New Nissan X-Trail revealed
* Five and seven-seat options * Showcases new design language * Two- and four-wheel drive; on sale July 2014...
Nissan has unveiled its new Nissan X-Trail, which will go on sale next July.
The new car will be available as a five- or seven-seater (the latter replaces the Qashqai+2), with two- or four-wheel drive. It will also include useful touches such as rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees for easier access to the middle row of seats, which slide and recline.
The design of the X-Trail will filter down to many of the company’s other new models, including the new Qashqai and the forthcoming family hatchback that will rival the likes of the Ford Focus.
The engine line-up has yet to be revealed, but Nissan executive vice-president Andy Palmer told What Car? that the X-Trail 'would feature more powerful, smaller engines'.
The current Nissan X-Trail offers only a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, so we can expect to see the 1.5- and 1.6-litre turbodiesels from the Qashqai appearing in the new X-Trail. A new CVT gearbox, which Palmer claims 'feels like a twin-clutch automatic', will also feature on the X-Trail.
Cabin quality has been a focal point in the model’s development, so there are liberal applications of gloss plastics, soft-touch fabrics and a new ‘Nissan Connect’ touch-screen. The system incorporates online functionality for apps such as Facebook and Tripadvisor, as well as new sat-nav and audio functions. A full-length glass panoramic roof will also be an option.
Vicky Parrott
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