Under the radar

NOBODY really notices the office boy. The one that quietly goes about delivering the mail, or refilling the water cooler, or maybe even helping you photocopy a stack of documents. The third-generation Nissan X-Trail is kind of in the same vein. It doesn't really stand out in a sea of SUVs and it's not a car somebody will probably aspire to own. Which is a pity as it is a decent all-rounder.

Yes, it might not garner any awards in the looks department but it is a far cry from its utilitarian-looking predecessor. The 2015 X-Trail's sheet metal is a lot more urban chic than jungle grunge and there's a full-length panoramic glass sunroof to give occupants the al fresco experience in air-conditioned comfort. The stock 18-inch alloys don't look puny under the arches and LED tails lights reside in the sensor-activated powered tailgate that allows "contactless" opening/closing.

Like the exterior, the cabin is nothing to shout about but it's nice. Perhaps not St Regis nice but a far cry from a budget hotel. There's a multi-function steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake, "zero gravity" height adjustable driver's seat to ensure a commanding driving position and an eight-inch touchscreen located in the centre console. The screen controls the audio system as well as Bluetooth telephony and navigation system. It's a locally fitted set but one will be hard pressed to tell simply by looking at it and most of the functions work well, save for the navigation portion. There's also a factory-fitted, 360-degree, top down "Around View" parking monitor in addition to the standard reverse sensors. Keyless entry and engine start are just some of the creature comforts that we've come to expect but a decent sounding stereo and air-conditioned cup holders are always a nice touch.