First drive: Nissan X-Trail Acenta 1.6 2WD (smart vision pack)

Bold new looks are ready to drive one of Nissan's best-known models to greater showroom success this summer.

Slab-sided and boxy lines give way to a smoother silhouette with dramatic frontal styling for the shapely new X-Trail – and the new persona is just what the car needs to deliver extra sales, believes Nissan Motor GB managing director Jim Wright.

“We kept the nameplate after a survey showed this model to be among the best recognised of our products, but we had to respond to the fact that the X-Trail was becoming an increasingly niche car.

“The decision was taken to develop the concept to have a broader appeal. I like the result and I'm confident it will bring more people into the brand,” he said.

In an interview as the next-generation model was previewed in Portugal, he predicted 10,000-plus annual registrations and told Fleet News: “I'm looking to repeat the success we've had with the Qashqai in attracting additional corporate business to Nissan.

“Unless professional transport really calls for a four door sedan or a three or five-door hatchback, typical corporate drivers will always be interested in attractive-looking alternatives, particularly those that offer improved emission levels, reduced operating costs and substantially better residual values. That’s what we have here.”

Corporate buyers are expected to account for up to 60% of sales of the longer, wider and lower model and will come with appreciable upgrades in comfort, convenience and detailing when it reaches the showrooms in July. It is also appreciably roomier than its predecessor.

Despite being stronger, bodywork is 90kg lighter and all grades include air conditioning, alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a five-inch colour dashboard display, cruise control and hill start assist. Sliding and reclining rear seats and a luggage board system are also standard.

Matching the previous 2.0-litre engine in torque, the latest 1.6-litre dCi 130 motor is a lusty performer that clatters on idle but is impressively subdued as it delivers faster acceleration and improved economy with a refined cruising demeanour for relaxed long-distance trips.

The £495 optional smart vision pack adds high beam assist, lane departure warning, forward emergency braking and traffic sign recognition, but with climate control, power-fold mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a large power sunroof and auto lights and wipers as standard, this is a well-equipped model.