Despite being launched Down Under in October 2007, making the six-year-old off-roader one of the most senior members in its class, Nissan’s evergreen X-TRAIL was the nation’s top-selling medium SUV last year.
However, so far this year it has been relegated to fifth following the release of a number of formidable new entries in the booming SUV sector, including Mazda’s CX-5, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Nissan’s own smaller SUV, the Dualis.
That’s why Nissan is in the advanced stages of developing a redesigned, third-generation X-TRAIL that is expected to go on sale globally next year, when architecturally similar replacements for the Dualis and Renault Koleos are also due on sale.
If these Automedia spy images taken in Michigan are any guide, biggest change for the MkIII X-TRAIL will be the switch from the current slab-sided body to a more rounded shape that bears more than a striking resemblance to the Hi-Cross concept seen at last year’s Geneva motor show.
Gone are the current model’s boxy proportions and hard-edged panels, in favour of a far more organic, wedge-shaped profile with rounder bumpers and flatter headlights, giving the next X-TRAIL and family resemblance to the upcoming Pathfinder.
Like the Dualis and Pathfinder that bookend it, some overseas reports suggest the new X-TRAIL – which could debut at the 2014 Geneva show next March -- will come with a third-row seating option.
Either way, the next X-TRAIL is expected to grow in size, with the Hi-Cross show car measuring 4660mm long, 1850mm wide and 1670mm tall. Riding on a 2780mm wheelbase (150mm longer than the current X-TRAIL’s), the Hi-Cross was 30mm longer and 65mm wider but 15mm lower than the existing X-TRAIL.
Although 2.0-litre petrol and diesel and 2.5-litre petrol engines are likely to remain under its more shapely bonnet, the MkIII X-TRAIL could eventually become available with the Hi-Cross’s 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid drive system.
Expect Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT auto to also continue to be offered alongside a manual gearbox, and for front-wheel drive and AWD configurations to remain available.
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