NISSAN ADDS SOME BITE - MEET THE FIRST-EVER X-TRAIL NISMO. WILL IT JOIN NISSAN SA'S 4 MODEL LINEUP?
The Nissan X-Trail has always been one of those SUVs that quietly gets the job done. Launched back in 2000, it slotted in as a practical, family-friendly 4x4 that leaned more toward rugged functionality than flash. Over the years, it’s become one of Nissan’s global staples, selling in over 100 markets and shifting more than 7 million units across four generations. In South Africa, the X-Trail has been one of the brand’s mainstays - alongside the trusty Navara bakkie and the little Magnite SUV. But now, after 24 years of sensible duty, Nissan has finally let the X-Trail cut loose: introducing the X-Trail NISMO. Debuting in Japan, it’s the first time the nameplate has worn the hallowed NISMO badge - the same badge that has graced GT-Rs, Z cars, and a handful of Nissan’s sportiest machines.
Developed under the theme of a “Grand Touring SUV that delivers a passionate experience,” the X-Trail NISMO takes all the everyday usability of the standard X-Trail and dials it into something sharper, quicker, and more engaging. Think: school run practicality with just enough race-car seasoning to keep your heart rate up. Under the skin, it gets the full NISMO-tuned chassis treatment. Kayaba Swing Valve shock absorbers - a first for Nissan - work to keep the high-riding SUV flat through corners while still soaking up bumps. Then there’s e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, Nissan’s smart twin-motor system, here specially tuned to improve corner exit traction and give the X-Trail genuine agility.
On top of that, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres wrapped around 20-inch Enkei wheels keep things sticky, while steering and suspension tweaks help the NISMO carve corners far more enthusiastically than you’d expect from a “family crossover.”
No NISMO would be complete without the visuals to match. The X-Trail NISMO gets an aero-focused makeover, with dark chrome accents, a chunky front splitter, red-accented side skirts, and a motorsport-inspired rear diffuser. These aren’t just for show either - Nissan says the tweaks cut lift by 29% versus the stock model. Inside, it’s the familiar X-Trail cabin but with attitude: black and red colour scheme, optional NISMO Recaro sports seats, and just enough flair to remind you this isn’t your neighbour’s normal SUV.
For South Africa, the X-Trail is one of only four Nissan models currently on sale (Magnite, X-Trail, Navara commercial, Navara lifestyle). That makes every update significant. The NISMO, at least for now, is Japan-only, but if Nissan wants to inject some excitement back into its SA lineup, this could be the halo car to do it. And let’s not forget: the X-Trail has always had a streak of adventure - the early ones were boxy, rugged little 4x4s that punched well above their weight. This new NISMO feels like Nissan tipping its cap to that heritage, while dragging the X-Trail squarely into the performance-SUV conversation.
Sales in Japan kick off September 24, with global rollout yet to be confirmed. But if it does land in SA, the X-Trail NISMO might just be the SUV that proves Nissan still knows how to have fun. From family hauler to corner carver, the X-Trail NISMO is Nissan reminding the world that even the sensible ones deserve a wild side.
Take a look at the YouTube video that does a brief job of showing off the rather cool-looking NISMO version of the popular X-Trail SUV. Maybe one day we'll see them sold locally - Lord knows Nssan fans in SA need something cool again:【エクストレイルNISMO】X-TRAIL NISMO 誕生 30秒 | 日産自動車株式会社
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