It was definitely time for a new Xterra that built on the proven strengths of the model, while improving the areas that

The Xterra's platform is a version of that used in the full-size Titan pickup. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

customers wanted the most - power, drivability, on-road dynamics, roominess, cargo versatility and off-road performance.

Nissan hardware has come a long way in the last six years, and the new Xterra benefits fully from the latest technology. Its platform is a version of that used in the full-size Titan pickup, a fully-boxed separate frame using high-tensile strength steel for light weight with ruggedness.

Suspension is all-steel double wishbone up front and traditional leaf-sprung solid axle out back. Such a set-up is well-suited to the Xterra's mission in life, which is to say that its owner will happily trade off some on-road comfort for the durability of a solid axle. The vertical travel of the suspension is relatively long, which permitted a greater degree of suppleness to be engineered into the set-up. The

A 4.0-litre truck version of Nissan's ubiquitous VQ V6 engine produces a robust 265-horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

ride is not overly harsh or jarring.

The previous lack of power, refinement and fuel economy has been amply addressed with the installation of the 4.0-litre truck version of Nissan's ubiquitous VQ V6 engine, in this case putting out a robust 265-horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque at a usefully low 4,000 rpm.

Backing up this refined engine is either a six-speed manual transmission with wide ratios for acceleration and fuel economy, or a new electronically-controlled five-speed automatic. I drove the automatic, and it was well-suited to the engine.