines and a function over form feature to work with a family's every-day needs.

The driver is well provided for with a good powertrain underfoot and it pushed back the consumption without any problem.

I liked the responsive nature of the engine once it got underway after a sluggish start and the ratios provided safe and swift overtaking with positive changes.

Steering was effortless yet fairly positive in feedback with good brakes underfoot and a suspension which comfortably coped with bad surfaces without making the car roll around too much or wallow over undulating sections.

Secondary controls were generally well laid out close to hand and the instruments were very clear and supported by a very comprehensive information system for functions once you mastered its complexity.

The climate control worked very well on a few warm days and filled the interior with air at a desired temperature and it was quiet in operation.

Visibility is excellent to front and sides, less so over the shoulder and when reversing and you really need the sensors and on-board camera to assist in parking.

Noise levels were generally low, the most noticeable being the road rumbles and occasional bump-thump from the suspension. Engine noise became noticeable only at higher revolutions in the mid-range gears but wind was moderate.

Its on-road handling was failsafe if not particularly agile. There was slight body roll on tighter corners but it held on safely and easing off mid-corner did not make it get out of line but merely pulled it back on course in a very safe manner.