Of particular relevance for Australia at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Nissan unveiled the all-new X-TRAIL.
Looks are tremendous with lots of curves and a Murano-style front end with only vague cues to previous X-TRAIL designs. There’s the characteristic D-pillar but everywhere else the all-new X-TRAIL is highlighted by sleek and sculptured lines in place of the previous rugged boxiness.
At the front, premium models like the one displayed in Frankfurt run LED headlights and DRLs while the rear sees Nissan’s new ‘boomerang’ shape lights. Premium models will also feature the 19-inch alloy wheels as shown in Frankfurt.
Inside too, the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL has received an injection of glamour with metallic and gloss piano black highlights and available leather with contrast stitching. The ‘theatre-style’ seating arrangement continues but, significantly, a seven-seat model is available.
Infotainment systems are all-new with better connectivity and seven-inch colour touchscreen.
New X-TRAIL is more spacious and the second row seats slide and recline for extra comfort and cargo versatility. Another handy feature is wide-opening rear doors – up to 80-degrees. Families will also appreciate a slit-level cargo area so, for example, you can slide baby strollers or sporting equipment into the lower section and luggage etc can be accommodated in the top.
The car displayed in Frankfurt was the North American version (called the ‘Rogue’) and significantly, the X-TRAIL/Rogue is the Nissan brand debut of the Nissan/Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform architecture. Nissan will build the new models at nine of its plants around the world.
Drive is via the new version of Nissan’s competent ALL MODE 4X4i system controlled again via a rotary switch. Nissan says the all-new X-TRAIL will debut two world-firsts – Active Ride Control (monitors road condition to alter the damping as needed) and Active Engine Brake (adds engine braking via the Xtronic transmission when cornering or braking for extra stopping power).
There’s also Active Trace Control which can brake wheels individually to negate understeer.
Nissan will reveal the engine details and Australian plans closer to launch.
