Nissan's new X-Trail ditches ruggedness for good looks

New X-Trail aims to take a leaf from the Nissan Qashqai book as it chases new buyers, writes Paul Healy.

The new Nissan X-Trail has had a total makeover both inside and out.

Since its introduction in 2001 the Nissan X-Trail name has stood for a rugged compact SUV that was as competent off-road as it was in town. It had a pleasantly squared off utilitarian look to it and a functional interior that preserved the simple theme of the exterior.

Times have changed though and crossover' is now the name of the game with buyers preferring on-road manners to off-road ability. The irony of this ...