TO say the current choice of power units is confusing to car buyers is something of an understatement.

Whereas not so long ago you had to select diesel or petrol, today there's mild hybrid, full hybrid, BEV (ie pure electric) and wait for it⦠e-Power, courtesy of Nissan with their latest Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs. The latter of which we drive here.

Now, e-Power is a clever bit of kit because it feels like a full electric with instant acceleration at the stab of the loud pedal, but you have the safety net of a combustion engine which removes range anxiety - the ever-present fear of BEV drivers.

The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine doesn't drive the wheels - it charges the battery that powers the wheels with an electric motor.

The X-Trail, of course, is like a grown-up Qashqai with a longer wheelbase, seven seats and the option of four-wheel-drive, making it an attractive option for towing.

Practicality and usable space are keynote qualities for family SUVs, and on this score the Nissan does well. Those in the front and second row of seats have ample head and legroom. The rear bench seat splits 40-20-40 and also slides forward to boost luggage room.

Obviously the final row is more occasional and inevitably a tighter squeeze but it's still acceptable and comfortable enough for adults on shorter runs. Kids would have little to complain about.

Entry into the extra seats, however, can require a bit of dexterity.

Boot space, with the final row folded, is a competitive 575litres which is big enough to swallow up most families' shopping or suitcases.

The cabin is somewhat sombre, but classy enough with high grade materials and plenty of soft touch areas. There are copious cubbies, pockets and bottle holders for clutter gathering and the top versions have a 12.3-inch touchscreen to control infotainment and sat nav.

Tekna+ models come as standard with head-up display, powered tailgate, sliding panoramic sunroof and Bose audio sound. All X-Trails include with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian recognition and lane departure warning systems.

Those unused to electric power will be impressed with the punchy acceleration off the mark and the lack of vocal drama. With a 7.6 second dash to 62mph it's among the more spirited seven-seaters despite its relatively small power unit.

Equally as pleasing is the all-round silence - subdued road noise, little mechanical sound and a near absence of wind noise. All of which combine to make the X-Trail an easy and relaxing companion over long journeys.

It corners predictably and safely, if not in a particularly sporty fashion, which is understandable given the fact that it is intended as a family holdall. Bumps are dealt with competently and the ride standard is better than average.

Good marks on the fuel front. We averaged 44mpg over mixed routes with a best of 50mpg during a gentle country run.

With pleasing - albeit conventional - looks and a high degree of general competence including excellent economy, the X-Trail earns its place a good all-rounder.

£46,175

1.5-litre, 204bhp, 4 cyl petrol/hybrid engine driving 2 wheels via automatic gearbox

105mph

7.6sec

46.3

27

133g/km

32%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.6