WHILE the latest Nissan X-Trail is more rounded like a larger version of the Qashqai, the previous model has squarer styling like a traditional 4x4.

In its day, this was one of the best family four wheel drives you could buy, and even though it was replaced in 2014, there are still many good examples available secondhand.

Of course, Nissan has a very long history of making serious off-roaders, and this X-Trail lives up to that pedigree.

Different models have seen me through some very serious hills and descents in appallingly muddy conditions, but let's face it, most will never see worse than agrass field.

So, this is a proper 4x4 and makes a great towcar but it's very car-like to drive on the road, which endears it to many very satisfied owners.

To all intents and purposes it is a higher than average medium estate with four wheel drive off-road ability and to take care of snowy days in the winter.

Petrol engines were dropped in 2009, so towards the end of production there were only two versions of the same 2 litre turbo diesel with either 150 or 173bhp, driving through a six speed gearbox.

Both offer decent performance plus economy, and the more powerful version accelerates from 0 to 62 miles an hour in a good 10 seconds.

It also has the extra urge which we all occasionally need, and has better economy - at over 40mpg - than its lower powered brother.

A high stance gives a great view over the surrounding traffic, and also over intervening hedges, for those who use country lanes a lot.

The clutch is light, the gearchange slick and the brakes excellent. A good left foot rest helps comfort on longer journeys and of course, Nissan reliability is second to none.

The comfort levels are very good whatever the surface, and despite suspension built tough to take care of rough work, the roadholding is also more than acceptable, with less roll than most serious off-roaders.

There were three trim levels towards the end of production and all come with good levels of kit.

Acenta comes with alloy wheels, CD stereo, good steering adjustment, Bluetooth, MP3 connection, climate and a 40 /20/40 split folding back seat.

N-Tec+ adds sat nav, clever all around view parking cameras, keyless entry and starting and a sunroof, while Tekna tops that with heated electric leather seats, xenon headlights and a premium Bose sound system.

Pay about £11,800 for a '13 13-reg N-Tec+ 150bhp, or£13,950 for a ‘15 15-reg Acenta with 173bhp.