too radical? Explosive selling SUV “X-Trail” What is the slightly “overdone” specification that was in the successive models .
“Too extreme? What are the slightly “”excessive”” specifications of successive generations of the hot-selling SUV XTRAIL?
Unique equipment not found in the current model, including a model with a sports engine
On July 20, 2022, the fourth generation of Nissan’s XTRAIL SUV was unveiled, marking the first model change in nine years. It has become popular with orders for more than 12,000 units in the first two weeks since its launch.
The XTRAIL, which pioneered the popularity of SUVs, has pursued “”toughness”” since the first generation model and added “”quality”” to the current model, but previous models also had specifications that could be considered extreme.
What is the shiny and bright “”Hyper Roof Rail””? Check out the successive generations of the XTRAIL with 45 images.
The Nissan XTRAIL, with its “”tough specs”” and aggressive design (image: 2nd generation)
The first-generation XTRAIL was launched in 2000, targeting outdoor sports enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s, and was equipped with a high-performance 4WD system based on the concept of “”comfortable and fun for four people, a usable 4WD vehicle for 2 million yen.
The “”washable luggage board”” and water-repellent seats, which allow passengers and their playthings to be used without worrying about getting them dirty, were also promoted in commercials, and many people may remember the scene where people enjoying marine and winter sports loaded their dirty tools straight into the vehicle.
In the first generation model, the “”tough tool feel”” was further enhanced through improvements, and in the 2003 minor change, in addition to the seats, the ceiling and floor were waterproofed so that they can be wiped with water, making them more resistant to hard use.
While most cars are normally waterproofed only in the seats and luggage compartment, this is a very rare case where the floor and ceiling are also fully waterproofed, and in a sense, can be considered “”extreme.
In addition, “”Hyper Roof Rail”” was made available as an option on the exterior (later made standard equipment on some grades). By equipping the roof rails with driving lamps that are linked to the high beams, this system enhances visibility at night by illuminating the road ahead from a higher position than with ordinary lights.
It is rare to have such driving lamps as standard or optional equipment in a factory-installed vehicle, making it unique among Japanese SUVs.
The first generation model also featured a new “”GT”” grade in 2001. The new grade boasted 280 horsepower and 31.5 kgf/m of torque by adding a turbo and variable valve timing mechanism to the SR20 sports engine, which was also used in the Silvia sports car.
However, the 2nd and 3rd generation XTRAIL models were not equipped with a gasoline turbo engine, but were revived in the 4th generation (all models with VC turbo and e-POWER).
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In 2007, the second-generation XTRAIL was introduced. The waterproof interior and Hyper Roof Rail were carried over as optional equipment, and pictures of adults getting into the car after having serious fun and getting covered in mud, and with the Hyper Roof Rail driving lights on, were used in advertisements, establishing the identity of the xtrail.
For the second generation, a model equipped with a clean diesel engine (20GT), which combines high performance with outstanding environmental performance, was also made available. The 2-liter diesel engine “”M9R”” complies with the “”Post New Long-term Emission Regulations”” and delivers maximum output of 173 PS and maximum torque of 36.7 kgf/m. Initially available only with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed AT was later added. * * * The first and second generation XTRAIL was launched in 2000, targeting outdoor sports enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s, with the concept of “”a 2 million yen usable 4WD car that is comfortable and fun for 4 people””.
In the first generation model, the “”tough tool feel”” was further enhanced through improvements, and in the 2003 minor change, in addition to the seats, the ceiling and floor were waterproofed so that they can be wiped with water, making them more resistant to hard use.
While most cars are normally waterproofed only in the seats and luggage compartment, this is a very rare case where the floor and ceiling are also fully waterproofed, and in a sense, can be considered “”extreme.
In addition, “”Hyper Roof Rail”” was made available as an option on the exterior (later made standard equipment on some grades). By equipping the roof rails with driving lamps that are linked to the high beams, this system enhances visibility at night by illuminating the road ahead from a higher position than with ordinary lights.
It is rare to have such driving lamps as standard or optional equipment in a factory-installed vehicle, making it unique among Japanese SUVs.
The first generation model also featured a new “”GT”” grade in 2001. The new grade boasted 280 horsepower and 31.5 kgf/m of torque by adding a turbo and variable valve timing mechanism to the SR20 sports engine, which was also used in the Silvia sports car.
However, the 2nd and 3rd generation XTRAIL models were not equipped with a gasoline turbo engine, but were revived in the 4th generation (all models with VC turbo and e-POWER).
* * *
In 2007, the second-generation XTRAIL was introduced. The waterproof interior and Hyper Roof Rail were carried over as optional equipment, and pictures of adults getting into the car after having serious fun and getting covered in mud, and with the Hyper Roof Rail driving lights on, were used in advertisements, establishing the identity of the xtrail.
For the second generation, a model equipped with a clean diesel engine (20GT), which combines high performance with outstanding environmental performance, was also made available.
The 2-liter diesel engine “”M9R”” complies with the “”Post New Long-term Emission Regulations”” and delivers maximum output of 173 PS and maximum torque of 36.7 kgf/m. Initially available only with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed AT was later added.
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The first and second generation XTRAIL had specifications and models that pursued “”toughness”” and “”speed”” that could be described as extreme.
Among them, “”toughness”” was accepted as the identity of the XTRAIL, and has been carried over to the 3rd and 4th generation current models. It continues to evolve while improving safety equipment and fuel economy.
The fourth generation of the XTRAIL is the first in its history to offer “”high quality,”” and expectations are high for how it will coexist with toughness in the future.”