SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: NISSAN TO EXPAND X-TRAIL LINE-UP WITH NEW DIESEL ENGINES

Nissan will bring its first turbo diesel versions of the popular X-TRAIL to Australia with sales commencing from July 2008.

Two turbo diesel engines will be offered, a refined base engine producing 110KW (320Nm) and matched to a new 6-speed automatic, while the high-performance 127KW (360Nm) diesel is matched to a six-speed manual transmission.

Apart from offering impressive performance, the sophisticated new engine is remarkably fuel efficient with combined fuel consumption figures of 7.4L/100km for the manual and 8.1L/100km for the automatic. The basis for both diesels is a common rail direct injection turbocharged 2.0-litre, 16 valve four cylinder unit.

The new diesel X-TRAIL will be available in two new specification grades, with the new entry-level designated 'TS' - based on the ST-L petrol X-TRAIL and the premium version designated 'TL' - based on the Ti petrol X-TRAIL.

The TS is packed with features including a full compliment of safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, stability control (ESP), ABS brakes, seat belt pre-tensioners and Nissan's intelligent ALL MODE 4x4-i system, which incorporates Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).

Other standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, a six-stack CD player, front fog lights and chrome door handles.

The top of the range diesel TL model adds power operated heated leather seats, climate control air-conditioning and a panoramic sunroof.

Nissan's managing director and CEO, Dan Thompson, said the new diesel has all the attributes to enhance the reputation of the X-TRAIL as a class-leader in its segment.

"The new diesel engines offer impressive performance in both the manual and automatic configurations and reinforces the X-TRAIL's position as an extremely capable compact SUV" said Mr Thompson.

"The X-TRAIL diesel will be the first volume selling model in the compact SUV segment and we are pleased to be able to respond so quickly to such strong customer demand for this model."