Nissan GB has joined a growing trend amongst makers of small SUVs by launching two-wheel drive, entry-level versions of its popular X-Trail model.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Priced from £15,795 the 4×2 petrol model is £1200 less than the 2.0 SE 4×4 version it replaces. A 2.2-litre diesel has also been launched for £17,395; £1500 less than the equivalent 4×4.
While most SUVs, small or large, are offered in the US market with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive, on this side of the Atlantic, the 2WD option has, until recently, been very rare.
Toyota GB has previously imported an entry-level 2WD version of the RAV-4 but dropped it from the range in 2004. A spokeswoman told just-auto that research showed UK buyers wanted as much luxury and technical sophistication as possible in their small SUVs and that sales of the 2WD version were too low to justify keeping it in the range.
In contrast, Hyundai UK included a 2WD entry-level model in its recently launched Tucson line though Kia UK has chosen to launch the closely related Sportage here only with four-wheel drive.
