Nissan X-Trail Diesel: More Torque, Less Fuel

Motoring Channel Staff - 8/May/2008

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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