October 19, 2000

Nissan to Release New X-TRAIL Sport-Utility Vehicle

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it will release the new X-TRAIL sport-utility vehicle (SUV) throughout Japan on November 13.

X-TRAIL S (4WD)

The new X-TRAIL SUV has been developed around the product concept of "Versatile and authentic SUV" and is mainly targeted at users in their 20s to 30s who are outdoor sports enthusiasts.

As the first step, Nissan has set the price of the volume-selling grade at two million yen. Moreover, this new SUV has been given a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates four people as well as a large luggage area capable of withstanding tough, outdoor use. In addition, the X-TRAIL comes with a high-performance 4WD system, provides agile maneuverability and achieves low fuel consumption as well. These attributes will also fully satisfy family users who enjoy outdoor recreational activities as well as fashion-conscious 4WD users who mainly drive their vehicles around town. The major features of the X-TRAIL are outlined below.

- Ample interior spaciousness for four passengers and all their luggage
Vehicles used for outdoor sports and recreational activities must have a roomy interior in which friends or family members can travel in comfort to their destination and also an amply large luggage area to hold all the different gear for their outdoor pursuits.
The optimized packaging of the X-TRAIL has resulted in greater passenger space and a larger luggage area than what hard-core off-road 4WD vehicles offer, even though its size is conducive to nimble maneuverability, with an overall length, width and height of 4,445 x 1,765 x 1,675 mm (excluding the turbocharged model). As a result, the roomy interior has ample space for four people to travel in relaxed comfort without any cramped feeling, and the luggage area is one of the largest in this vehicle class with a length of 1,003 mm. (The seating capacity is five occupants.)

- A luggage area designed for tough use and dirt-resistant seats
For the luggage area floor, the X-TRAIL adopts a washable luggage board that can be easily removed and washed directly with water. Wet equipment or gear can be loaded into the luggage bay in that condition without any worry. In addition, the water-repellent treatment on the seats allows water or dirt to be wiped off easily. These features will enable users to enjoy outdoor sports to their heart's content without being concerned about traveling in wet, dirty clothes or hauling their gear in a similar condition.

- Cutting-edge high-performance 4WD system
The X-TRAIL is fitted with the "ALL MODE 4 x 4," a newly developed 4WD system designed for a front-wheel-drive layout, that will enable users to reach outdoor recreational areas without any anxiety about driving on unpaved or snow-covered roads. This 4WD system detects the road surface condition and instantly provides the optimum torque distribution from 2WD to 4WD, for traveling either on or off the road with complete peace of mind. Compact and light in weight, the system also contributes to improved fuel economy and power performance.
The X-TRAIL also achieves one of the best fuel economy figures in its class of 12.0 km/l^*, thanks to its lightweight, highly rigid body and good aerodynamic performance with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.37. In addition, it provides excellent maneuverability typified by its minimum turning radius of 5.3 m. Ease of ingress /egress has also been improved by adopting a new body construction with the sills designed more toward the inside. Thus, the X-TRAIL also boasts other attributes that would normally run counter to its spacious interior, large luggage area, versatile convenience and rough-road traction. Moreover, the highly rigid body and newly designed suspension enhance handling, stability and ride comfort to the levels normally seen in sedans of the next higher class.

^*Measured under Japan's 10-15 test mode for the 4WD version fitted with an automatic transmission (excluding theturbocharged model).

As these features indicate, the X-TRAIL is an SUV in the true sense of the term in that it combines attractive sportiness with outstanding utility. This new SUV will fully satisfy even those who previously wanted an off-road 4WD vehicle, but gave up the idea of buying one because of the low fuel economy, poor maneuverability and, above all, the high price.

Origin of the model name
The "X" in X-TRAIL symbolizes an active, challenging image. It signifies X-treme
(=extreme) sports such as snowboarding, skateboarding and other competitive sports popular among young people, as well as denoting the challenge of undertaking something unknown and the "X" in 4 x 4. The word "trail" represents a track, a rough road and off-road terrain. The model name was coined by combining these two elements to project a 4 x 4 image. It also contains the idea of a new 4WD system concept for reaching a wider variety of favorite outdoor locations.

<Sales target> 3,000 units/month
<Dealers selling the X-TRAIL>
Nissan Blue Stage: Nissan and Motor channel dealers, including Nissan Red and Blue Stage dealers that handle all models.
<Showroom debut dates>
Saturday & Sunday, November 18-19, 2000

Overview of X-TRAIL
1. Exterior design/interior design

The exterior has been executed in a clean-cut design based on a straight-line motif with timeless appeal.
In spite of its straight-line motif, the X-TRAIL achieves good aerodynamic performance with a Cd of 0.37, thanks to the fusion of design and function, including the adoption of new body proportions with the windshield extended more forward.
On the inside, the central instrument cluster is positioned in the center of the instrument panel for excellent visibility, enabling all occupants to share vehicle-related information.
The interior features a functional design, boldly decorated with graphite and metallic materials to give the impression that it can be used with the same sensation as a tool.

