It's happy X-Trails for Nissan

NISSAN has achieved compact SUV market leadership Down Under in just two years, and a comprehensively upgraded and realigned Series II X-Trail range shows the rejuvenated Japanese maker has no intention of losing the popular off-roader’s top-selling mantle easily in 2004.

Since going on sale here in October 2001, X-Trail has exceeded Nissan’s own sales forecasts to make Australia one of the world’s biggest markets for the model.

Now Nissan has shown it is serious about selling another bumper crop of 12,000 examples in 2004 by addressing a number of customer concerns with a better value Series II model.

On sale this week, X-Trail Series II’s biggest change is an upgraded interior, dominated by a new dashboard with redesigned centre cluster, a secondary glovebox that accommodates CDs, a new driver’s air vent directly behind the steering wheel, a new all mode 4x4 switch to replace the current button, chilled front side cupholders and a multi-function in-dash heat/coolbox.

Other interior additions, to be offered as standard across the revised range, include a new leather steering wheel, foldaway rear cupholders behind the front seats, active front head restraints, an external temperature gauge, cargo access via a new rear armrest, three-point centre rear seatbelt and different seat trims.

The Series II changes are more subtle externally, with a revised grille and bumper, plus different rear combination lighting the main changes.

A new DVD-based Nissan Rear Seat Entertainment system (like Maxima, offering infrared remote control and headphones, but with a larger eight-inch screen and front-mounted stacker) will also be offered, at a cost of $2500.

The realigned X-Trail range continues to open with the entry level ST model, which for the same price gains cruise control, leather steering wheel and seat trim, and bolstering from the Ti.

Also for the same money, the Ti now features new 16-inch wheels, new front foglights, drilled alloy pedals and climate control dials from the 350Z.

The X-Trail specification previously badged as the Ti-L will now be known as the Sunroof Pack, which for an extra $500 includes all Ti upgrades plus power front seats.

A new and additional flagship model continuing the Ti-L name will feature leather trim, power front seats and rear entertainment system as standard, for a range-topping $39,990 – the same price as the entry level Maxima. Auto versions continue with a $2000 premium.

Nissan expects the realigned X-Trail Series II range will continue to sell between 1000 and 1200 units per month in 2004 and at least 12,000 units overall, largely as primary vehicles to males (60 per ccnt, married people (85 per cent) and families (50 per cent).

2004 X-Trail Series II line-up
X-Trail ST $31,990
X-Trail Ti $35,990
X-Trail Ti-L Sunroof Pack $38,490
X-Trail Ti-L NRSE Pack $39,990