New Car: 2011 Nissan X-Trail facelift

Nissan has revised the X-Trail SUV with extensive updates to keep up with competition in the European market.

Like the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) X-Trail, the European model receives a remodeled grille, headlights and bumper assembly. The X-Trail is available with both bi-xenon and halogen headlamps and the background of the headlamp cluster is painted black on all grades and fog lamps are mounted below the headlights, recessed in the bumper.

At the rear, the X-Trail’s distinctive vertical lights have been updated to incorporate LED light technology for the running lights and braking, improving visibility and, therefore, safety. The indicator is incorporated into the lower portion of the light assembly, with the running/brake lights to the outside of it.

The new X-Trail now gets 10 spoke 18” alloy wheel design, to give more presence on the road. A small increase in tyre width has led to a slight widening of the wheelarch moulding. X-Trail Acenta obtains new double 5-spoke 17” alloy wheels. Due to the external changes, the newcomer is 10mm longer at the front and 10mm taller due to the increase in tyre width and diameter.

Internally, improved materials and better colour coordination at to an upscale feel. The materials used for the switch surrounds on the steering wheel, around the gear selector and on the door-mounted armrest have all been improved for better touch feeling, while thicker, soft-touch materials have been chosen for the cloth seats.

The stitching on the leather interior gives a more premium feel than before. A revised speedometer is bigger and clearer and engine speed readouts at enhanced quality. A new drive computer with a white-on-black display is added for maximum clarity. The computer offers a series of useful information for the driver, including: fuel economy, outside temperature (including ice warning function), cruising range, average speed and a reminder to take a break. The drive computer screen can also display additional information such as warnings for low fuel, parking brake, undetected Intelligent Key and open door, as well as vital maintenance information, such as tyre maintenance, low oil and a service reminder.

Vitally, rear occupant comfort has been improved thanks to redesigned front seats, creating an additional 10mm of knee-room, without negotiating on comfort for the front seat occupants. Even the rear tonneau cover material has been upgraded.

The heated and cooled glovebox and cupholders have been reworked to offer quicker heating and cooling. Heated rear seats are now fitted as standard on Tekna models.

Nissan-Renault’s 2.0 dCi 173bhp diesel engine has significant updates to comply with Euro5 emission regulations. A key innovation is the addition of an extra injector port, taking the total number to seven, while the piston bowl has been adapted for the new injector configuration.

The manual gearbox has revised ratios for a better compromise between acceleration, fuel economy and emissions, while the automatic gearbox has been modified for reduced friction. An additional feature is the gearchange indicator function in the drive computer screen, showing drivers when to change gear for optimised economy. Thanks to better underbody aerodynamics, X-Trail’s Cd is reduced from 0.36 to 0.35.

Speaking about the updates to Nissan’s X-TRAIL, Vincent Wijnen Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe, said: “All of these changes will reinforce the X-TRAIL as one of the few genuine compact SUVs which can just as comfortably tackle the demands of everyday family life, as it can a muddy, slippery track when it transports a family for a weekend of adventure. X-TRAIL customers love it for its ease and convenience of daily use, no matter what situation they find themselves in. With these revisions to Nissan’s X-TRAIL, there is even more to love about X-TRAIL.”

Deliveries for the revamped X-Trail start in October.

Japanese models receive similar updates, in addition to new colour options and more standard features. While the petrol engine hasn’t been touched, the X-Trail 20GT 2.0 litre diesel now gets a 6 speed automatic transmission. The 173bhp engine produces 360Nm (265lb-ft) of torque. Nissan has also updated its "Advanced Hill Descent Control" which is now fitted with a speed-setting function.

Japanese prices start at ¥2,239,650 (£16,300), rising to ¥3,139,500 (£22,800).

2011 Nissan X-Trail facelift (Japan):

Nissan Skyline GTR Best Japanese Sport Cars

Nissan Skyline GTR Best Japanese Sport Cars

Nissan Skyline GTR Top Sport Cars

Nissan Skyline GTR Best Sport Cars

Kia allegedly abandons Soul'ster

When the KIA Soul’ster Concept premiered at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, it turned heads. Even though the 2dr open-top SUV design was well-received by the media and public, rumours surfaced of a production model, planned for the near future. Apparently, Kia has now cancelled its plans to build the Soul'ster for production.

In order for Kia approve the Soul’ster, Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, said “You have to have broader appeal” to justify the development time and money it would take to bring the model to market. He added that a production Soul'ster would be an “almost all-new vehicle,” due to structural and weight differences from the regular Soul.

“The business case is really what we have to keep studying all the time,” said Hedrick, noting developing and selling Soul variants would be a challenge, “especially in this environment.”

Hedrick also confirmed that the Soul will undergo revised front and rear fascias, as well as receive more upmarket features for the mid-cycle change in 2012.

New photos and video of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante

This week Hyundai will start South Korean sales of the all-new 2011 Avante, with prices starting from 14,900,000KRW - 19,500,000KRW (£7,960 - £10,418/$12,500 - $16,370 at current exchange rates).

Hyundai released new photos along with more details of the engines. The South Korean Avante is powered by an all-new Gamma 1.6 litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 4 cylinder engine producing 140bhp at 6,300rpm and torque of 171Nm (126lb-ft).

The new engine is mated to a 6 speed manual, with combined fuel consumption of 5.8l/100km (48.7mpg UK/40.5mpg U.S). A 6 speed automatic transmission is optional.

Trim level dependent, the Avante is equipped with luxury amenities like Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS) that assist the driver when parking between two cars parked by automatically controlling the steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, LED rear-lights and heated rear seats.

North American models will go on sale next year.

2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcj9b0pWZRs

Porsche produces 25,000th Panamera sedan

Porsche has announced that the 25,000th Panamera has rolled off the assembly line in Leipzig, Germany. The milestone car, a ruby red Panamera, is destined for a customer in the United States. Under the hood is a 3.6 litre V6 engine with 296bhp (300PS) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque.

According to Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, "The benchmark performance of our Panamera V6 models wins over our customers worldwide. Even in the USA, a country with a preference for V8 engines, they impress with their efficiency and sportiness. The 4-door combines these aspects with the comfort and exclusivity of the luxury class."

The Panamera launched in September 2009 and quickly became one the best selling Porsche models of all time. In recent months, the sedan has outsold the Cayenne in the U.S. It was only back in December when Porsche produced its 10,000th Panamera.