Some vehicles deliver precisely what they say on the tin.

Nissan’s X-Trail looks like a meaty machine capable of mastering tough terrain and easily towing loads topping two tonnes. That’s because it is.

It is that down-to-earth, go-anywhere solidity that has won it so many fans since it was launched almost six years ago, but now Nissan has raised its game with a new n-tec+ specification offering styling tweaks and plenty of gadgets.

At its heart, the X-Trail remains Nissan’s no-nonsense 4x4 with chunky looks, a functional interior and tremendous pulling power. Under the bonnet of the test car sat a 173 horsepower, 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which delivers a huge 2,200kg towing capacity.

Couple that with electronic systems to help when starting uphill and also assisting in tricky descents and you have a vehicle that is surefooted whatever the weather.

But don’t get the idea that the X-Trail is a stripped-out, back-to-basics model. It is anything but. Both around town and at motorway speeds, the ride is smooth, comfortable and remarkably quiet.

Comfort for those in the rear has been improved thanks to redesigned front seats, creating extra knee-room, without affecting the comfort of the front seat occupants.

Instrumentation is clear and in between the main dials is a new drive computer with a white-on-black display that gives a range of useful information for the driver, including: fuel economy, outside temperature (including ice warning), cruising range, average speed and a reminder to take a break.

The heating system has been upgraded for quicker warm-up, as well as more efficient cooling in hot conditions and the glovebox will either keep its contents warm or cold.

The boot too is a double-deck affair with a sliding drawer under the floor where valuable items can be stored. All versions have a full-size spare wheel as Nissan says neither a space-saver spare, nor a can of puncture repair foam, is considered suitable for a true off-roader.

The n-tec+ grade sits between the Acenta and flagship Tekna models with 18-inch alloy wheels, a chrome finish to the front fog lamps and side bars with side steps.

On the inside, the X-Trail n-tec+ empties the toy box with a Nissan Connect system that includes touchscreen satellite navigation with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephone calls and music streaming.

There are yet more goodies but it is the X-Trail's strong performance both on and off-road that has made it such a success.

The n-tec+ also adds Nissan's Around View Monitor 360 degree parking system, which features colour front, rear and passenger side cameras, ensuring that owners will always have the safety of a bird's-eye view when manoeuvring.

Top that off with an electric tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and rear privacy glass.

Nissan’s does-what-it-says on-the-tin philosophy extends across its 4x4 range, with the Juke catering for those looking for something funky; the Qashqai for those who want something more car-like and the Navara pick-up for people who mean business.

Auto facts Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 dCi n-tec+

  • Price: £27,790
  • Insurance group: 35 (1-50)
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 44.1mpg
  • Top speed: 124mph
  • Length: 463.5cm/182.5in
  • Width: 179cm/70.5in
  • Luggage capacity: 21.3 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.3 gallons/65 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 168g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles