Nissan adds N-SPORT models

Nissan has added three new limited-edition model grades to its 370Z, X-TRAIL and Pathfinder ranges. Reprising the successful N-SPORT limited edition introduced to the Navara line-up in 2017, the new 370Z N-SPORT, X-TRAIL N-SPORT and Pathfinder N-SPORT are arriving in Nissan dealers now and go on sale on August 1.

The vehicles feature quasi-NISMO inspired dress-up kits and some minor equipment tweaks. Only a limited number of each N-SPORT model will be available.

Likely to be the most visible of the N-SPORTs, the Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT is based on five-seat X-TRAIL ST-L and will be offered in both front and four-wheel drive.

Four colours will be available (Diamond Black, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver and Ivory Pearl), all setting off a serious black-out makeover that includes 18-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, dark metallic front and rear bumper detailing, black side sills and roof rails and a dark chrome front grille.

Just 600 units of the auto-only Nissan X-TRAIL N-SPORT will be offered, with pricing from $39,250.

The seven-seat Nissan Pathfinder N-SPORT is also based on the ST-L grade but is offered in front-drive only at $56,425.

The blacked-out N-SPORT Pathie rolls on 20-inch alloys and also gets black mirror caps and black front grille, as well as black front and rear lower grille accents and roof rails.

A total of 250 Nissan Pathfinder N-SPORTs will be offered across the Nissan Australia network.

Nissan Australia says the 370Z N-SPORT is inspired by the Datsun 280ZX 'Black Gold' edition which was "designed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Z, in 1980".

Back in this century, the Nissan 370Z N-SPORT features "GT-inspired" graphics that run the length of the car as well as the driver and passenger doors. The N-SPORT theme continues with black 18-inch alloy wheels and black gloss side mirrors.

Only 50 of the Nissan 370Z N-SPORTs will be offered, priced from $48,490. Purchasers have the choice of three colours: Chicane Yellow; Diamond Black; and Shiro White. The latter two colours attract a premium paint option cost of $550.

Inside, the 370Z N-SPORT gets a makeover with the addition of yellow accents on the door trim, steering wheel, shift knob, knee pads and dash. Unique black cloth seats feature yellow embroidery.

The 2017 Navara N-SPORT was a success for the marque with the 500 offered quickly sold out. Nissan Australia boss Stephen Lester told motoring.com.au, he believes the three 2018 N-SPORTs should also attract strong consumer interest.

"We have listened to a market that wants more, and offered N-SPORT editions on a wider range of Nissan nameplates. The Navara N-SPORT was a strong seller – we think the N-SPORT treatment on 370Z, Pathfinder and X-TRAIL will also be popular," he stated.

N-SPORT limited edition aside, Lester believes X-TRAIL is a vehicle that can attract stronger sales for the marque Down Under. Indeed, number one in the segment in which X-TRAIL currently ranks as the third best seller is a realistic target, he says.

Nissan Australia recently tweaked the X-TRAIL local offering without much fanfare. The vehicle is class competitive in terms of equipment, and attractive pricing (especially at transaction level) has gifted the vehicle some further momentum.

Year to date June, X-TRAIL sales are up almost 12 per cent, however, the segment itself is up almost 14 per cent.

The segment top-seller, Mazda's CX-5, is over 3300 units ahead of the Nissan and growing faster than the segment overall.

How much are the Nissan N-SPORT limited edition models?
Nissan 370Z N-SPORT manual $48,490
Nissan 370Z N-SPORT auto $50,990
Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L N-SPORT 2WD auto $39,250
Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L N-SPORT 4WD auto $41,250
Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-SPORT 2WD auto $56,425