While Nissan has diesel engines in the Patrol and Pathfinder models, the X-TRAIL has been petrol-only to date.

This month, Nissan Australia is adding the choice of a diesel engine, developed in association with its alliance partner Renault.

This highly refined 2.0-litre four-cylinder power plant delivers smooth, responsive performance when matched to a six-speed automatic and high-torque, overtaking power when matched to the six-speed manual transmission.

To make the diesel-powered X-TRAIL dCi as attractive to all categories of outdoor oriented customers it will be available in two grades, TS and TL.

This is the first time Nissan Australia has offered a choice of engines in the X-TRAIL. In the first generation model (sold from 2001-2007) the sole four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine option was much admired for its robust performance.

This engine was carried over when the all-new, second generation X-TRAIL was launched in October last year.

The 2.5-litre 125 kW petrol engine is now joined by the 2.0-litre 110 kW/320 Nm turbodiesel matched to the new (conventional) six speed automatic, while the six speed manual transmission is paired with a more potent 127 kW version of the diesel engine, with an impressive 360 Nm of torque available.

The manual transmission model is able to tow up to 2,000 kg, giving it an edge over some diesel-powered rivals.

In European markets the M1D engine has been used in diesel version of the DUALIS, as well as in certain Renault models. It boasts common rail direct injection, turbo charging, 16-valves and a 1,995 cc capacity.

Both versions of the four-cylinder diesel engine offer torque from as little as 2,000 rpm, with 90% of peak torque available from 1,750 rpm.

Fuel efficiency is laudable with the 127 kW engine consuming only 7.4-litres of fuel per 100 km.

The new diesel X-TRAIL dCi TS and TL variants are extremely well equipped, with both featuring front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, ABS brakes, seat-belt pretensioners and Nissan’s intelligent ALL MODE 4x4-i system which incorporates Hill Start and Hill Descent control.

Further 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.

For the TL model, the specification list includes power adjustable heated leather seats, climate control air-conditioning and a panoramic sunroof.

The Nissan X-TRAIL dCi TS diesel is priced from $36,990 (RRP) for the six speed manual model, and $38,990 (RRP) for the six speed automatic.

The premium X-TRAIL dCi TL diesel is priced from $39,990 (RRP) for the six speed manual version and $41,990 (RRP) respectively for the six speed automatic.

“We are very excited that we are able to take advantage of the technological partnership with Renault and bring this very advanced, powerful and frugal engine to Australia in the X-TRAIL,” said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Australia.

“The M1D engine has been extremely well received in Europe in a variety of products and we are sure that its reception in Australia will be just as good.

“In Europe, diesel engines are well regarded among private buyers, and this engine, with its Alliance roots and its success in both Nissan and Renault product, give us plenty of confidence it will be a winner in Australia too.

“Importantly the new turbo diesel will attract new customers with its combination of performance, refinement and economy. We expect fully 40 percent of X-TRAIL sales will be of the diesel variant."

“And sales of diesel-powered SUVs to private buyers have increased 42 percent so far this year across all classes. That is good news for Nissan because it underscores the fact that customers are in the private market and are taking diesel seriously."

“The new X-TRAIL has already proved itself a winner with customers and critics alike, and being able to offer diesel with both six-speed manual and a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox options means we have all the bases covered for our customers,” Dan said.