Site Features
Home
Forum
4wd Zone Shop
Off Road Motorsport News
Club Listings
Whats On
4wd Buyer Guide
Dob in a Dipstick
Off Road Tourism Info
State 4wd Councils
Other News
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mid-Life Upgrade Gives Nissan X-Trail Staying Power

  • Updated exterior design
  • Improved interior comfort and quality
  • Reduced fuel consumption
  • Arriving in dealerships in September
  • Downward Price adjustment for most models

The highly popular Nissan X-TRAIL is about to become even more attractive with the release of a revised line-up of models all boasting more equipment and a new higher-quality look inside and out. Prices are also reduced for several models by up to $1,750 presenting unmatched value in the compact SUV segment.

X-TRAIL pioneered the compact SUV category when it was launched in 2001 and, since then, it has become one of Australia’s most successful 4-cylinder utility wagons with almost 100,000 units sold here.

Already highly regarded for its durability, comfort, practicality and many convenience features, the September upgrade will enhance X-TRAIL’s reputation and appeal still further. Now, weight and aerodynamics have been optimized for valuable fuel economy gains.

Styling upgrade

Styling changes deliver a more progressive and “sporty” crossover-like look, accentuated by a definitive “X” theme to the new front facia.

The new grille echoes styling cues from larger Nissan 4x4 models, with strong angled struts either side of the Nissan badge cutting down into the bumper.

A new, striking headlamp design, incorporating brighter, clearer Xenon lights on Ti (petrol) and TL (diesel) models dominates the front styling. A new LED tail light cluster fitted to all models bears a new profile and emits a distinctive light signature, providing improved visibility.

Thanks to the new front bumper the new Nissan X-TRAIL is 10 mm longer overall, and 10 mm wider and higher thanks to the new wheel and tyre specification.

The flagship Ti and TL models also gain the Nissan Intelligent Key for keyless engine start/stop, auto lights and rain sensing wipers, factory rear cargo blind and wider tyres for a stronger stance.

All models gain a telescopic adjustment for the steering column and a Bluetooth Hands free phone system upgrade, with steering wheel mounted phone controls (now on ST models).

All models provide a heated and cooled glove box, one of the more popular features of the original X-TRAIL. The ST model gains a six-stacker CD changer and the ST-L (petrol) and TS (diesel) add the rear cargo cover and new wider double five-spoke design 17-inch alloy wheels.

There is a new and easier-to-read instrument cluster on the dashboard, featuring larger dials for the Nissan Vehicle Information Display drive computer (as seen on DUALIS), providing readouts of current fuel consumption, distance to empty, distance to oil change and warning messages, when required.

Upgraded seat trims, with new patterns and thicker materials are joined by additional silver highlights inside. Redesigned front seat backs allow an additional 10 mm of knee room for rear seat passengers without compromising comfort. Leather seat stitching has a more exclusive appearance.

Mechanical upgrade

Thanks to a number of detail changes, fuel consumption has been reduced across the range.

The 125 kW / 226 Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine now consumes 9.1-litres per 100km in both manual and CVT guises (9.3/9.5 l/100km previously) and is Euro IV compliant.

The 127 kW / 360 Nm (110 kW / 320 Nm in auto) 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine now returns 7.2 l/100km in manual and 7.4 l/100km in 6-speed automatic transmission guise (7.5/8.1 l/100km previously).

For the six-speed automatic transmission fitted to the diesel TS and TL variants, a technology upgrade allows a reduction in fuel use at idle.

This is achieved by the transmission, when stationary in drive mode, shifting into a near neutral setting, reducing engine load. Another benefit is a reduction in idle vibration.

Further, the high efficiency drive train reduces transmission oil friction by optimizing flow through the gearbox. These changes mean the Nissan X-TRAIL diesel will be quieter, smoother and more economical to run.

Models equipped with either the updated automatic gearbox or Continuously Variable Transmission also gain a recalibrated Advanced Hill Descent Control system. This allows the driver to control the speed of descent, either by applying the brake or the throttle during descent, within a speed range of 4km/h to 15km/h.

Improved aerodynamics (including underbody cladding) cuts the drag coefficient to 0.35 and, combined with weight-saving casting technology making the 18-inch alloy wheels lighter, help
reduce fuel consumption and emissions still more.

The new 17-inch alloy wheels for the ST-L and TS variants are now wider, moving from 17 x 6.5J to 17 x 7J, fitted with 225/60 R17 tyres (up from 215/60 R 17).

For the Ti and TL models, the standard 18-inch alloy wheels now wear 225/55 R18 tyres instead of the previous 215/55 R18 size.

The newly enhanced Nissan X-TRAIL range arrives in dealerships across Australia in September 2010. Manufacturer’s List Pricing for most models has been reduced, by up to $1750 building unrivalled value for compact SUV prospects.

Nissan X-TRAIL upgrade September 2010

Model VARIANT New RRP Change:

- X-TRAIL petrol ST Manual $31,990** -$1,000
- X-TRAIL petrol ST CVT $34,490** -$1,000
- X-TRAIL petrol ST-L CVT $38,490** -$1,750
- X-TRAIL petrol Ti CVT $44,490** -$500
- X-TRAIL diesel TS Manual $35,990** -$1,750
- X-TRAIL diesel TS Auto $38,240** -$1,750
- X-TRAIL diesel TL Manual $42,990** Unchanged
- X-TRAIL diesel TL Auto $45,240** Unchanged
**Pricing is RRP and does not include on road costs, metallic paint ($495) or dealer charges

Nissan X-TRAIL changes by Grade

All models

Exterior changes:
- Redesigned front bumper, front grille, headlights, taillights, front & rear overfender moulding.
- Revised fabric seat material, and brighter interior silver paint finishing
- New exterior colours of Tempest Blue, Brilliant Silver, Snow Storm and Burning Red join carry-over colours Flint, Diamond Black, Twilight, and Precision Grey
- Telescopic steering column
- Glove box heating/cooling
- Advanced Hill Descent Control on auto and CVT models
- Rear knee room improvement
- Enhanced drive computer

ST (petrol)
- Additional standard equipment
- Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
- Steering wheel w/ audio & phone controls
- 6CD changer
- Cargo Cover hooks (for optional Cargo Cover)

TS (diesel)
- Leather steering wheel
- Leather shift knob & park brake lever

ST-L & TS
- Rear cargo blind
- Revised 17-inch alloy wheels
- 225/60 R17 tyres


Ti (petrol) and TL (diesel)
- Xenon Headlights with washers
- Rain sensing wipers
- Auto headlights
- Intelligent Key
- Wider 225/55 R18 tyres
- Rear cargo blind

Note: manual transmission ST-L and Ti petrol models have been discontinued.

Return to News Page

 
 
 
Copyright (c) 2008 The 4wd Zone, All Rights Reserved