Built on the new, jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family (CMF) platform, the all-new X-Trail specifications have been announced for Europe and North American markets. We can expect it be launched in our market also, but this should take a while. Qashqai will be introduced before the X-Trail, if the company plans to get it.
Using new platform, Nissan's design team was able to take full advantage of the architecture's longer wheelbase and broader track. In keeping with Nissan's crossover design language, the all-new X-Trail places strong visual emphasis on the wheel areas, with the trademark large arches forming the cornerstones of the design. Combined with a dipping roofline, deeply sculpted flanks and rising window line, the new X-Trail fully exploits Nissan's crossover design DNA.
In terms of size, the all-new X-Trail is 17mm longer (4,643mm) than the previous generation model, and has a 76mm longer wheelbase that helps deliver more space inside. The new model is also 30mm wider and 5mm lower than the previous car and the ground clearance is maintained at 210mm.The new model is also 90kg lighter than the model it replaces. Ultra high strength steel now accounts for 49 per cent of the X-Trail's body construction, making the structure lighter and stronger than before.
Inside, the X-Trail offers a completely new environment for occupants. Designed from the very outset to include an optional seven-seat format, the cabin features a raked theatre seating layout and seven-seats means fulfilling the demands of Indian SUV buyer too. The X-Trail also showcases the NissanConnect system that offers smartphone integration and a host of innovations including several in-built apps.
The X-Trail engines have now been downsized as it is now powered by a four-cylinder dCi 130 powertrain that generates 320Nm of torque. In line with Nissan's approach to downsizing, the 1.6-litre unit produces same torque than the previous 2.0-litre dCi unit and is considerably more efficient and cleaner. By reducing power sapping friction in its drivetrains, all-new X-Trail provides excellent performance from the latest generation of downsized engines, providing the pace of a bigger powertrain with the economy and emissions of a smaller unit. A 1.6-litre DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine with 161bhp will be added to the range later in 2015.
Available in two and four-wheel-drive forms, the latter features Nissan's latest-generation ALL MODE 4x4-i transmission. These come coupled with Nissan's new Chassis Control system and Nissan Safety Shield.
Source : CarDekho
