NISSAN'S X-Trail is a hugely likeable crossover which was only available with the Renault-sourced 1.6 dCi 130bhp diesel engine at launch.

But a 2.0 litre diesel with 177bhp, and a 1.6 petrol turbo with 163 came later, followed by 1.3 turbo petrol and 1.7 diesel units.

The 1.6 and 1.3 petrols are only available with front wheel drive, while all diesels were available with two or four wheel drive for more serious off-road work, or to keep going in winter snow and ice.

That said, by far the majority of cars on the secondhand market are 2WD, because the original owners decided they didn't need greater traction. And of course, the 4WD system costs more in slightly worse economy.

In 2021, the diesel engines and the availability of 4WD were dropped completely, leaving only a single 160bhp 1.3 Dig-T petrol option, driving through a twin clutch automatic gearbox.

This reaches 60 from rest in 11.1 seconds and is rated at 41 miles per gallon. The 1.6 petrol has slightly better economy and covers the sprint in about 9.5 seconds.

The 1.6 diesel with 2WD takes 10 seconds for the sprint and is rated at 55mpg, while the 1.7, which has 150bhp, takes the same time to get to 60 and can do 50mpg.

The performance king is the 2.0 litre as you might expect, reaching 60 in 9 seconds and yet still capable of 48mpg at the very best.

The engines are smooth and reasonably quiet and in 4WD versions, power is sent mainly to the front wheels on the road, and the rears are only brought into play when sensors detect loss of traction.

But in heavyweight mud-plugger tradition, they also have a centre differential lock to give maximum grunt when needed in ice and snow or off-road.

The six speed manual gearbox has a reasonably slick change, helped by a light clutch, and there was also a CVT automatic in earlier models, replaced latterly by a seven speed twin clutch.

The whole car has a lovely feel, with decent, linear acceleration and excellent comfort over all surfaces. In fact, few others at the price can match it for family comfort. There was even a seven seat option, with two extra chairs folding up from the boot floor.

There is quite a lot of roll in the corners when its pressed, but it still clings on well and never feels unstable.

Big comfortable seats have loads of adjustment and there is plenty of legroom in the back with rear seats adjustable fore and aft to give more. But the two rearmost seats are only suitable for children, or for adults over short trips.

Safety is excellent in all models, which come with a five star Euro NCAP rating. All have six airbags, hill start assist, Nissan chassis control - which uses the brakes to control stability, tyre pressure monitors, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control.

All the models in the range are well-equipped in every other way too, with mid-range N-Tec models including sat nav and parking sensors, as well as an alarm system, heated mirrors, audio remote control, alloy wheels, climate control and an electric sunroof.

Upper models also get heated electric leather seats, powered tailgate, keyless entry and starting and a rearview camera, and may also be fitted with Nissan's bird's eye view all round parking camera system, which was an extra.

Pay about £13,600 for a '17 17-reg 1.6 dCi diesel Acenta or about £25,050 for a '19 19-reg Tekna 1.3 Dig-T petrol auto with seven seats.