It’s taken nearly eight years and two different models, but finally Nissan’s compact SUV gets some diesel power.
Nissan X-TRAIL is the reigning Australia’s Best Cars ‘Best Recreational 4WD’, and its credentials just improved even further with the existing 2.5-litre petrol engine now joined by a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel delivering 127kW of power (manual transmissions) or 110kW (automatic transmissions) and 360Nm of torque.
Nissan calls the diesel powerplant an ‘Alliance Engine’ – this means it was sourced from its partner company Renault.
Diesel X-TRAILs are badged dCi and are available in two model grades – TS priced from $36,990 for the six-speed manual version and $38,990 for the six-speed automatic and the premium TL which is priced from $39,990 for the six-speed manual and $41,990 for the six-speed automatic.
The X-TRAIL joins the Suzuki Grand Vitara as the only vehicles in the compact SUV segment to offer a diesel alternative.
“We are very excited that we are able to take advantage of the technological partnership with Renault and bring this very advanced, powerful and frugal engine to Australia in the X-TRAIL,” revealed Mr Dan Thompson, the Californian who is now Nissan Australia’s CEO.
After testing the X-TRAIL diesel lineup over a variety of sealed roads and off-road tracks during the media launch in Canberra, Car Showroom agrees with Mr Thompson – code-named M1D - this diesel engine is state-of-the-art and well-matched to Nissan’s compact SUV, delivering fuel economy as low as 7.4-litres per 100 km.
Of course the European new car market has been diesel-dominated for decades and as a major player, it should some as no surprise that Renault has some very competitive diesel powerplants. The real surprise is that it took so long to bring the engine Downunder, especially when not so long ago, Ross Booth - Nissan Australia’s marketing chief - point blank told the media that he could not make a marketing case to add a diesel engine to the X-TRAIL lineup. Rising fuel prices changed that scenario rapidly and Mr Booth welcomed his new diesel baby with open arms.
With common rail direct injection, four valves per-cylinder and turbocharging, the Nissan/Renault 2.0litre engine boats the very latest technology including common rail injection which injects fuel into the engine at very high pressure – in the X-TRAIL 1600 bar pressure – this delivers enhanced fuel economy and also reduced exhaust emissions.
The benefits of this state-of-the-art engineering are evident almost as soon as you touch the accelerator – 90 per cent of the peak torque is available from as low as 1750rpm, acceleration is brisk and smooth and the noise levels are pleasantly low – even at idle.
First launched in Australia in 2001 (the current model debuted in October last year) the X-TRAIL has been a popular choice with Australians with more than 75,000 sold here.
Nissan has consistently promoted the lifestyle attributes of its compact SUV and the company says the target market are ‘active lifestyle families of all ages’. A quick count of X-TRAILS lined-up outside schools at morning and afternoon peak hours confirms Nissan is right on the mark there.
Value-for-money has been one of the attractions of X-TRAIL models and the diesel members of the family continue that tradition. Standard features on both TS and TL models include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, six-stack CD sound system and Nissan’s intelligent all-mode 4x4-I system which incorporates Hill Start and Hill Descent control.
X-TRAIL has a four-star safety rating with standard items including front, side and curtain airbags, ESP stability control and ABS anti-lock brakes.
TL models diesels gain electric heated leather seats, climate control automatic air-conditioning and a massive sunroof.
Nissan expects the diesel models will account for 40 per cent of X-TRAIL sales and with local diesel SUV sales up by 42 per cent this year, the company is certain new customers will now consider the X-TRAIL.
