Nissan Europe Refreshes X-Trail SUV, Sales Start in September


We already took our first look at the updated for 2011 X-Trail SUV with the introduction of the Japanese market model in the beginning of July, but now, Nissan has released details on the European market version that will arrive in showrooms in September (October for the UK).

The revised X-Trail benefits from some modest updates to the exterior styling, improved interior quality and functionality, as well as from mechanical and aerodynamic changes.

As you may (or may not...) notice from the pictures, the 2011 X-Trail has undergone very minor cosmetic surgery. Highlight include the redesigned grille, headlights and bumper assembly at the front, along with revised tail lamps that now incorporate LED light technology for the running lights and braking, restyled rear bumper and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefier tires.

Nissan says the overall length of the X-Trail has increased by 10mm as a result of the redesigned front end, while the height and width also increase by 10mm due to the increase in tire width and diameter.

The X-Trail also gets optimized underbody aerodynamics, reducing the Cd from 0.36 to 0.35.

Inside, there are new colors and higher-quality materials for the switch surrounds on the steering wheel, around the gear selector and on the door-mounted armrest, while thicker, soft-touch materials have been used for the cloth seats.

Other changes include the revamped instrument panel which gains a new drive computer screen, while Nissan says rear occupant comfort has been improved thanks to redesigned front seats, creating an additional 10mm of knee-room.

Under the sheetmetal, updates to the diesel version have resulted in Euro 5 compliance, while engineers also made changes to the manual gearbox and automatic transmission. Further details and pricing will be released closer to the launch date.