Nissan has launched a new more powerful diesel engine for its flagship X-Trail crossover.

The 2.0-litre unit is available to order now, and first deliveries are due to arrive with customers early in the new year.

The new engine has an output of 177PS – compared to 130PS for the existing 1.6-litre engine - with 380Nm of torque.

New to the range is the choice of Nissan’s Xtronic automatic gearbox, linked to a four-wheel drive transmission, alongside the choice of six-speed manual, two-wheel drive.

Guillaume Cartier (pictured), senior vice president for sales and marketing, Nissan Europe, said: “The new flagship Nissan X-Trail is a crossover that’s focused on delivering what consumers need.

"Offering 4WD linked to an automatic transmission for the first time, it’s a significant enhancement to the already strong X-Trail range. It’s also a compelling upgrade to our already successful 1.6-litre diesel model.”