The Crittenden Automotive Library

The New Nissan X-Trail

Topics: Nissan X-Trail

The New Nissan X-Trail

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
September 11, 2013

Muscular, modern and packed with technology, the new Nissan X-Trail has made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Building on Nissan's respected 4x4 heritage but adding world-leading crossover know-how, the new X-Trail re-defines the compact SUV segment, according to the Company.

The US version, called, rather butchly, the Nissan Rogue, made its world debut yesterday. As a high-volume global growth product built on the new jointly-developed Nissan/Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform architecture, it is projected to be available in 190 countries around the world.

At the same time as enhancing its predecessor's go-anywhere credibility, new X-Trail takes inspiration from Nissan's market-leading crossovers - Qashqai, Juke and Murano - to create the ultimate, all weather, highly capable, modern family vehicle.

New X-Trail is just as tough and accomplished as the previous generation model, but adds crossover style and efficiency, exciting design, innovative technology and exceptional comfort to set a new benchmark in the fiercely competitive C-SUV market. A hugely important car for Nissan, X-Trail will be built at nine different manufacturing sites around the world for a vast array of markets, with other market versions also revealed today. After its global reveal, new X-Trail will be launched in the first quarter of 2014 with worldwide sales starting in July 2014. Globally, its predecessor was one of the company's biggest selling vehicles and the new version is expected to make a significant contribution to Nissan Power 88, the company's mid-term business plan covering fiscal years 2011-2016.

In keeping with the class leading standards set by the previous generation model, new X-Trail adopts Nissan's advanced electronic four-wheel drive system, ALL MODE 4x4i. Controlled via a rotary switch on the centre console, it offers a choice between two-wheel drive, Auto mode or Lock offering permanent four-wheel drive. In the ‘default' Auto mode, the system constantly monitors throttle opening, engine speed and torque to anticipate wheel spin and to distribute torque between front and rear axles as needed, at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Above that speed, the system reacts to wheel spin, again shifting drive rearwards to restore traction as required. For tricky conditions and at low speeds, Lock gives new X-Trail permanent four-wheel drive, while drivers also have the option of a two-wheel drive only version and the usual array of high-tech gadgetry.

The X-Trail is hugely popular in the UK and this new model will do nothing to diminish its fan base.