The Nissan X-Trail Nismo is the spiciest version of the popular mid-size SUV yet… but it’s not coming to Australia.
Nissan Australia has confirmed the new range-topping X-Trail is exclusive to the Japanese market, where it’ll launch in September and join an array of other Nismo-fettled models we miss out on such as the Leaf Nismo, Note Nismo, and Skyline Nismo.
This is the first time the X-Trail has worn the Nismo nameplate, and it has received various mechanical enhancements to improve its dynamics with Nissan claiming it offers “excellent cornering ability, enjoyable acceleration and a refined ride”.
Its suspension features retuned springs and Kayaba Swing Valve dampers, a first for Nissan, with the brand claiming these help maintain body control while maximising ride comfort.
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Engineers have also “optimised” the steering, while the e-4orce all-wheel drive system has been retuned.
It’s said to have greater rear-wheel drive distribution and enhanced line-tracing while accelerating through corners, and characteristics of the system including front/rear drive distribution that differ with each drive mode.
Nismo variants don’t always offer extra power, and that appears to be the case with this fettled X-Trail with no mention made by Nissan of higher outputs from its e-Power with e-4orce powertrain.
This features a 105kW/250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with 150kW/330Nm front and 100kW/195Nm rear electric motors.
The X-Trail Nismo rides on Michelin Pilot Sport EV 255/45R20 tyres wrapped around 20-inch Enkei aluminium wheels.
Other visible changes include unique front and rear spoilers with prominent red accents, as well as dark chrome accents.
Down back, there’s also a unique rear diffuser with a low-mounted rear fog lamp intended to evoke race cars.
Naturally, the X-Trail Nismo can be had in Nismo’s signature Stealth Grey, paired with a Super Black roof.
Other exterior colours include Cardinal Red, Prism White, Dark Metal Grey, and Diamond Black.
Nissan claims there’s more downforce, with lift reduced by 29 per cent compared to the base X-Trail.
Inside, there’s a black interior with various red highlights. That includes the stitching on the doors, dashboard, centre console and steering wheel, while there’s also a red start button.
The seats are upholstered in fabric and leatherette and also feature red stitching. Power-adjustable, heated front sports seats from Recaro are optional.
The X-Trail Nismo is available only with a five-seat configuration.
It joins Autech versions of the X-Trail – named for another Nissan tuning arm – as being yet another variant of the mid-size SUV exclusive to the Japanese market.
Mid-size SUVs may be the most popular new vehicles in Australia, but at least among mainstream brands there have been very few attempts to offer overtly sporty models.
Exceptions to this include the old Volkswagen Tiguan R (and its tamer 195TSI R Line successor), as well as the upcoming Toyota RAV4 GR Sport.
While this is yet another Nismo model we miss out on, Nissan Australia does offer the Z Nismo sports car.
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