The plan to offer diesel powered X-TRAILs follows strong customer enquiry since the launch of the new X-TRAIL in October last year.

Two turbo diesel engines will be offered, a refined base engine producing 110 kW (320 Nm) and matched to a new six-speed automatic, while the high-performance 127 kW (360 Nm) diesel is matched to a six-speed manual transmission.

Known internally as M1D, the basis for both diesels is a common rail direct injection turbocharged 2.0-litre, 16-valve four-cylinder unit. The engines, which displace 1,995 cc, have been jointly developed with Alliance partner Renault.

The new diesel X-TRAIL will be available in two new specification grades, with the new entry-level designated ‘TS’ – based on  the ST-L petrol X-TRAIL - and the premium version designated ‘TL’ – based on the Ti petrol X-TRAIL.

The TS is packed with features including a full complement of safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, stability control (ESP), ABS brakes, seat-belt pretensioners and Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4-i system which incorporates Uphill Start Support (USS) and Downhill Drive Support (DDS).

Other standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-stack CD player, front fog lights and chrome door handles.

The top of the range diesel TL model adds power operated heated leather seats, climate control air-conditioning and a panoramic sunroof.

Pricing for the TS models is from $36,990* for the manual and $38,990* for the six-speed automatic. The premium X-TRAIL TL diesel is priced from $39,990* and $41,990* respectively for the manual and automatic equipped variants.

Nissan’s managing director and CEO, Dan Thompson, said the new diesel has all the attributes to enhance the reputation of the X-TRAIL.

“The new diesel engines offer impressive performance in both manual and automatic configurations and reinforces the X-TRAIL’s position as an extremely capable compact SUV,” said Mr Thompson.