More spec for Nissan’s X-Trail

NISSAN has thrown a range of extra standard features into its X-Trail compact SUV range, but pricing remains the same – at least at base level.

Change is limited to the addition of an iPod jack on the entry-level X-Trail ST petrol, which continues to be priced from $32,990 plus dealer delivery and statutory charges.

The entry-level diesel X-Trail TS also continues to be priced from $37,740, but gains the iPod jack, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and rear privacy glass as standard.

The mid-range X-Trail ST-L petrol increases in price by $1000 (now $37,740 for the six-speed manual and $40,240 for the CVT auto), but comes standard with full leather trim, powered and heated front seats, steering wheel audio controls, privacy glass, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and an iPod jack.

The flagship Ti petrol and TL diesel models now comes with standard satellite-navigation, a reversing camera with seven-inch LCD touch-¬screen colour display and iPod-USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

In addition, the Ti gains DVD compatibility for its CD player (which was already standard in the TL), while both top-shelf variants add privacy glass and new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Both the Ti and TL increase in price by $2000, giving manual versions of the flagship X-Trail petrol a pricetag of $42,490 – $42,990 for the flagship X-Trail diesel manual.

To date, Nissan says it has sold nearly 90,000 examples of the X-Trail in Australia, where sales are down almost 24 per cent so far in 2009.

Nissan’s Japanese-built X-Trail once vied with Toyota’s evergreen RAV4 as Australia’s top-selling compact SUV, but its market share has slipped from 11.6 per cent in 2008 to 9.2 per cent this year – though it still ranks as the fourth best-seller.

“The Nissan X-Trail is an outstanding all-¬rounder,” said Nissan Australia CEO Dan Thompson. “It provides authentic SUV performance on any surface, has plenty of room to stow your sports adventure gear and its choice of petrol or diesel engines means there’s a model to suit all compact SUV customers.

“With this latest update we have added even more value. Our diesel models were a response to consumer demand and continue to represent outstanding value for money. “They also strike the right note with buyers who are interested in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

“The improved specification package will make the Nissan X-Trail the first choice for those who want a well-¬specified, comfortable and sporty compact SUV which has shown its pedigree over the years and continues to improve.

“The ST-L model in particular gives us a lead over our rivals with its now standard leather seat trim and heated, electrically adjustable front seats.”