At a time when most carmakers are making their SUVs softer, smaller and more car-like, Nissan’s new X-Trail goes against the grain. This new off-roader is tougher, bigger and bulky as ever.

There are two good reasons for this: firstly, buyers who want a softer, subtler crossover can opt for the size-comparable new Nissan Qashqai. Secondly, X-Trail buyers buy it precisely because of its rugged character and off-road ability: these are no urban fashion victims. No, they’re outdoorsy types who want high suspensions to clear off-road obstacles, real off-road ability to take them into the back of beyond, and large, wipe-clean boots to accommodate their bikes, skis and German Shepherds.

The updated X-Trail may be new from the ground up but its styling is little changed from the previous model. The tall stance, dual height hood, strong roofline and two-surface tailgate remain. Features distinguishing the new model include triangular shaped rearmost side windows, lights embedded in the front of the roof rails and taller, larger multifaceted headlight clusters.

It’s larger than its predecessor, with most of the extra space going into the luggage compartment whose volume has grown by around 50%. It has a clever double floor allowing additional, segregated stowage space for smaller or more delicate objects.

The cabin benefits from upgraded materials and design. Under the hood now is a choice of four engines. The 2.5-liter gas unit is carried over, while there’s a new 2.0-liter offering 140 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque—of which a remarkable 90% is accessible below 2400 rpm. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine is available without intercooling for 150 horsepower or with for 173 horsepower. In either form, it has a particulate filter to cut harmful emissions. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and a CVT auto is optional with the gas units.

There’s a new “ALL MODE 4x4-I” four-wheel-drive system that offers auto and two-wheel-drive modes. In auto mode it distributes drive between front and rear axles as required. For off-road use, it has electronic downhill and uphill start support, in which the brakes are automatically applied to control vehicle speed and prevent it rolling backwards unintentionally.

“It’s a truly capable SUV,” said Carlos Tavares, Nissan Motor executive vice president for product planning, introducing the car, “for families who enjoy outdoor adventure together. It’s strong but not overly aggressive.”

The car will go on sale in Europe this summer.

Also announced at Geneva was a facelift for the 350Z sports car. There’s improved power and torque 313 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque from the heavily revised 3.5-liter V6 engine, with changes including a new dual air intake system, more flexible variable valve timing and a higher rev limit thanks to upgraded load bearing components and an asymmetric piston pattern. Being slightly larger, the new power unit has required changes to the hood and nose to accommodate it. Revised interior trims and some new colors are also added. Sales start in the spring.