Fresh styling, more kit … potentially only the current drivetrain carries over.

SWAP the badge, potentially tweak some of the tech and, of course, shift the steering wheel across the cabin.

Then pick a date in 2021, probably in the first half of the year.

That’s the recipe for the new X-Trail, which has just been revealed in its American market format, where it continues to be called the Rogue.

Taking a new styling direction that’s been described by one commentator as being a blocky version of the new-generation Juke that’s about to go on sale here, the new model also has a completely fresh interior. And, of course, there’s an abundance of smarts that aren’t on the current car.

Is there anything that’s not new? Potentially, that’ll be the powertrain. Commentators suggest the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and continuously variable transmission that features in the current car is set to keep doing the busy in the new generation, but with outputs improved to 135kW and 245Nm, from 126kW and 226Nm presently, but with slightly better economy. As before, both front- and all-wheel-drive versions will be available.

Anything missing? Well, that could be the seven seat format; it seems the current editions that identify with an ‘L’ badge won’t be continued.

The new model is certainly out to make a bold impact, with its big and upright chrome "V" grille blending into upper daytime running lights, and below those are large LED headlights. Nissan has gone funky with roofs that come in contrasting colours to the bodywork’s. Speaking of: Nissan has increased use of high-strength steel but the doors, wheels arches and bonnet are rendered from aluminium, for a 45kg weight loss over the current car.

The interior is considered one of the most impressive aspects of the new reveal. Today’s event highlighted the high-end finish, which delivers a new dash design, centre console and a nine inch infotainment screen, plus a full digital display cluster and a head-up display.

America’s flagship edition, called Platinum, has leather upholstery with fancy stitching, and some kind of stitched leatherette adorning most of the dashboard. There are even splashes of natural-finish wood. The US’s lower SV trim gets leatherette upholstery, and the base S trim gets cloth.

At present you need buy a BMW to enjoy wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless charging. From next year, it’ll likely be in this Nissan as well, given that it’s now in the Rogue.

The level of standard safety equipment seems very comprehensive, with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic warning and automatic high-beam headlights.

US coustomers achieve Nissan ProPilot autonomous driving assistance technology as an option. With this stop and go active cruise control and lane-keep assist can reference the navigation system to provide subtle driving inputs.