New X-Trail cements Nissan crossover leadership

• Third generation Nissan X-Trail expands Nissan crossover range
• All-new X-Trail wraps familiar driveability and off-road ability in stylish new crossover design
• SUV character traits continue as X-Trail hallmarks
• A five star Euro NCAP safety rating and advanced technology meet unique versatility
• Wide powertrain line-up diversifies X-Trail range to suit any lifestyle application

(Rosslyn, South Africa, October 2014) – The all-new Nissan X-Trail has joined the brand’s South African product line-up as the latest and greatest with true crossover appeal. The all-new, third-generation Nissan X-Trail retains the hallmarks of its forebears such as supreme driveability, generous off-road ability and all-terrain suitability, and features a brand new, super-modern crossover design.

“With the new Nissan X-Trail, we are embracing an even greater mix of SUV consumers,” comments Graeme Birch, General Manager of Marketing Communications at Nissan South Africa. “The SUV market is globally popular, and with increasing gravitation towards crossover vehicles which combine the dynamics and aesthetics of passenger and sports vehicles with the driving experience and off-road ability of an SUV, the new X-Trail fits perfectly above our JUKE and Qashqai crossover ranges.

“That being said, X-Trail has lost none of its go-anywhere attitude and embodies its pay-off line, ‘Keep up with your true self’. It also personifies our ‘Innovation that Excites’ brand philosophy by introducing ground-breaking new features and technology to the segment. Generous ground clearance, our industry-leading intelligent four-wheel drive technology and a selection of punchy engines means off-road driving is fun and exciting, while the heightened levels of ride comfort, interior luxury and generous specification levels position new X- Trail perfectly for a balanced lifestyle in and out of the city.”

Built for South Africa at the Nissan Kyushu Plant in Japan, the all-new X-Trail has already been bestowed with the United Kingdom’s 2014 What Car? Readers’ Choice Award. The all-new Nissan X-Trail arrives in South Africa as an eight-model range, including two-and four-wheel drivetrains, five or seven seats, petrol and diesel engine options as well as manual or Xtronic CVT transmissions.

Keep up with your true self

Completely new from the ground up, the X-Trail combines Nissan’s acclaimed 4x4 heritage with fresh ideas and technologies inspired by the brand’s ground-breaking crossover vehicles, initiated by the original Murano, bolstered by the original Qashqai and diversified more recently by the Juke. The new X-Trail, much in line with the pioneering work done by its crossover siblings, redefines the compact SUV segment.

The new X-Trail is built on the innovative, jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family (CMF) platform – which also underpins the new Qashqai – making it just as tough and accomplished as the outgoing model, while adding crossover style and efficiency, exciting design, innovative technology and exceptional comfort and practicality.

Nissan’s desire to make the new X-Trail the most comprehensive offering in its segment provided the driving force behind the new vehicle’s bold design, which revolves around Nissan’s latest design language – allowing the new X-Trail to fit perfectly into the brand’s vision of modern crossover styling with a striking new look.

Design

A smooth and muscular body, which combines the strength and spirit of adventure with organic shapes and flowing lines, represents a departure from the more rugged previous-generation X-Trail and presents a more all-encompassing, aspirational vehicle.

Elegant yet sporty, the new X-Trail integrates a host of new design features inside and out, including a bold new visage with new signature daytime running lights on all models, as well as a definitive new rear design with familiar ‘boomerang’ light clusters and a characteristic D-pillar which provides a strong visual link to Juke and Qashqai.

Thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track afforded by the CMF, the freedom to design a more expansive body allowed designers to fully integrate Nissan’s latest crossover design language with strong emphasis on the wheel areas and the integration of a sloping roofline, sculpted flanks and a rising window line – all while maintaining the robust appeal of a medium SUV and without compromising off-road ability – ground clearance has increased by 6 mm despite a lower overall height (decreased by 5 mm).

