Nissan X-Trail Diesel: More Torque, Less Fuel Motoring
Channel Staff - 8/May/2008 
Nissan X-Trail Diesel
Going The Extra MileWhile the
automatic version of Nissan's new diesel-powered X-Trail will account
for the majority of sales, Nissan has gone the extra mile by offering
the manual model with a few more herbs. Outputting 360Nm of
torque @ 2000rpm is no mean feat, and though specs haven't been
released yet, the performance model could be capable of towing more
than two tonnes of braked trailer. Who needs a Patrol? The higher
price of the new diesel X-Trails are mitigated by lower emissions,
improved fuel economy, almost double the pulling power and more
standard features and, as the diesel Holden Captiva has proved, the new
oil-burning X-Trail could end up accounting for the lion's share of
sales before long. Nissan's beefy new diesel X-Trail will
also force the hands of rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi
Outlander, who will now be under pressure to offer their own
diesel models. - Feann Torr, Editor |
Nissan's 2.0-litre dCi engine was developed
in conjunction with Renault and can output
a maximum of 127kW of power and 360Nm
|
Melbourne, Australia —
Nissan has delivered a king hit to its compact AWD rivals by
delivering not one, but two new diesel-powered X-Trails. On sale
from late July 2008, the two new diesel models will be priced from
$36,990, and will offer drivers big gains in fuel economy and towing
capabilities. Nissan says that it planned to offer diesel
powered X-Trails follows strong customer interest after the launch of
the new 2008 X-Trail. With increased specification and standard features, the full pricing for the new diesel models are as follows:  X-Trail Diesel TS: $36,990 (manual)
X-Trail Diesel TS: $38,990 (auto)
X-Trail Diesel TL: $39,990 (manual)
X-Trail Diesel TL: $41,990 (auto) Nissan will offer both 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual models. Nissan's new managing director and CEO, Dan Thompson, said the new diesel
has all the attributes to enhance the reputation of the X-Trail as a
class-leader in its segment: "The new diesel engines offer
impressive performance in both manual and automatic configurations and
reinforces the X-Trail's position as an extremely capable compact SUV. "The X-Trail diesel will be the first volume
selling [diesel] model in the compact SUV segment and we are pleased to be able
to respond so quickly to such strong customer demand for this model," added Thompson. The
6-speed automatic versions of the new X-Trail model will be powered by
2.0-litre turbo diesel engines outputting 110kW of power and 320Nm of
torque, which is par for the course for a diesel engine of this
size. However, buyers who opt for the 6-speed manual models will
get a much more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine,
outputting 127kW of power, up 17kW on the automatic version. Peak
torque rises 40Nm from 320Nm in the auto to a hefty 360Nm in the manual
versions, which is huge amount for a 2.0-litre engine. Both engine's make peak torque @ 2000rpm and are codenamed M1D. The inline 4-cylinder 16-valve engines feature common rail
direct injection, are turbocharged, and are the fruit of a project with
Nissan's European partner Renault. Being small 2.0-litre units, the diesel engines will be sought after for their fuel efficiency. The
127kW 6-speed manual diesels use just 7.4L/100km on the combined
cycle, which means that highway cruising could be as low as 6.0L/100km
- almost unheard of in the compact AWD class. The 110kW automatic diesel X-Trails use more fuel, but at 8.1L/100km it's still better than most petrol powered softroaders. Though
the prices are higher than the petrol version, Nissan has packed more
features into the diesel models. The new entry-level designated TS
models get a full complement of safety features according to Nissan,
including six airbags (front, side and curtain airbags) stability
control (ESP) and ABS brakes. Other standard features include
seat-belt pretensioners and the Japanese company's intelligent 'All
Mode' 4x4-i system. This incorporates Uphill Start Support (USS) and
Downhill Drive Support (DDS). Priced from $36,990, the TS diesel
X-Trail models also get things like 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows
and mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a 6-stack CD player,
front fog lights and chrome door handles as standard. The more
expensive TL diesel models start at just under $40,000 and get all of
the above features but add power operated heated leather seats, climate
control air-conditioning and a panoramic sunroof. Nissan will begin sales of the new diesel X-Trail compact AWD from late July.
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