Diesel X-TRAIL - at last!

Nissan will answer its legion of critics come late July with the arrival of not one, but two, turbodiesel-powered variants of the X-TRAIL.

The second generation of the top-selling softroader has been well received Down Under since its release in October 2007. However, Nissan came in for much criticism from the car-buying public when it failed to commit to a turbodiesel version.

Now, the Japanese maker has redressed the issue and we're set to get the X-TRAIL with a choice of two turbodiesel powertrains and trim levels.

The dCi engines are common-rail direct-injection powerplants that displace 1995cc. They have been jointly-developed with Alliance partner, Renault, and have been available in European X-TRAIL models since the car's launch...

The "base" engine produces 110kW/320Nm and is matched to a new six-speed automatic gearbox. The "high-performance" 127kW/360Nm version offered is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan claims combined consumption figures of 7.4L/100km for the 127kW manual and 8.1 for the 110kW automatic.

The diesels will be available in two new specification grades: the TS (based on the ST-L petrol); and the "premium" TL which is based on the Ti petrol variant.

The TS is priced from $36,990 for the manual. The six-speed auto TS is $38,990. The TLs are $39,990 and $41,990 respectively.

Both models feature Nissan's "intelligent" ALL MODE 4x4-i system with hillstart and downhill assistance plus a full complement of safety equipment including front, side and curtain airbags, stability control and antilock brakes.

Other standard features include 17-inch alloys, power windows and mirrors, aircon, cruise, and a six-stack CD player.

The range-topping TL adds leather, seat heating and a sunroof.

Look out for our first local drive of the turbodiesel X-TRAIL soon. And check out our international and local launch reviews of the Nissan softroader here and here.

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