Nissan unveiled the all-new X-Trail at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show which concluded last week. Now, Autocar India report that Nissan India has already started working on plans to replace the old X-Trail with the new seven seater version by the end of next year.
Nissan currently sells the second generation X-Trail in India which was introduced in 2007. Unfortunately, it is not heavily localized which shoots up the price vis-à-vis the competition.
The all new X-Trail is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF (Common Module Family) architecture which will localized in 9 global locations (India’s Oragadam plant also makes it to the list, apparently).
This new platform will support close to 11 cars including the replacements of Laguna, Espace and Scenic. Due to heavy localization, the new SUV could be very price-competitive compared to rivals. In India, some of these European models may not be made, but smaller Nissan and Renault products would be generated on the CMF.
The new X-Trail will feature two engines - 2.0-litre diesel engine and an upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine. It will be offered in both front-wheel and rear wheel drive configurations depending on the market requirements.
A five speed manual or a CVT gearbox will be responsible for shifting cogs. The car will also feature the newly developed Active Ride Control, which adjusts the suspension by scanning the road ahead (a la Mercedes S Class).
When launched in India, the X-Trail will compete against the Honda CR-V, Renault Koleos, Toyota Fortuner and the Ssangyong Rexton. A sub-20 lakh price tag will ensure the success of the new X-Trail in its second coming.
[Source: Autocarindia.com]
