Nissan’s X-Trail is a compact SUV/crossover that’s sold in most markets outside of the United States and Canada (although the X-Trail was originally offered to Canadian customers).
Instead, we get the Nissan Rogue, which gives you an idea of the X-Trail’s size and capabilities.
While the current X-Trail is a conservative box-on-box design, Nissan is teasing what it calls the Hi-Cross concept, which is likely to preview the next X-Trail model.
If that’s the case, the X-Trail looks like it will get a healthy dose of style for its new generation.
We’ll have to wait until the 2012 Geneva Motor Show for more images of the Hi-Cross concept, though the video below gives us a few more details.
As Autocar explains, the new X-Trail is expected to come in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, and will be equipped with better on-road manners than the previous generation.
The change is deliberate, as Nissan plans to target the next X-Trail against conventional sedans like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. It will also pitch the new X-Trail against Ford’s S-Max crossover, which will require the new Nissan to come in both five- and seven-seat configurations.
The primary engine choice is said to be a 2.0-liter diesel, with smaller diesel and gasoline-powered options available as well. We can expect the new X-Trail to launch in Europe in the third quarter of 2013, but it’s unlikely the new crossover will make it to these shores.
For more news from Geneva, be sure to follow our live reports from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.