2. Packaging and body construction

The glass area has been increased and the out-of-sight portions of the hood have been reduced to enable the driver to readily perceive the vehicle's position at all times. In addition, the minimum turning radius has been kept to 5.3 m to allow excellent maneuverability.
The boxy design resulting from the straight-line motif has created a spacious interior free of any cramped sensation. Moreover, large seats comparable to those of the Cedric luxury sedan have been adopted to enable occupants to relax in comfort.
The amply large luggage area is 1,003 mm long even with five occupants aboard. Adopted as the floor is a washable luggage board that can be removed and washed with water. These features provide an exceptionally functional luggage area that can be used for outdoor activities without worrying about it becoming dirty.
Body structure reinforcements have been optimally positioned on the basis of computer analyses, and extensive use has been made of ultra-high-strength sheet steel to achieve a lightweight body that still has outstanding rigidity. (Excluding the turbocharged model, the 4WD version fitted with an automatic transmission weighs 1,400 kg.)
Plastic fender panels have been adopted that pliantly resume their original shape following light contact. In addition to being resistant to such contact, these panels also lighten the vehicle weight by approximately 5 kg compared with conventional steel sheet fenders.

3. Powertrain

The X-TRAIL features the ALL MODE 4 x 4, a new 4WD system developed for a front-wheel-drive layout. This system transmits the necessary amount of torque to the rear wheels based on detection of the driving conditions and road surface condition. During ordinary driving, such as when traveling in urban areas, the system operates in the 2WD mode to achieve low fuel consumption. On slippery road surfaces, electronic control ensures that torque is immediately transferred to the rear wheels to provide sure-footed traction. The compact, lightweight design of the system also contributes to enhanced fuel economy and power performance. At the touch of a switch, the driver can select one of three driving modes -- Auto, 2WD and Lock (having a fixed front/rear torque split of 57:43) -- provided by the ALL MODE 4 x 4.
Powering the X-TRAIL is the newly developed QR20DE engine. This 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine adopts a compact balancer system and a highly rigid construction incorporating an aluminum frame ladder to attain a remarkable degree of quietness approaching that of a 6-cylinder engine. It also features continuously variable valve timing control (CVTC) and an electronically controlled throttle for improved torque output and throttle response in the low to medium speed ranges. Torque output is notably improved by approximately 15% at 2,000 rpm to ensure driving comfort in ordinary driving situations and ample power for climbing hills. The engine itself is lighter in weight and produces less friction for improved fuel economy. The 4WD models fitted with an automatic transmission boast one of the best fuel economy figures in this vehicle class at 12.0 km/l for operation under Japan's 10-15 test mode.
The turbocharged GT model, scheduled for release in February 2001, is powered by the newly developed SR20VET engine. This 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is the world's first turbocharged engine to incorporate a variable valve lift and timing (VVL) system, enabling it to generate 280 PS (206 kW) of power for exhilarating acceleration. In addition, torque output in the low to medium speed ranges has also been increased for improved driveability in urban areas as well.

4. Environmental friendliness and world-class safety performance

Models fitted with the QR20DE engine contribute to the prevention of air pollution, having been certified as low-emission vehicles^*1 under the Ministry of Transport's low-emission vehicle certification system. These models also achieve fuel economy performance of 12.0 km/l^*2, one of the best figures in this class, which contributes to a substantial reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
The X-TRAIL attains a recyclable rate of more than 90%^*3 by weight, and the fuel tank, wiring harness and various other parts are lead free.
Nissan's high-strength Zone Body construction that secures world-class crashworthiness has been adopted to provide high-level safety performance. The X-TRAIL complies with the safety standards of countries throughout the world as well as meeting Nissan's own safety test criteria that are even more stringent. Among other safety standards, the vehicle complies with the requirements for full overlap frontal impacts at 55 km/h, offset frontal impacts at 64 km/h, side impacts at 55 km/h and rear-end impacts at 56 km/h.

^*1 This low-pollution vehicle certification requires that exhaust emission levels must be reduced by an additional 25% from the amounts permitted under Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations. The Ministry of Transport inaugurated this low-emission vehicle certification system in April of this year to promote the penetration of low-emission vehicles through their selection by ordinary consumers.
Because the X-TRAIL complies with the new standards of the designated low-pollution vehicle system adopted by seven Kanto prefectures and cities, X-TRAIL models registered in Tokyo will qualify for a 30% reduction of the automobile tax for three years beginning from the fiscal year after a vehicle is newly registered.
Moreover, because all X-TRAIL models comply with the 2000 exhaust emission regulations, the automobile acquisition tax will be reduced by 0.1% until February 28, 2001.

^*2 Measured for the 4WD version fitted with an automatic transmission during operation under Japan's 10-15 test mode (excluding the turbocharged model).

^*3 Calculated according to Nissan's own calculation standards (Based on vehicle weight).

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumption tax)
(thousands of yen)

E-ATx: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission
5MT: 5-speed manual transmission
^*The GT model is scheduled to be released in February 2001.

Autech Japan to Release X-TRAIL style-AX

Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan affiliate, will release in the domestic market on November 13 the X-TRAIL style-AX, a vehicle that has been customized in conjunction with the release of the X-TRAIL and features special specifications.

Overview of X-TRAIL style-AX
The X-TRAIL style-AX model further accentuates the off-road image of the X-TRAIL, exuding a simple and wild atmosphere.
The style-AX Stage 2 adopts an exclusive front bumper integrated with a uniquely styled grille, round halogen headlamps, fog lamps and 16" aluminum wheels, among other exterior equipment; on the inside, it is appointed with such features as sport seats with exclusive material colors and an exclusive genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel. These and other exterior and interior features heighten its distinctive charm and appeal. The style-AX Stage 1 grade comes without the exclusive aluminum wheels and some other features of the Stage 2 model and can also be used as a base vehicle that users can customize to their own personal taste.

<Vehicle Overview>

E-ATx: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumption tax)
(thousands of yen)

E-ATx: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission
^*The style-AX Stage 2, based on the GT model, is scheduled to be released in February 2001.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE X-TRAIL

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