Body construction comprises a mix of materials, of which 49% is ultra-high strength steel to ensure a stronger and safer vehicle. Combined with the advanced use of composites like plastic for the tailgate and material thickness optimisation for the front and rear bumpers, new X-Trail is 90 kg lighter overall than the outgoing model.

The all-new interior features a fresh, stylish design with driver-centric ergonomics and an overriding sense of space – thanks largely to a longer overall length (up by 5 mm), a wider body (increased by 30 mm) and a 75 mm-longer wheelbase. Designed from the outset to provide for seven-seat derivatives with a theatre seating layout to ensure great outward visibility for all occupants, interior roominess and versatility are even more prominent in the new X-Trail. Each seat has also been individually designed to be as comfortable and practical as possible.

Interior ambience is further heightened with the use of premium materials like chrome detailing and model-specific leather surfacing with contrasting stitching for enhanced visual appeal. A model-specific sunroof with electric sliding and tilting also enhances the driving experience by bathing the classy new interior with natural light and fresh air.

A split-level dashboard design has been implemented to ensure easy navigation of controls, with a gently-raised centre console featuring infotainment and ventilation controls geared towards keeping the driver’s attention on the road. Redesigned dials which house a new 5-inch colour Advanced Drive-Assist Display also have driving safety in mind, relaying important information to the driver without the need to unnecessarily divert attention away from the road.

Extra attention has also been paid to driver and passenger touch-points, resulting in door arm rest and centre console padding which is eight times thicker than segment competitors for maximum comfort. Similarly, practical usage was considered in other design aspects like the centre armrest storage box which is big enough to swallow a 10-inch tablet.

The X-Trail also sets new standards for rear seat access with doors which open to 80-degrees and an intelligent and easily operable second-row folding mechanism. Forming part of the EZ Flex seating system, the second row of seats also features legroom adjustment and reclining backrests for a combination of adjustable versatility and ultimate comfort. Rear seat legroom is further enhanced by sculpted front seatbacks.

In seven-seat models, the rearmost seats fold completely flat into the floor to provide a practical loading space – from 135 to 1 310 litres. Five-seat derivatives offer between 550 and 1 405 litres of cargo space.

Pioneering versatility seen in the previous Nissan X-Trail continues in the all-new model, with even more smart storage solutions available for ultimate adaptability. In five-seat versions, a double load floor provides for variable and flexible boot space. A model-specific powered tailgate further adds to the new X-Trail’s inherent versatility and ease of use, with sensors for touch-free operation.

All-new in-car technology abounds mostly notably with the availability of model-specific NissanConnect, Nissan’s new-generation infotainment system which includes smartphone integration, downloadable app support and other value-adding extras like satellite navigation and a fully-compatible entertainment setup via a seven-inch touch screen interface.

Engines and drivetrain

Enhancing the ownership experience and giving the new Nissan X-Trail a greater all-rounder personality, a raft of engine, transmission and drivetrain configurations are available in South Africa. With a brief to retain the previous model’s famed off-road ability while improving fuel economy and lowering emissions, Nissan’s engineers have presented one of the most accomplished power and drivetrains in the segment.

Diesel models

Headlining the engine line-up, four new X-Trail derivatives – in XE, SE and LE specification – are available with an all-new 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine which produces 96 kW at 4 000 rpm and a scintillating 320 Nm just 1 750 rpm, allowing for ultimate driveability on and off-road. Coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox and with the choice of two or four-wheel drive, the Euro 5-compliant engine realises carbon emissions as little as 134 g/km and combined-cycle fuel economy as low as 5.3-litres per 100 km.

Resultant performance is admirable – the 0-100 km/h dash is completed in as little as 10.5 seconds in the X-Trail 1.6dCi XE, with particularly impressive in-gear acceleration on all diesel models. Developed in co-operation with Alliance partner Renault, this diesel engine is one of the most advanced in the segment, with a host of technical innovations designed to maximise fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Among these are a cold-loop, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system which recycles exhaust gases at lower temperatures to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide. Optimised thermal management allows the engine to reach optimal operating temperature more quickly, which in turn reduces friction losses when starting from cold and reduces fuel consumption in the process.

