Nissan dealers, CFAO Malawi have introduced the new Nissan X-TRAIL on the Malawi Market to complement their existing range of SUVs.

The earlier model developed over 7 years ago to meet growing demand for a High Quality, User Friendly, Functional Sport Utility Vehicle with serious Off  Road Capability to satisfy Outdoor Lifestyles, has proved extremely popular both in Japan and overseas markets.

Available in two models in Malawi, the  entry level T30  (Comfort Model) sports a 2.0 Litre Petrol Engine  with  6 Speed Gear Box , All Mode 4x4 , ABS Brakes, Driver & Passenger Airbags, Radio Cassette Player, Cloth Seats, Central Locking, Power Windows, NATS Security(Nissan Antitheft Security System) and Washable Luggage Compartment.

The upper spec T31 ( Luxury model ) features a 2.2 Litre  Diesel Engine with  Leather Seats,  Radio  & In- Dash 6 CD Audio Equipment and Electronically adjustable driver seat, as additional features.

Both models have sold very well on the Malawi market and generally appeal to Company Executives who might ordinarily have settled for a “C” Segment Sedan but now appreciate the obvious functional versatility offered by the X-Trail SUV.

An analysis of Total Industry Volumes (TIV) for Sub-Saharan Africa conducted in 2006, targeting 12 countries, revealed a dramatic increase in demand for SUVs,  recording an impressive 11.5 % share of the TIV against 20.4% for  “C” segment sedans. The Nissan X-Trail’s performance was among the top best  sellers in spite of being the last of the SUVs to be introduced in the region.

The new X-TRAIL, introduced into the South African market last year and  now into Malawi, is set to  further enhance the X-Trail’s position  as the premium SUV  in its segment and also  create further demand  and therefore  market share growth, mostly from  previous small SUV and “D” Segment  customers.
 
Available in two models,2.0Litre Petrol, Manual Transmission and 2.5 litre Petrol with  ground breaking X-Tronic CVT Transmission, both  go by the model Code “T31” and  boast  an extended body with High Quality Exterior and Interior finish, Supper Luggage space and  new Improved all Mode 4x4 i.

Comfortable both On and Off-road, the combination of these improvements in the new X-TRAIL emphasizing Versatility, Performance and Quality, underscore Nissan’s commitment to provide a Practical and Functional Tool for Maximizing Outdoor-Life without compromising the quality normally associated with Sedans in the “D” Class segment.

NEW NISSAN XTRAIL
Major differences between new X-TRAIL  and the old Xtrail.

Dimensions
Overall length has increased by 175mm
Overall width has increased by 20mm
Overall height to hyper rail has increased by 10mm
Wheelbase has increased by 5mm

• There is an emphasis of the X-shape (Xtrail-ness) on front grill and rear, which gives the vehicle a more prominent appearance
• Angled bonnet offering greater visibility of objects parked immediately in front of vehicle
• Large circular headlamps  for greater visibility
• Low waist line which offers a more open feeling and greater visibility all around

• Horizontal 3D rear lamps offer more visibility
• Angled rear shock absorbers, resulting in increase in luggage space
• Functional hyper rail with safari lights (spot lights). When switched on together with headlights at full beam, it increases the lighting range by one and half times.
• 17 inch alloy wheels - optional
• All mode 4x4i (improved) which is an improvement on previous model which incorporates ESP (Electronic Stability Program) System and other functions like Brake LSD (Limited Slip Diff) and results in good handling & stable performance on slippery roads.

INTERIOR

• Previous model has centre Instrument cluster
• New model has reverted to the conventional position behind steering
• Increased storage area’s. Glove box is now twice as large
• Introduction of cup holders with cooling & heating functions
• Introduction of soft padding, high quality material on dash board and door trim and centre console
• Introduction of rear ventilation which ensures that all passengers are comfortable
• Chrome & silver finish on gear lever handle, door knobs & centre instrument panel
• Soft touch sun roof which is larger than on previous models

LUGGAGE SPACE

• Increased luggage space with false bottom and tray convenient for storing small items without moving luggage
• Double floor mode – can accommodate 4 extra A size suitcases
• Single floor mode can accommodate 5 suitcases
• With rear seats dropped can accommodate 1 Mountain bike or provide enough room for 2 people to lie down and rest.

CVT Transmission which emulates a continuous range of gear ratio’s, offers a smooth ride with no shift shock, quick shift response in manual mode and better fuel economy than the manual transmission.