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All-new Nissan X-Trail reinvents compact SUV [Saudi Gazette, The](Saudi Gazette, The Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nissan has launched its all-new X-Trail in the Middle East. The new compact SUV is already available at all Nissan dealerships across the region. Muscular, modern and packed with technology, the new Nissan X-Trail originally made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Building upon Nissan's respected 4x4 heritage and benefiting from the company's crossover leadership the new X-Trail re-defines the compact SUV segment. 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. Speaking at the occasion, Samir Cherfan, Managing Director at Nissan Middle East, said: "The 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". As a high-volume global growth product, built on the new jointly-developed Nissan/Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform architecture, the 2015 X-Trail is projected to be available in 190 countries around the world with ambition to sell over 500,000 units per year. Samir Cherfan added: "In the Middle East the new Nissan X-Trail will replace both the previous model and the Nissan Qashqai. Together the Qashqai and the previous X-Trail model sold around 4,500 units last year. In our region, we expect that the new X-Trail will resonate well with our consumers and with an estimate sales target of 10,000 units per year." "We are very excited with the introduction of the All-New X-Trail which redefines the category in premiumness, comfort and technology" said Katib Belkhodja, Brand Manager for SUV & Cross-Over at Nissan Middle East. "We are confident that the New X-Trail is equipped to replicate the same success story than Patrol in its category." New X-Trail will be one of the most advanced cars on the road. Fully connected, the X-Trail is equipped with the latest generation NissanConnect in-car navigation, information and entertainment system. Drivers will also benefit from a comprehensive suite of assistance features that make up the X-Trail's Nissan Safety Shield system. New NissanConnect is one of the foremost examples of Nissan's engineering innovation. In its latest form, NissanConnect has evolved to offer Smartphone connectivity, to keep owners connected to the outside world wherever their journey takes them. With access to a projected range of apps covering music, social networking and 7-inch colour touch screen, the new NissanConnect is the perfect fit for new X-Trail. The system includes Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone integration as well as Aux-in and USB slots. In addition to mobile phone integration, the system also includes Bluetooth audio streaming. The driver also benefits from one of the most advanced meter displays developed. Featuring a 5 inch TFT colour display incorporating several graphic displays accessible on rotation, offering advice and warnings covering such things as; average and actual speeds, navigation turn-by-turn instructions, audio content, eco driving advice and torque distribution settings in 4WD mode. The design brief behind the new X-Trail was to blend the sleek and stylish lines of a modern crossover with the robust appeal of a typical SUV. In place of the rugged, squared off lines of the previous generation, the X-Trail has a premium and dynamic appearance. Sculptured muscular lines create a distinctive silhouette framed by elegant curves and high wheel arches. Its features include a number of Nissan signature cues such as the 'boomerang' rear lights, structured headlights with LED daytime running lamps and the characteristic D-pillar shape. LED headlights, for both high and low beams, are standard on high grade models while 18-inch alloy wheels also give new X-Trail an imposing look. Inside, premium features include chrome, geometric metallic and piano black finishes making the new interior look modern and refined. The use of high quality and soft touch materials, elements like double stitching on the door panel, seats and center armrest combined with a very classy design puts the new Nissan X-Trail in a league of its own. The spacious interior has theatre-style seating making every row higher than the row in front to increase the visibility of all passengers. The option of two extra seats to make room for seven inside is unique for the category. Practical touches include rear side doors that open to almost 80 degrees, far wider than normal, to allow both easy access and ease the loading and unloading of a child's safety seat. Middle row seat comfort has been improved thanks to extra knee room generated by the longer wheelbase and the new front seats having more heavily sculpted seat backs. The middle row seats recline and slide while, where fitted, the third row folds forward to increase luggage space. In addition, access to the luggage area has also been made as easy as possible with remote operation of the power tailgate. The result is a dynamic mix of progressive exterior styling with a spacious, functional and high quality interior. In keeping with the class leading standards set by the previous generation model, the new X-Trail adopts Nissan's advanced electronic four-wheel drive system, ALL MODE 4x4i. Controlled via a rotary switch on the center 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. Ready to exceed the expectations of compact SUV drivers, four electronic systems have been designed to make life with X-Trail more comfortable and even safer: two are world firsts and a third is currently found on the premium Infiniti Q70. The two world firsts are Active Ride Control and Active Engine Brake. Active Ride Control monitors the road surface to detect undulations. Active Engine Brake, meanwhile, harnesses the power and controllability of the Xtronic transmission to add a degree of engine braking while cornering or when decelerating to a standstill. The benefits are greater braking control and enhanced feel with less pedal effort. The third system, pioneered in the premium segment, is Active Trace Control. By using onboard sensors to monitor speed, steering angle, throttle opening and braking effort; Active Trace Control brakes wheels individually, as required, to reduce understeer and help the driver steer a safer path through bends: it is particularly effective on slippery, wet roads. Finally new X-Trail benefits from Uphill Start Support and Advance Hill Descent Control. During the X-Trail's development, refinement, environment and economy targets were to be best in-class. This has been achieved on all counts by reducing weight wherever possible, even though new X-Trail has a larger surface area than the previous model. The tailgate, for example, is largely plastic, saving seven kilograms. A great deal of attention has been paid to the car's aerodynamics with carefully shaped door mirrors and even a spoiler that covers the exhaust box and rear panel. Engineering innovation will also allow the new X-Trail to lead its class in terms of engine efficiency thanks to downsizing. By reducing power sapping friction in its drivetrains, new X-Trail provides excellent performance from the latest generation of downsized engines, providing the pace of a bigger powerplant with the economy and emissions of a smaller one. - SG (c) 2014 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |