THE popular Nissan X-Trail has sold over seven million units since it first launched as a boxy SUV and the latest fourth generation model arrived in 2022 setting a new standard for style, comfort and performance.

The Japanese manufacturer now makes the X-Trail available in three formats and all offer the latest technology.

The entry level model features mild-hybrid technology, while the e-Power version offers EV-like driving without the need to plug in.

Finally you can select the e-Power with e-4orce that I have been driving which adds all-wheel drive and in Tekna trim version costs £46,075.

In total five trim levels are available and the substantial X-Trail comes with five or seven seats - at an additional cost. This car came in two-tone champagne silver with a black roof and this added another £1,095 to the final bill.

Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a high-output battery, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor, this e-4orce version has an additional 100kW rear motor to produce 213ps anddeliver the 4WD. The petrol engine is used only to create electricity and the wheels are driven completely by the electric motors.

The car had a top speed of 111mph and could tackle the sprint to 62mph in a smart 7.2 seconds with emissions between 146-148 g/km.

The X-Trail has a strong muscular design with some nice styling cues include a V-Motion grille, headlight clusters that appear moulded within the front bumper and a floating roof. There are strong wheel arches, wraparound rear lights, a panoramic sunroof and smart alloy wheels.

The interior quality has been hiked and the leather seats are heated and power-operated. The steering wheel is also heated and you also get a Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch centrally-positioned touchscreen infotainment system, plus a 12.3-inch digital driver display behind the wheel.

The floating centre console houses the drive selector, a wireless charging pad, two cup holders and e-shift buttons for EV mode or e-Pedal Step driving.

The technology is also impressive with full smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a head-up display. Connecting a phone is easy and the navigation system is clear and easy to operate.

The X-Trail makes progress quietly and without fuss and is at home on country roads or on motorways where it is an excellent cruiser.

The steering is nicely-weighted and the Sport mode gives you more action, while the e-Pedal Step system allows the driver to use just the accelerator and a B mode increases the level of the regenerative braking.

With e-4orce 4WD the X-Trial can tackle some rough stuff and it has driving modes to deal with sand, gravel, mud and snow as well as a hill descent system to give you more control on really steep slopes.

In addition the X-Trail features all the latest safety kit and driver assistance aids making it ideal for family life.

The cabin has lots of room for all passengers to travel in comfort, although the third row of seats are best kept for children. The boot takes 575 litres if the third row is folded flat and this increases to 1,298 litres if the second row of seats are also collapsed.

The X-Trail can also tow up to 1.8 tonnes, making it more than handy for caravan fans.