CAR spotters will have difficulty identifying the latest version of the Nissan X-Trail, which is a good thing for pre-facelift owners. But they may not have so much trouble inside, where a revised, soft-feel dash and a more user-friendly control for the 4WD system subtly improve the little soft-roader. The mechanicals remain untouched, and so they should, for the X-Trail is proving to suit the needs of many people attracted to the utilitarian nature of 4WDs who want a bit of sedan-like on-road behaviour as well. The X-Trail is quite zesty, quite economical and quite comfortable for a full load of adult passengers. And the benefits of its visual associations with other, tougher Nissan 4WDs like the Patrol and Pathfinder cannot be denied.