The X-Trail name used to stand for a rugged compact crossover/SUV by Nissan that you could use both off-road and in the city. It had a (pleasantly squared off) utilitarian look to it and a highly functional interior that preserved the same simple theme as the exterior.
Now, with the all-new model, Nissan has decided to ditch all of that and place the X-Trail nameplate on the tailgate of a completely different model that’s also sold in North America as the new Rogue.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it’s been praised for having all the usual qualities and traits needed for a family crossover, yet those who appreciated what the old one stood for will not be pleased by this direction change.
AutoExpress confirms the positive impression the Rogue/X-Trail left with American auto journalists (they tested it first), and its test of the European version marks it out as being practical, better built and more stylish than before and considerably modern.
By Andrei Nedelea
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