Platinum is a special kind of metal, offering both beauty and toughness. It’s the inspiration behind a new special version of Nissan’s X-Trail 4×4.

As the name suggests, the new Platinum edition X-Trail is a real luxury item, with additional equipment not seen on any of the other models in the range and a touch more glamour too. The front and rear of the vehicle gets extra protection and style with the fitment of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. The side is treated to chrome side steps and chrome door protection mouldings.

On the inside the Platinum features leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. To help protect your investment there’s also a reversing camera, with the image transmitted onto a small screen incorporated into the rear view mirror.

Powering the Platinum is the X-Trail’s advanced 2.0dCi diesel engine with a choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. The manual produces a healthy 171bhp and yet can return an average of 44.1mpg. But unlike its precious inspiration, the X-Trail Platinum is not expensive. In fact it costs less than the Tekna version on which it’s based, starting at £29,180 for the manual and £30,560 for the automatic. Orders are now being taken now, but Platinum is a real rarity, with just 200 being produced.