The X-TRAIL continues the styling themes set by the highly successful original, but is now larger in all dimensions.

It offers higher degrees of refinement, comfort, safety and quality in a package that abounds in clever innovations and offers greater practicality, yet retains the basic elements that made the original X-TRAIL such a hit in Australia.

For the first time, X-TRAIL is available with an optional stepless CVT automatic transmission that not only improves driveability in all situations but also helps reduce fuel consumption.

The new X-TRAIL also benefits from the "intelligent" ALL MODE 4x4-i four-wheel drive system as well as a revised version of the proven 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that provided the sparkling performance and excellent economy that set the original X-TRAIL apart.

While the power has increased slightly, it is the revised torque curve that helps the new X-TRAIL deliver improved mid-range response while still returning excellent fuel consumption figures that, in the CVT version, are actually an improvement over both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic versions of its already frugal predecessor.

The all-aluminium engine produces 125 kW of power, along with 226 Nm of torque to continue with the lively nature that was a feature of the original X-TRAIL.

With twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, the 2.5-litre engine also uses a sophisticated CVTC (Continuous Valve Timing Control) system to ensure a useable spread of power and torque over a wide operating range that assists performance both on and off-road.

The three-model X-TRAIL range - ST, ST-L and the range-topping Ti - are all equipped with Nissan's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) including Stability Control and Traction Control with Active Brake Limited Slip, hill descent control and hill start assist.

Hill start assist and hill descent control, as part of the electronically controlled 'intelligent' ALL MODE 4x4-i four-wheel drive system, are new to X-TRAIL and help extend its off-road capabilities.

All models are equipped with four-wheel disc ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Passive safety is enhanced with the fitment of dual front, front side and full-length curtain airbags on all models, along with front active head restraints, side intrusion bars and a collapsible steering column.

Nissan employed extensive customer research to design an all-new car that offered more of everything that made the previous model such a success, while retaining the vital X-TRAIL essence.

The new body is designed to maximise interior space while continuing with the traditional X-TRAIL's functional, yet stylish look. Driver vision is assured by the generous glasshouse, while the increase in all body dimensions improves passenger and luggage space without sacrificing performance or economy.

The new X-TRAIL gets a new chassis based on the Alliance C-Platform that contributes to enhancements in driveability on the road as well as abilities off-road.

With MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link system at the rear, the new X-TRAIL offers a more refined, comfortable ride, while efficiency and handling are assisted by the adoption of electric power steering. Despite the larger body, the new X-TRAIL retains the same 10.6-metre turning circle as the previous model.

Wheel sizes are also increased in the new X-TRAIL, to 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65R16 tyres in ST models and to 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with 215/60R17 tyres in ST-L and Ti versions.

The new X-TRAIL offers even more space for five passengers as well as a luggage area that can be expanded to a maximum of 1,773 litres when the new 40/20/40 rear seats are folded and the clever two-level floor with its sliding drawer is removed. In true X-TRAIL style, the luggage area has a practical, durable and easily washable plastic surface.

The new X-TRAIL also offers improvements in trim quality to enhance impressions of style and luxury, while the dashboard layout now places the instrument binnacle directly ahead of the driver to improve overall functionality.

Familiar X-TRAIL innovations include the cup holders at either end of the instrument panel that are able to heat or cool drinks, enhanced now by two similarly heated or cooled cup holders for the rear-seat passengers as well.

Standard in all new X-TRAIL models are a trip computer, exterior temperature gauge, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, 12-volt cargo area power outlet, cargo area tie-down hooks and roof rails.

ST-L and Ti models gain 17-inch alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with six-stack, in-dash MP3-capable CD player, while the Ti comes with a glass sliding power sunroof, heated front leather seats with power adjustment and rear parking sensors.

Despite the high standard specification level on the X-TRAIL ST, pricing remains unchanged from the previous model at $31,990* for the manual and $33,990* for the CVT automatic.

The mid-specification ST-L is priced from $35,990* for the manual and $37,990* for the CVT automatic while the range topping Ti is priced from $38,990* and $40,990* respectively for manual and CVT automatic variants.

Nissan's managing director and CEO, Shinya Hannya, said: "The new X-TRAIL is clearly an evolution of the previous model yet offers more of everything - passenger and luggage space, safety, on and off-road capabilities - without compromising driving dynamics and performance.