Following the launch of the new Nissan X-TRAIL in April this year, Nissan is now introducing a line-up of diesel options in South Africa. Having already launched five petrol units the additional five diesel models on offer will see consumers spoilt for choice when considering the new X-TRAIL.

Excellent performance for Nissan X-Trail Diesel models

Nissan’s X-trail Product Manager, Ross Garvie, said the new diesel has all the attributes to further enhance the reputation of the X-TRAIL as a class-leader in its segment.

“The new diesel engines offer impressive performance in both manual and automatic configurations and will further reinforce the overall strength of the X-TRAIL range as an extremely capable and compact SUV,” says Garvie.

Nissan will offer five variants all featuring a 2.0-litre diesel powerplant. Consumers will be able to select between models offering 4×2 or 4×4 platforms, manual or automatic transmissions and various specification levels.

Exhilarating performance is compliments of the advanced new 2.0-litre common rail direct injection powerplant. The turbocharged, 16-valve four-cylinder unit produces 110kW of power and offers a torque peak of 320Nm from a low 2 000rpm. To assist towing and more demanding off-road occasions, 90% of peak torque is available from 1 750rpm.

Apart from offering impressive performance the sophisticated new diesel offering is remarkably fuel efficient. The manual 4X2 models have a combined consumption figure of just 6.9l/100km while the 4×4 manual records 7.2l/100km and the 4×4 automatic 8.1l/100km on the combined cycle. These high levels of efficiency are the result of better combustion quality and an optimum air-fuel mix – all thanks to the high-pressure injection system and 4-valve per cylinder layout.

Class-leading levels of refinement are hallmarks of this cutting-edge diesel mill. With much focus given to the improvement of NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, the new 2.0-litre engine features numerous engineering advances. Key technologies include centre-mounted balancer shafts and a pendulum engine mounting to reduce vibrations. Acoustic noise levels are greatly reduced by the application of an Acoustic Path Length intake manifold, ensuring that the intake ports of each cylinder are of equal length.

Air conditioning and front and rear power windows are standard across the range, while Bluetooth® mobile phone connectivity is available on specific models. The new diesel Nissan X-TRAIL will be available in three specification grades. XE (entry level) will be offered on the 4×2 models while the 4×4 models will be available in either SE (middle specification) or LE (top specification) grades.

Interior features

The new Nissan X-TRAIL was introduced earlier this year with maximised interior space and a high quality interior with strong attention to detail. Soft-touch materials feature on all touch points, while grained and flocked surfaces in contrasting shades are used throughout the cabin. Depending on trim level, instrument surrounds and other features are trimmed in silver or titanium colours.

A large centrally-mounted dash-top storage box is deep enough to house 10CD cases, while the vast 15.7-litre glove box has a dedicated section for the owner’s manual. The Nissan X-TRAIL features six cup holders throughout the cabin, four of which can be chilled or heated as desired.

The most versatile aspect of the new Nissan X-TRAIL is the trunk, which offers 603-litres of space with the rear seats in place. The double deck layout of the trunk sees a sliding drawer hidden under the floor. The drawer’s partition walls can be placed in a number of different configurations or removed all together as desired. The floor of the drawer can also be removed resulting in a deeper, wider trunk.

The rear seats recline for maximum passenger comfort and also fold flat to increase load space. Instead of a conventional 60/40 split fold, the new X-TRAIL has a 40/20/40 folding system, to increase flexibility.

All Mode 4×4

The 4×4 variants will feature X-TRAIL’s highly regarded ALL MODE 4X4 electronic all-wheel drive system. The easy to operate system allows the driver to select from three modes (2WD, AUTO, LOCK) using a rotary knob on the centre console.

An electronically controlled coupling distributed the required torque to the front and rear axles in accordance with the driver’s selection. 2WD mode is used in normal tar driving conditions and offers excellent on-road performance and fuel economy.

AUTO mode is used on gravel or slippery surfaces while LOCK mode, is used at low speed and locks the centre clutch for full-time 4WD operation, with a distribution ratio of 50:50 (front/rear).

In addition to this, high specification 4×4 models are fitted with the latest ‘intelligent’ all wheel drive system, designated ALL MODE 4x4i. Amongst the highlights of ALL MODE 4x4i are HSA (Hill Start Assist) and HDC (Hill Decent Control). HSA is a fully automatic system that activated on any slope that exceeds a 10 degree incline.

HDC is operated via a switch on the centre console and engages when ALL MODE is in lock mode. HDC uses the anti-lock brakes to maintain a speed of 6.5km/h, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. Like HSA, the system also works when the vehicle in reverse.

The ALL MODE 4X4i system also features Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which improves the vehicle’s handling and help to ensure the driver remains in control.

Safety Features

Ventilated disc brakes all round are enhanced by the latest generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) together with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as well as Nissans’ unique traction control system – Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) on the high grade models.

The Nissan X-TRAIL boasts six airbags, including dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, thorax side airbags and full-length curtain airbags on both sides to provide extra protection in case of a side impact. Active headrests limit load movement in the instance of a rear collision, helping to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.

The complete package

The Nissan X-TRAIL comes with a 3 year/ 100,000km warranty as well as a 3 year/ 90 000km service plan with service intervals stationed at 15 000kms.

The Nissan X-TRAIL has been a strong contender in the SUV market for many years. When we introduced new X-TRAIL earlier this year we took the product to a new level which will now be further strengthened by the introduction of the diesel offerings,” concludes Garvie

New Nissan X-Trail – Price

Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 XE 4×2 6M/T: R279,990

Nissan X-TRAIL2.0 SE 4×4 6M/T: R343,990

Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 SE 4×4 6A/T: R359,990

Nissan X-TRAIL2.0 LE 4×4-i 6M/T: R372,990

Nissan X-TRAIL 2.0 LE 4×4-i 6A/T: R388,990

The above vehicles include a 3 Year / 90,000km service plan as well as 3 Year / 100,000km warranty.