IT’S a classic case of better late than never.
The launch of Nissan’s new X-Trail in October, 2007, was followed by a wave of inquiries for a diesel option.
After initially saying it could not make a business case for the oil-burner in Australia, the company finally succumbed to market pressures.
The backflip has heralded the arrival of X-Trail dCi, fitted with a refined 2.0 turbo-diesel engine developed with Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault.
Matched to a new 6-speed automatic, it produces 110Kw of power and 320Nm of torque, while the zippier 6-speed manual delivers 127kW and 360Nm.
There are generous levels of engine torque from a low 2000rpm while 90 per cent of peak torque is available from 1750rpm.
This is a real winner for X-Trail buyers, most of whom (80 per cent in latest research) say they will use the wagon for towing a boat or caravan.
Apart from offering impressive performance, these sophisticated new diesel options are highly fuel efficient with combined consumption figures of 7.4 litres per 100km for the manual and 8.1L/100km for the automatic.
The X-Trail diesel range includes two variants: the TS (based on the mid-range ST-L in the petrol), and top-shelf TL (Ti in the petrol).
The TS comes with a full complement of safety features, including front, side and curtain airbags, stability control (ESP), ABS brakes, seat-belt pretensioners and Nissan’s intelligent ALL MODE 4x4-i system which incorporates Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).
Other standard offerings include 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a 6-stack CD player, front fog lights and chrome door handles.
The top of the range diesel TL model adds power operated leather seats (that can be heated in winter), climate control air-conditioning and a generous sunroof.
Pricing starts at $36,990 for the TS manual and $38,990 for the 6-speed automatic. The top-shelf TL diesel is priced from $39,990 and $41,990 respectively for the manual and automatic equipped wagons.
Like its petrol stable mate, launched in late 2007, the diesel shares a number of clever improvements on the previous model.
These include greater off-road credentials, with the new 4x4 system that allows the wagon to be locked in 4WD at low speeds.
It also offers fuel savings by allowing the driver to flick a switch to 2WD when on bitumen. There also is the option of restricting the Nissan to a crawl for steep hill descents.
The 4x4-i system works in tandem with the other advanced on-board systems, such as Electronic Stability Program, (ESP), traction control, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
With approach and departure angles of 26 and 22 degrees, the wagon can handle its fair share of bush and beach work. Clearance of 200mm, which remains unchanged, is the only impediment to more serious action.
A three-way split rear seat provides plenty of flexibility to carry surfboards, fishing rods or big, hairy dogs.
Seats are comfortable and five people can be accommodated with a minimum of fuss.
The cabin is functional and pleasant without being plush.
Fortunately, the centrally-mounted instrument panel has been moved into a more conventional position in front of the driver.
There’s still the cup holders up front that are able to heat or cool drinks and now there’s two more for the rear-seat passengers.
For a compact SUV, the chunky looking X-Trail is still a fair lump of a thing, weighing almost 1700kg.
It is 175mm longer, 20mm wider and 11mm taller than its predecessor and the rear suspension has been tweaked to ensure less intrusion into the luggage area, creating more cargo room.
For its size, the Nissan handles nicely and is a great all-rounder, just as comfortable on the junior soccer run, heading to the shops, or cruising up the beach.
There is some body roll when it is pushed through tighter corners.
The X-Trail is already well regarded as a competent, versatile and reliable SUV and the arrival of diesel variants are sure to give sales a much-needed boost.
Nissan expects 40 per cent of X-Trail buyers to opt for a diesel with the majority of buyers going for the automatic. They won’t be disappointed.
Nissan X-TRAIL dCi TS
2.0L dCi diesel 127 kW, 360 Nm (manual)
2.0L dCi diesel 110 kW, 320 Nm (automatic)
Safety:
ALL MODE 4X4-I
VDC, HDC
Driver & Passenger Airbags
Side & Curtain Airbags
Cruise Control
ABS with EBD & BA
Features:
17-inch alloy Wheels
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Windows
Power Mirrors
Front & Rear Mudguards
Halogen Head Lamps
Security Alarm
Drive Computer
6-disc CD player with MP3
6 Speakers
2000 kg Towing (manual), 1350 kg (Automatic), with braked trailer
40:20:40 Split Rear Seats
Front Fog Lights
Chrome handles / Chrome Grille
Nissan X-TRAIL dCi TL:
As TS plus the following features:
Leather upholstery
Power Seats (6-way driver, 4-way front passenger)
Front Seat Heaters
Sunroof
Climate Control Air Conditioning
X-TRAIL Diesel pricing:
TS Manual $36,990
TS Automatic $38,990
TL Manual $39,990
TL Automatic $41,990