A range of upgrades for the 2017 X-Trail include exterior design tweaks, a higher-quality interior and innovative new technologies, says Nissan.

Revisions to the front of the X-Trail include a wider ‘V-motion’ grille, with a new bumper design that makes greater use of the body colour and includes a new gloss black finish. Revised headlamp clusters feature a contemporary new version of the X-Trail’s ‘boomerang’ Daytime Running Light signature. There is greater design differentiation between the halogen units and full LEDs, which feature Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) for the first time. The fog lamps are now rectangular instead of circular.

At the rear, the bumper has been redesigned to give it a more robust look, with new chrome detailing. A new hands-free functionality on the electric tailgate means it is now operated by simply swinging a foot under the rear bumper. The rear light signature has been upgraded to full LED. The profile of the X-Trail has also been enhanced with new 17 and 18-inch wheel designs plus a chrome side moulding across the base of the two doors on range-topping Tekna grade. There are four new exterior paint colours – Orange Pearl, Red Pearl, Blue Pearl Metallic, and Dark Brown Pearl.

Enhancements to the interior include a new D-shaped steering wheel, which means easier entry and exit for the driver. Offering improved visibility of the instruments, it features new easy-to-use four-way controllers for reduced ‘eyes off the road’ time. It’s now available with integrated heating functionality for the first time.

New higher quality materials have been used across the cabin, such as the gloss black finish on the air vents. Heated seats are available in both the front and rear and a new tan and black two-tone leather interior is an optional extra on Tekna grade. Tekna grade is now fitted with an all-new eight-speaker BOSE Premium audio system as standard.

DAB digital radio is standard for the first time, while the NissanConnect touch-screen satellite navigation features a smart new user interface that’s more app-like in appearance for easier use. The interior’s versatility includes ‘best-in-class’ knee room in the second row of seats according to Nissan. Thanks to revised interior packaging, the boot on the new model is now larger than before, with VDA capacity rising from 550 litres to 565 litres on the five-seat version. The total space with all seats folded rises to 1,996 litres.

The revamped SUV will be available with ProPILOT autonomous drive technology during 2018 which will control the steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane on motorways during heavy traffic congestion and high-speed cruising.

It’s one of a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility systems which are new to the X-Trail. Others include Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. If the driver attempts to reverse when an approaching vehicle is detected, the system gives visual and audible warnings.

The range three efficient engines remains the same - including the 2.0-litre 177PS diesel launched this year. It means customers can pick between petrol or high and low-powered diesel, six-speed manual or CVT XTronic automatic transmissions, 2WD or 4WD and five or seven seats.

The new Nissan X-Trail will be on sale from August 2017, pricing has yet to be confirmed.