Nissan Announces New X-Trail SUV for Canada Only
Photos
X-Trail Fills Compact SUV Roll Below Rugged Xterra. But Only in Canada? Pity!
Taking a cue from rival brand Toyota, that just recently introduced its European Yaris as the Echo Hatchback on the Canadian market, Nissan has announced that its global X-Trail SUV will now be going north of the 49th parallel.
Neither vehicle will be available in the U.S., reversing a trend that previously saw automakers snub Canada for niche products, introducing them only to the United States.
But then again the X-Trail wont fill a niche vehicle roll for Nissan Canada, but rather slot in below the rugged Xterra, to compete head on with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and others.
The X-Trail has developed a strong following in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East over many years, due to its economical size, impressive performance and overall fuel efficiency. So why wouldnt it also be popular here in the U.S.?
Its not like its particularly underpowered, featuring a 165-hp 2.5-L 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine, developing an authoritative 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations will be available, but so far no diesel has been announced.
Power obviously isnt the problem, as it will easily outperform the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, both of which have a relatively strong following in America. Possibly Nissan doesnt have the production capacity to meet the potential U.S. demand, and Canadas much smaller population is the ideal number to allow the plants to work to their maximum capacity? Its hard to say really.
All that can be said is American consumers will be missing out, as the X-Trail not only delivers solid good looks, but a bevy of standard features. These include 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 16-inch steel wheels, power windows and door locks, outside temperature display, air conditioning and an anti-theft system, just for starters.
An impressive list of options includes heated seats in cloth or optional leather, an extra large sunroof, alloy rims, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer.
Along with the usual list of standard and optional features, X-Trail offers some unique items sure to cause interest in the segment. These include a washable cargo floor, warm/cool storage box, dent-resistant front fenders, and a ski pass-through.
On another note Nissan recently announced (December 08, 2003) the limited leasing of the 2003 Model X-Trail FCV (fuel cell vehicle) in Japan. The car was unveiled at this years Tokyo Motor Show. No plans have been shared with regards to this model entering the North American market, even in limited numbers, as of yet. Still, its existence is an important sign that Nissan is focused on environmentally friendly vehicles.
Torontonians will be able to see the X-Trail at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto between February 13th and 22nd, before it goes on sale across Canada this spring.
In the U.S. the X-Trail would fill a niche below the Xterra and upcoming all-new 2005 Pathfinder, and in so doing reach the Nissan brand to an entirely new SUV customer. While the automaker is currently going upmarket with its recently launched full-size Pathfinder Armada, and succeeding in the car-based crossover segment with its stylish Murano, the X-Trail could be the entry-level competitor needed to pull in young adults and young families alike.
Lets hope the execs at Nissan North America are keeping a sharp eye out for the global models success in the great white north, with expectations of inserting it into the U.S. lineup if it performs well.
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