The production Nissan X-TRAIL SUV debuts exciting new technologies and engines in a compact 4X4 - a fitting celebration of 50 years of 4X4 production.

This challenging 4X4 is engineered to appeal to customers who are either young or young at heart.

With highly sophisticated on-road ride comes real off-road ability, supported

by class-leading integrated safety and electronic dynamic technology making the

X-TRAIL a true 'crossover' vehicle.

The ALL MODE 4X4 system offers instant response under all circumstances, combining

the benefits of Nissan's electronic expertise with rugged build quality to introduce

the first electronic 4X4 system in its class.

There will be three engine options, the refined new QR20 2.0-litre and QR25

2.5-litre petrol engines or a new YD22 2.2-litre turbo-diesel coupling the benefits

of common rail technology with Nissan's improved M-Fire technology. The common

rail system works with M-Fire to bring the benefits of cleaner combustion, lower

emissions and lower fuel consumption as well as lower noise levels.

The 2.5 petrol engine has the option of five-speed manual or automatic transmission,

while the turbo-diesel offers a six-speed manual gearbox as standard to take

full advantage of the broad and powerful torque curve.

Retaining the look of the concept version introduced to the public at the Paris

Motor Show 2000, the compact, streamlined exterior shows the way for 21st century

styling, and is balanced by a spacious and modern interior. This five-door model

can comfortably accommodate four adults and all their luggage, taking full account

of active and varied lifestyles.

X-TRAIL is designed for total practicality, and demonstrates Nissan's experience

at building 4X4s. For example the cavernous cargo area has a special trim which

can be removed and washed out after carrying mountain bikes or outdoor gear.

On the fascia there is even a can holder for keeping your drinks hot or cold.

The versatile and stylish interior space can be enjoyed without the penalties

or trade-offs associated with conventional passenger car interiors.

X-TRAIL is an everyday vehicle, capable of going to the office or the shops

during the week, and then travelling on any trail or terrain at the weekend

or on holiday. There are emotional as well as practical rewards in owning X-TRAIL.

Young drivers will appreciate the 'crossover' between top-class on-road ride

and authentic off-road appeal, both for urban weeklong use and for weekend and

holiday trips to the mountains or the beach.

X-TRAIL is a global vehicle, and will be available in four continents. It went

on sale in Japan in November 2000 and has comfortably outperformed expectations.

Release in Europe will be in September 2001, with South Africa following in

October.

THE NISSAN X-TRAIL AT A GLANCE

  • Authentic 4X4 capability with passenger car level on-road dynamic performance

    makes X-TRAIL a genuine 'crossover' model between passenger cars and 4X4s

    in the compact class.

  • Advanced electronically controlled ALL MODE four-wheel drive system - a

    first in class.

  • Three new engines: refined 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre, 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder

    petrol engines with twin balancer shafts, and a 2.2-litre direct-injection

    intercooled turbo-diesel with common rail and improved M-Fire technology.

  • The first application of a six-speed manual gearbox with the 2.2 litre turbo-diesel.

    Five-speed manual for the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engine or electronically

    controlled four-speed automatic gearbox options with the 2.5-litre petrol

    engine.

  • Top of class active and passive safety package comparable to D-segment vehicles.
  • Active Safety system integrates the Nissan Brake Assist, ABS, Traction control

    system and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with the ALL MODE 4X4 system

    to maintain vehicle control under virtually all driving and surface conditions.

  • All round disc brakes, which combined with ABS, EBD and Nissan Brake Assist

    offer best in class stopping distances.

  • Compact five-door exterior dimensions with large, modern and flexible interior

    space for four adults and their luggage.

  • Innovative features include centre-mounted dials in the middle of the dash,

    and a cargo area with removable wash-clean floor panel, designed for flexible

    loading.

Original article from Car