Now in its third generation, the Nissan X-Trail has been a sales success. For 2015, they hope to continue the trend by delivering a vehicle which slots into the sweet spot for those not wanting a full Sport Utility Vehicle, but needing more than the typical Crossover Utility Vehicle.

On the exterior the X-Trail follows the middle ground mantra, as it’s a visual blend of both the smaller Qashqai in the front, then draws inspiration from the much larger Pathfinder for the rest of its length.

However, it is not a hastily constructed mishmash of both, taking instead the best features of the Nissans on either side of it. The already spacious and LED-lit interior is infused with even more depth from the power panoramic sunroof. Your body won’t be fooling you about the extra space because the X-Trail hides a new neat trick, third-row seating. Clearly child-friendly, it adds some flexibility for passengers when not laden down with cargo. When not in use both the second and third row seats fold flat, turning the X-Trail into an impressive hauler.

Behind the wheel, it’s much the same experience. Seating is pleasant and sporty due to the grippy leather front seats. The X-Trail doesn’t feel too big or too small but for those who might be intimated by its larger size there are a host of electronic aids. Active Trace Control keeps cornering tight. Active Ride Control adjusts power delivery and braking for a smooth ride over jarring surfaces.

Where the X-Trail steps up over its smaller brother the Qashqai is in the off-road department, something made clear from the wheel and tyre package. While the Qashqai is fitted like a sports car with low-profile rubber, the X-Trail has proper off-road gear. Sitting clearly marked in the centre console is the control switch for Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4i. Drivers can switch between three modes, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive auto, and four-wheel drive lock. Throw in Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, and the majority of the off-roading duties the X-Trail will ever see will be easily handled. For what it was designed to do, the 2-litre engine combined with the Xtronic CVT is more than up to the task.

Just because you’re going off-road shouldn’t mean you have to rough it, and the X-Trail doesn’t disappoint with the toys. Nestled between the rpm gauge and speedometer is a small digital display that keeps all the main information in front of you, from radio to driving dynamics. The X-Trail also borrows its 360-degree camera view system from its bigger brother the Pathfinder, showing the results in the screen that anchors the infotainment system.

The 2015 Nissan X-Trail is now available from Fidelity Motors.