Nissan X-TRAIL N-TREK arrives

The Nissan X-TRAIL N-TREK has been released in Australia today, priced from $38,700 excluding on-road costs.

At the same time, Nissan Australia has adjusted the pricing of its regular Nissan X-TRAIL models, which go up in price by between $300 and $400.

Only 500 units of the Nissan X-TRAIL N-TREK medium SUV will be available, all of them fitted with accessories including:

Providing more visual presence, value for money and a touch more functionality to the X-TRAIL range, the N-TREK special-edition sits between the mid-spec ST-L and up-spec Ti models and is powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (126kW/226Nm).

Both 2WD ($38,700) and 4WD ($40,700) N-TREK models are offered, each fitted as standard with an automatic continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

The N-TREK model is not offered with the more muscular 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (130kW/380Nm), nor the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol engine (106kW/200Nm).

The N-TREK name has been seen on several other Nissan models in the past, most recently the Nissan Navara N-TREK duel-cab, which forms the basis of the upcoming 2019 Nissan Navara N-TREK Warrior tough-truck.

The Japanese brand is no stranger to special-edition vehicles, having in 2018 offered N-SPORT versions of the Pathfinder, X-TRAIL and 370Z, which are not to be confused with high-performance N models from Hyundai.

And back in 2015, Nissan launched a trio of N-TREK-branded variants of the X-TRAIL, Patrol and Pathfinder.

Other features on the limited-edition X-TRAIL N-TREK include a range of driver assistance systems, such as a 360-degree around-view parking camera system with moving object detection, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Nissan X-TRAIL was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2017.

Some of the standout interior features on the N-TREK SUV include digital radio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen system with sat-nav and live traffic updates, plus black leather-accented seat and steering wheel upholstery.

Seven exterior colours are offered including Diamond Black, Gun Metallic, Ivory Pearl, Marine Blue, Copper Blaze, Brilliant Silver and Ruby Red – all of which add another $595 except Ruby Red.

The Nissan X-TRAIL is currently the third best-selling medium SUV in Australia with an 11.4 per cent market share -- or 16,312 sales -- to the end of October this year. That compares with the league-leading Mazda CX-5's 15.3 per cent share (21,976 units) and the Toyota RAV4's 13.8 per cent share (19,732 units).

Available in five- and seven-seat guises, the X-TRAIL has been one of the brand's more consistent models over the years and Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester reckons the N-TREK model will be snapped up quickly.

"Buyers have long taken advantage of the special addition variants that Nissan has introduced, and given the popularity of Nissan X-TRAIL we expect this variant to sell strongly."

AWD petrol
2.5 ST 5 Seat - $33,890 (automatic)
2.5 ST-L 5 Seat - $39,700 (automatic)
2.5 N-TREK 5 Seat - $40,700
2.5 Ti 5 Seat - $45,340 (automatic)

AWD diesel
2.0 TS 5 Seat -- $36,690 (automatic)
2.0 TL 5 Seat -- $48,340 (automatic)

* Prices exclude on-road costs