Various aerodynamic aids go further to reducing fuel consumption as well, like the aero-friendly door mirrors and a flat panel beneath the exhaust assembly. Idle start/stop technology is also included to further reduce fuel consumption.

Petrol models

Complementing the 1.6dCi models, two 2.5 SE derivatives are available exclusively with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), four-wheel drive and either five or seven seats. Power from this normally-aspirated multi-point injection petrol engine is 126 kW at 6 000 rpm, with torque of at 233 Nm peaking at 4 000 rpm.

Exclusive to Nissan, Xtronic differs from conventional CVT automatic transmissions in that it mimics the behaviour of traditional multi-ratio automatic gearboxes under hard acceleration with virtual stepped changes. Under more gentle conditions, ratios are adjusted for ultimate smoothness – the overall results being the best of both worlds for drivers, with smooth low-load power delivery and sharp, direct performance during higher acceleration driving.

The range is rounded off by two entry-level 2.0 XE models, each powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection normally aspirated petrol engine which produces 106 kW at 6 000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4 400 rpm. The 2.0-litre derivatives are available with either five or seven seats, and exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Fuel economy on all petrol derivatives remains impressive, with the average combined cycle returning 8.3-litres per 100 km. Carbon emissions are 197 g/km for all models.

ALL-MODE 4x4i and Nissan Chassis Control Technologies

Available in the new X-Trail 2.5 SE 4WD, 1.6dCi SE 4WD and 1.6dCi LE 4WD models, Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4i system continues the class-leading off-road standards set by the previous-generation model. ALL-MODE 4x4i provides three driving modes, selectable via a rotary knob on the centre console – 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock.

In Auto mode which is activated by default, constant monitoring of throttle position, engine speed and torque distribution, to anticipate wheel spin, dictates when the system seamlessly distributes torque between the front and rear axles as needed, at speeds up to 80 km/h. Above 80 km/h, the system reacts to wheel spin and shifts torque rearwards to regain traction. When switched into 4WD Lock mode, four-wheel drive is permanently engaged for definitive grip and traction.

ALL-MODE 4x4i also incorporates ABLS – Active Brake Limited Slip. Assuming the role of a conventional limited-slip differential, ABLS redirects power to the driven wheels which have the most traction, using ABS wheel-speed sensors to detect a loss of traction on one or more of the driven wheels, applying braking force to the affected wheel or wheels to help slow them down.

Five chassis control systems are also implemented in the new X-Trail which provide dynamic assistance both on and off-road, including Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake, Active Trace Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

Active Ride Control, fitted to all models, monitors the road surface to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the vehicle’s body and alters damping to compensate. Meanwhile, Active Engine Brake, fitted to both Xtronic derivatives, harnesses the power and controllability of Xtronic to add a degree of engine braking while cornering or decelerating to a standstill. The benefits include greater braking control and enhanced pedal feel, with less braking effort required.

Active Trace Control, fitted to all models, uses on-board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle position and braking effort, to individually brake wheels as required to reduce understeer and assist the driver in steering a safer path through bends – particularly effective on slippery roads.

Hill Start Assist uses the new X-Trail’s traction control system to detect an incline start, applying the brakes to all four wheels to allow for a smooth hill start without rolling backwards. Hill Start Assist activation is indicated in the Advanced Drive-Assist Display.

Ensuring the safe and careful descent of downhill slopes, Hill Descent Control utilises wheel speed sensors and ABS to regulate the speed at which the new X-Trail descends, upon driver activation.

Luxurious features and top safety equipment for all models

In keeping with the more upmarket and luxurious feel of the new Nissan X-Trail, all models feature high levels of standard equipment.

