New Nissan X-Trail 2WD Expands The Brand As Customer Numbers Head Toward 100,000

SYDNEY – December 27, 2010: Nissan is throwing down the gauntlet to rivals in the hotly-contested 2WD Compact SUV market, with an outstanding value proposition for customers with the launch of the X-TRAIL Series 4.

Nissan is setting a new benchmark for affordable SUVs as it prepares to mark the sale of the 100,000th X-TRAIL sold in Australia.

A new Nissan X-TRAIL 2WD model enters the Australian market armed with the most affordable sticker price in the range’s history: $27,990 Driveaway for the ST Manual 2WD (introductory launch offer). Vehicles are now arriving in Nissan dealerships.

The new 2WD variant is offered in an ST trim with manual or CVT automatic transmission and in ST-L CVT automatic guise.

The new Nissan X-TRAIL ST 2WD manual comes with standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels, side airbags, roof curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program, BluetoothÒ handsfree phone system, innovative rear drawer system, MP3 player input, 6 CD changer and removable washable luggage boards. Steering wheel mounted audio, BluetoothÒ and cruise control, as well as heated and cooled glove box and cup holders.

Power comes from an efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces a spritely 102kW power.

The new 2WD models build on the excitement generated late in 2010 by the arrival of a visually updated Nissan X-TRAIL that benefited from styling changes front and rear as well as interior and specification upgrades.

Model updates in detail
X-TRAIL ST 2WD & ST 4WD

All ST 4WD models gain additional standard equipment at a minimal $500 price increase. This comprises the 17-inch alloy wheel design previously available only on the ST-L and TS models; chrome door handles; leather trimmed steering wheel and park brake lever.

The new Nissan X-TRAIL 2WD shares its efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the Nissan DUALIS. This provides 102 kW power and 198 Nm torque and returns an impressive combined cycle fuel consumption of just 8.5-litres per 100 km in manual guise and just 8.4l/100 km when mated with the smooth and seamless Continuously Variable Transmission.

This engine option is ideal for customers seeking the practicalities of the X-TRAIL concept, but without the requirement for off-road driving or towing provided by the larger 2.5-litre engine in 4WD models.

The Nissan X-TRAIL 4WD models continue to be available with the more powerful 2.5-litre petrol or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines, along with Intelligent ALL MODE 4x4-i technology, 2,000kg braked towing capacity (on both petrol and diesel manuals), Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

From January 2011, all 4WD models will be externally identifiable via a chrome ‘4WD’ badge located below the model name on the tailgate.

X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD (CVT Only)

The auto-only Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L 2WD features leather seat trim, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, rear cargo blind, privacy glass, climate control air-conditioning and front fog lights.

Price and position
The new Nissan X-TRAIL ST 2WD is outstandingly well equipped compared with key rivals, starting with its highly competitive $27,990 Driveaway (launch offer on the entry manual model).

Recommended Retail Pricing for the new Nissan X-TRAIL ST 2WD manual transmission is $28,490 (plus dealer delivery and statutory charges).

The attention grabbing $27,990 Driveaway offer will coincide with a new advertising blitz under the banner “Wanna Live?” cementing the Nissan X-TRAIL as the best Compact SUV for adventurous young couples and families.

“The arrival of the new Nissan X-TRAIL in 2WD form gives Nissan the firepower to make a significant impact in the increasingly popular Compact SUV segment,” said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Australia.

“We are confident that our specification advantage, combined with a dynamite $27,990 Driveaway launch price position will vault the Nissan X-TRAIL to the top of the shopping list for couples and families in the market for a practical and flexible vehicle of this type.

“We are sending a strong message to the market that we are serious about improving our market share and sales position still further in 2011.

“The Nissan X-TRAIL has been a popular choice for outdoors and active customers for the past decade and now it’s the best value Nissan X-TRAIL ever,” he said.

“Throughout 2010 we have improved the offer to customers across our wide range of SUV products. We have upgraded DUALIS, added the DUALIS+2, improved Pathfinder (and Navara) with two more powerful turbo-diesel engines and additional specification, and added equipment to Murano.

“Nissan now is the most competitive player in the market, with four complementary SUV model lines with which to tempt the widest possible range of customers,” he said.