Nissan might showcase the 2014 X-Trail at the Auto Expo

Content

Unveiled globally at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the India-bound X-Trail is expected to be showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo in February. Nissan has also put the SUV on display at the ongoing NAIAS at Detroit. This SUV is also known as the Rogue in some markets of the world.

Borrowing design cues from the Nissan Hi-Cross concept showcased at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the X-Trail is based on the Common Module Family (CMF) platform jointly developed by Renault and Nissan. Designed for manufacturing efficiency, Nissan claims that the CMF architecture will help them reduce around 30 per cent of production costs. The boxy shape of the current X-Trail has been replaced with a sweeping curvy design more in line with modern Nissans like the Qashqai, Juke and Murano, which give it a softer look. The improved aerodynamics and lower weight contribute to a better fuel economy. LED headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels will be standard.

Inside, the car is available with either a black piano finish or a beige and black dual-tone theme. The dashboard integrates a 7″ touchscreen for the Nissan Connect infotainment system. Technological additions to the new X-Trail include the newly developed Active Ride Control, which scans the road ahead and accordingly adjusts the suspension and Active Trace Control, which monitors speed, steering, throttle and braking to reduce understeer. Though internationally it is offered in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, in India we expect the car to be offered only with the latter, a 4x4i All Mode system. The X-Trail will be continue to be powered by the current car’s 2.0-litre diesel mated to either a manual or an automatic gearbox, both of them six-speeds.

Nissan has plans to assemble the X-Trail at the Chennai plant which will help them to price the car competitively. The X-Trail will go up against other D-Segment SUVs like Honda CR-V, Renault Koleos and the Ssangyong Rexton.