All-New Nissan X-Trail SUV is Also the 2014 Rogue for North America [65 Photos & Videos]

The 2013 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show welcomed the international premiere of the new generation Nissan X-Trail, which as we rightly suspected, is a global model and will also act as a replacement to the Nissan Rogue in North America, with differences between the two possibly (but not surely) concerning the powertrain options.

Built on the new jointly-developed Nissan and Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform architecture, and projected to be available in 190 countries around the globe, the new X-Trail adopts a more crossover look and feel in its styling, which was previewed by last year’s Nissan HiCross Concept.

Strangely enough, Nissan is keeping a great number of details under cover in its initial press release, including the SUV’s dimensions and powertrain lineup. What Nissan did say about the X-Trail’s engine lineup is that it will downsize.

“By reducing power sapping friction in its drivetrains, new X-Trail provides excellent performance from the latest generation of downsized engines, providing the pace of a bigger powerplant with the economy and emissions of a smaller one,” said the Japanese carmaker in a statement.

European customers will have the option of either a more fuel efficient but less capable off-the-road two-wheel drive version, and an all-wheel drive model fitted with Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4i system that encompasses a rotary switch on the center console offering a choice between two-wheel drive, Auto mode or Lock offering permanent four-wheel drive.

Other notable highlights mentioned in the release include the option of a third row of seats to make room for seven inside, plus an array of comfort and safety features such as Uphill Start Support, Advance Hill Descent Control, Active Ride Control and Active Engine Brake, a new NissanConnect system with suite of applications and LED headlights – for both high and low beams.

Nissan said the X-Trail will be built at nine different manufacturing sites around the world with sales to begin in select markets in the first quarter of 2014 and continue in July of the same year.

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