Entry-level trim fitted to the four XE models includes a rear spoiler, a rake and reach-adjustable steering column, electric windows all-round, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, cloth upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, four cup- and four bottle holders (heated and cooled in the centre console), manual air conditioning, a fully compatible audio system with radio, CD, MP3/WMA, USB and auxiliary input linked to four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, a sunglasses holder, cruise control, daytime running lights, electrically adjustable and folding colour-coded side mirrors, chrome-plated door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Ride Control and Active Trace Control, an electronic parking brake. Seven-seat models include the EZ Flex seating system, a rear-only luggage partition with tonneau cover and an extra two cup holders. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels and roof rails with a brushed metal finish are the only available options on XE models.

The three SE 4WD derivatives add to XE specifications with the likes of ALL-MODE 4x4i, an eco-mode driving switch which promotes economical driving, automatic headlight and wiper systems, front fog lamps with chrome detailing, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, dual-zone automatic climate control, six speakers, Hill Descent Control, Active Engine Brake on Xtronic models, roof rails with a brushed metal finish and idle start/stop technology on diesel models only.

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels and the TECHNO Pack are optional, along with individual options like low-cost satellite navigation side and rear collision warning systems.

The range-topping 1.6 dCi LE 4WD includes 18-inch wheels and the powered sunroof as standard, along with the powered tailgate with no-touch sensors, LED headlights, an intelligent key for keyless access and starting, leather upholstery, powered front seats and rear seat personal lighting. The TECHNO Pack is also available as an option on the LE.

TECHNO Pack

Available as an option on SE and LE derivatives, the TECHNO Pack includes a host of technology upgrades geared at improving vehicle enjoyment and providing additional levels of safety. The TECHNO Pack comprises the NissanConnect system which incorporates satellite navigation on a 7-inch touch screen, heated door mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels on SE models, as well as the Nissan Safety Shield which incorporates a number of class-leading added safety features.

Safety equipment

Conforming to Nissan’s high safety standards, the new X-Trail is available with no compromise on safety features across the range and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard equipment on all models includes six airbags, three-point seat belts for all occupants, ABS with EBD and BAS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors. All X-Trail models also feature remote central locking with auto-locking doors.

The Nissan Safety Shield, which forms part of the optional TECHNO Pack, includes advanced safety features such as the Around View Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection.

Around View Monitor employs four cameras on the sides, at the front and at the rear of the new X-Trail to provide a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings to make parking exceptionally easy and safer. Moving Object Detection takes this parking safety to an even higher level, combining Around View Monitor visuals with the front and rear parking sensors to detect potentially-unseen moving objects such as children or animals while parking. The system is made particularly effective thanks to the fisheye lens fitted to the new X-Trail’s tailgate, which allows for 180-degree rearward visibility.

Lane Departure Warning uses advanced computer programming to detect road markings and assess whether the vehicle is moving out of its lane unintentionally, upon which a warning is given.

Blind Spot Warning extends the functionality of the Around View Monitor, using the side-mounted cameras to detect vehicles in the vehicle’s blind spots. When vehicles are detected, a discreet warning light illuminates in the relevant door mirror. If the driver then indicates to change lanes when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the light flashes and an audible warning is activated.

Comprehensive service plans and warranties

All new Nissan X-Trail models come standard with Nissan’s new class-leading 6-year / 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan which includes roadside assistance as standard.

All-new Nissan X-Trail	Retail price incl. VAT
2.0 XE 6MT	R 327 700
2.0 XE 6MT (7 seats)	R 334 100
2.5 SE Xtronic 4WD	R 364 200
2.5 SE Xtronic 4WD (7-seat)	R 370 600
1.6dCi XE 6MT	R 351 000
1.6dCi XE 6MT (7-seat)	R 357 400
1.6dCi SE 6MT 4WD	R 388 300
1.6dCi LE 6MT 4WD	R 473 600