Nissan planning to add entry level vehicles
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_new_ X-trail
Originally Posted by MrFatbooty
The X-Trail isn't a good idea for the US. It's an old design ... The regular version sold in Canada is just an ugly, outdated small SUV that I wouldn't buy.
....
But it's a moot point since the X-Trail is most likely never going to be sold in this country.
....
But it's a moot point since the X-Trail is most likely never going to be sold in this country.
I admit the styling of the current version is dated, but I don't think the engine and AWD system are bad. It is roomier and gets better gas mileage than the others.
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the scoop
Silly me, I don't know why I just didn't go to a Nissan forum in the first place:
source: http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...x.cfm/id/37453
Meantime, Nissan is said to be on the verge of adding a smaller SUV priced below Xterra. An '06 model allegedly set for a 2005 debut, this will be a redesigned version of the unibody X-Trail 4-dr wagon that already carries Nissan's banner against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in Europe and Asia. No hard news so far, but the U.S. X-Trail (the name may be changed) would likely use Nissan's Altima midsize sedan platform and the 2.5-liter 4-cyl and V6 engines that go with it. We'd also expect all-wheel drive and perhaps dual-range 4WD as an option to front drive.
Last edited by lostJR; Jan 24, 2005 at 11:35 AM. Reason: typo
Hopeful FIT owner
Joined: Jan 2005
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But given that Renault owns a large fraction of Nissan....
I think the possibility that the Nissan-badged entry car in the USA could be based on this car:
Renault Modus
Why? Because the Modus--unlike the March--has already passed the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) safety tests, which are very similar to the tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for offset frontal and side-impact testing; EuroNCAP crash tests are far more severe than the NHTSA crash tests.
Besides, from what I've read the Modus has very good interior space, very important to accommodate American-sized passengers. It's very possible that the drivetrain used on the Nissan March/Micra could fit in the Modus, so a US-market version of the Modus could use a Nissan engine with five-speed manual or CVT automatic.
Renault Modus
Why? Because the Modus--unlike the March--has already passed the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) safety tests, which are very similar to the tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for offset frontal and side-impact testing; EuroNCAP crash tests are far more severe than the NHTSA crash tests.
Besides, from what I've read the Modus has very good interior space, very important to accommodate American-sized passengers. It's very possible that the drivetrain used on the Nissan March/Micra could fit in the Modus, so a US-market version of the Modus could use a Nissan engine with five-speed manual or CVT automatic.
530i
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Originally Posted by redgoober4life
I've test driven an X-Trail and well, it isn't particularly good at anything.
Do they think Canadians are just stupid or something?
Do they think Canadians are just stupid or something?
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Originally Posted by redgoober4life
I've test driven an X-Trail and well, it isn't particularly good at anything.
Do they think Canadians are just stupid or something?
Do they think Canadians are just stupid or something?
h: 