Here’s what the third-gen X-Trail
will look like. More space, more curves, and generally much easier on the eye
An unexpected battle is brewing in the
mid-size crossover market. Honda is all set to launch the third-generation
CR-V. The SUV/soft-roader isn’t seeing strong sales the way it did before, but
Honda still thinks it’s a winning product. Ditto the current Hyundai Santa Fe,
which will soon be replaced by a much better-looking version.
A
set of leaked patent images has given us our best look yet at the design of the
all-new third-generation Nissan X-Trail SUV
This brings us to Nissan’s crossover, the
X-Trail, which, like the CR-V and the Santa Fe, has had a hard time finding
buyers. Though the X-Trail has a loyal following, its boxy design hasn’t gone
down very well with customers, who naturally look for a bit more pizzazz from
their $60,000 car.
The third-gen X-Trail will most likely be
seen at the Geneva Motor Show. As always, we couldn’t wait until the official
pictures came out, so we decided to peel of the camouflage.
The
third-gen X-Trail will most likely be seen at the Geneva Motor Show.
As you can see from these renders, the new
X-Trail shares its curvy design with the Nissan Hi-Cross concept shown at
Geneva last year. Unlike the slab-faced styling of the current-generation car,
the new X-Trail will look much sleeker. It’s also bigger, so the cabin will be
roomier than before, making way for a much needed third row of seats. Expect
the interior to be curvier than the current blocky design. It will also be more
luxurious, with beige leather all around.
Like
the Hi-Cross concept, the vehicle in the patent images features narrow, angular
headlights integrated into a slim version of Nissan’s signature three-piece
grille.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine will stay but
expect the all-wheel-drive system to either be skipped or offered on the higher
variant. This should help Nissan price the X-Trail competitively. The
five-speed manual and the CVT auto ’box will also be carried over.
For Nissan India, 2014 should be an
eventful year. It’s planning to bring here its version of the Renault Duster,
and the entry-level Datsun brand, to take on Maruti’s Alto. The X-Trail will be
launched around the middle of next year to take on the CR-V and the Santa Fe.
With its sleek styling and spacious interior, we think the new X-Trail might
just get third time lucky.
