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04/11/2010, 17:02
By MURRAY HUBBARD
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Nissan's popular X-Trail has been given a mid-life facelift resulting in slightly improved economy along with six of the eight models in the range having prices reduced by up to $1750. X-Trail has found a loyal following as a compact four-cylinder family wagon with almost 100,000 units bought by Australians since the model was introduced in 1991.
Nissan has improved X-Trail's weight and aerodynamics to further improve economy, a necessity in the current race by all manufacturers for lower emissions and longer stops between refuelling in most new models and mid-life upgrades of existing vehicles.
To add to X-Trail's appeal Nissan also spruced up the exterior to give the car a more sporty appearance, highlighted by a definitive `X' theme to the grille, which now has theming links to Nissan's larger 4WD models, Navara and Patrol. There's also a new headlight design with clearer Xenon lights on Ti petrol and TL diesel models. At the rear a new LED tail light cluster has been incorporated on all models, to improve visibility.
X-Trail is now slightly longer overall due to a new front bumper and 10mm higher and higher thanks to a new standard wheel and tyre combination. Top-of-the-line Ti and TL models gain Nissan's intelligent key for keyless engine start-stop, auto lights and rains-sensing wipers, and there's a factory rear cargo security blind.
For many drivers the driving position can now be improved with telescopic adjustment for the steering column across all models while Bluetooth hands free telephone system has been upgraded with controls now steering-wheel mounted. X-Trail has also gone back to the future with Nissan recalling the heated and cooled glove box, a popular feature of the original X-Trail.
The instrument cluster has also been upgraded and now features a Dualis-style Nissan Vehicle Information Display drive computer that gives read-outs on current fuel consumption, distance to empty, distance to oil change and warning messages, if required. Interior trim grades have been upgraded with new patterns and thicker materials. The front seat backs have also been re-designed to add an extra 10mm of knee room for rear seat passengers.
Economy has been improved by a combination of factors across the range. The 125 kW, 2.5 litre petrol engine now uses 9.1 litres/100 km in manual and auto CVT transmissions, down from 9.3/9.5 litres/100 km previously. The 127 kW 2.0 litre turbo diesel now boasts 7.2 litres/100 km in manual and 7.4 litres/100 in six speed auto transmission down from 7.5/8.1 litres/100 previously. Part of this has been achieved by the six speed automatic, when in stationary drive mode, shifting into a near neutral setting, reducing engine load. This also reduces transmission oil friction by improving oil flow through the gearbox.
Aerodynamics have been improved by the addition of underbody cladding to reduce the drag co-efficient to 0.35 and along with lighter wheels assist to improve economy.
X-TRAIL MODELS AND PRICING*
Petrol ST manual $31,990 (down $1000)
Petrol ST CVT $34,490 (down $1000)
Petrol ST-L CVT $38,490 (down $1750)
Petrol Ti CVT $44,490 (down $500)
Diesel TS manual $35,990 (down $1750)
Diesel TS Auto $38,240 (down $1750)
Diesel TL manual $42,990 unchanged
Diesel TL Auto $45,240 unchanged |
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