Nissan X-TRAIL and Navara win at 4x4 of the Year Awards

Within weeks of going on sale the all new Nissan X-TRAIL has been crowned ‘Soft Roader of the Year’ by specialist off road magazine 4x4 in its 2008 4x4 of the year edition. And that’s not all; for the second consecutive year the Nissan Navara has been voted ‘Lifestyle Pick-up of the Year’.

4x4 tested over 60 vehicles with off-road capability in eight categories for the 2008 awards. The Soft-Roader category was the largest group, which included the Land Rover Freelander2, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and BMW X3; X-TRAIL was the clear winner, scoring an impressive 9.5 out of 10.

Commenting about the X-TRAIL, 4x4’s Deputy Editor Richard Williamson states: “While others steer their soft-roader image from one extreme to the other, Nissan has stuck to its guns and gone for unapologetic 4x4 evolution. The sleight-of-hand trick is bigger overall dimensions, within which more accommodating seats and a neatly restyled fascia have instilled a more grown-up, prestigious feel. In addition, the X-TRAIL’s vastly extended boot space comes with clever pull-out drawers and a durable twin-height load floor.”

Richard continues: “The uprated All-Mode 4x4-i 4WD includes new uphill start and downhill drive assistance for Freelander-challenging off-road ability. With its QASHQAI platform allied to strong engines and transmissions, highly-accurate steering and exceptional ride quality, the new X-TRAIL is a superb soft-roader. Nissan has come up trumps.”

As for the Navara, Richard comments: “There’s simply no other pick-up that offers such a broad skill-base. Sharing its platform with the Pathfinder gives the Navara SUV-like driving dynamics for sharp handling along country lanes. The cushioned ride quality will appeal to passengers too.

“The Navara offers the best package for on-road driving and comfort, mixed with highly useful working credentials. It’s still our unbeaten choice.”

First registrations for the New X-TRAIL commenced on 1 September and according to 4x4 magazine, is set to take the market by storm.

Nissan’s Marketing Director Vincent Wijnen added: “This is the first award for new X-TRAIL within Europe so we are naturally delighted that the overall changes to X-TRAIL have put it back to the top of the group in terms of performance and refinement.”

A new 2.0 litre diesel engine will spearhead UK sales with the choice of two power outputs of 150PS and a more potent 173PS. For the first time on X-TRAIL there is also the option of a 6-speed automatic which is available on the 150PS model. If petrol power is preferred there is a choice of 2.0 and 2.5 litre versions, with the latter linked to a CVT transmission for stepless gear changes. With a new engine and transmission line-up, X-TRAIL not only delivers a vastly improved driving experience but also improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Coinciding with the launch of the all new X-TRAIL, Nissan has announced a tempting £700 consumer offer increasing the value of the Sport eXpedition and Aventura eXplorer models along with a low rate finance offer of 5.9% APR, which is available across the whole range.

The Navara has been recently upgraded for 2008 with Bluetooth phone integration now standard across the range. Outlaw grade and above receive restyled 6 spoke 17” alloy wheels, and aluminum kick plates on the front doors with footwell illumination. The door mirrors have integrated turn indicators along with so called ‘puddle lights’ which illuminate the ground below when any door is opened.

Both the award winning new X-TRAIL and Navara are available now from any Nissan dealer.