May 10, 2004

Photos: Nissan. Click image to enlarge

Preview:
2005 Nissan Xterra
by Garner Tam

Over the past 5 years, Nissan (with a helping hand from Renault) has lifted itself from the edge of bankruptcy to the forefront of the industry, with newly designed vehicles in almost every market segment. Hoping to continue this recent success, Nissan will soon release their all new 2005 Xterra SUV.

The styling of the 2005 Xterra builds on its predecessor's rugged looks. Slightly deeper contours make the familiar wheel flares pop out even more and give the truck a wider, more aggressive stance. The stepped roofline remains consistent, which allows for the "stadium seating" inside, where the rear passengers sit slightly higher than those in the front. Up front, Nissan has updated the Xterra's face somewhat to fall more in line with its truck division. The use of bulkier, silver coloured materials and the more angular structure to the grill and bumper give the Xterra a modern, yet tough demeanour.

Overall, the 2005 Xterra has grown in size: wider by 2.5 inches and taller by 1.9 inches. The wheelbase is stretched by 2 inches, yet the overall length is only a hair (okay, 0.2 in) longer than the 2004. Less front overhang means easier manoeuvrability when hitting the bumpy trails.

Click image to enlarge

Inside, passengers are treated to more space with an additional 0.9 inches legroom and 0.7 inches headroom in the front. But perhaps deservedly so, the rear passengers reap the most benefit with 3.6 more inches to stretch their legs, and 2.3 inches between them and the roofline. 60/40 split folding rear seats and a newly available fold down front passenger seat make transporting pairs of skis, 2" x 4" stretches of wood, or the odd basketball pole no longer an issue. An easy to clean luggage area surface, 10 utility hooks, and Nissan's Utili-track system in the floor facilitate carrying any cargo in the rear. Up front, the interior design has been updated as well. The 3-pod gauge cluster is no longer present and is replaced by a more conventional instrument panel, and the radio and HVAC controls in the centre console have been simplified. Metallic accents on the tri-spoke steering wheel finish off the interior with a contemporary look.

Replacing both of the last generation's naturally aspirated and supercharged 3.3 litre V6 engines is Nissan's new 4.0 litre DOHC V6. A new variant of their award winning VQ series engines, preliminary numbers spec the new 4.0 litre powerplant at just over 250 horsepower, with torque rounding out at over 270 ft-lbs. That translates to over a 40 horsepower and 25 ft-lbs. increase over the top-trim 2004 supercharged engine! Such notable gains are a result of various improvements to the powertrain including increased displacement as well as microfinished engine internals, Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS) and a high capacity muffler. Electronic Throttle Control should also translate to better responsiveness.

Available transmissions are a 5-speed automatic and, even more impressive, a 6-speed manual. Both transmissions are derivatives of those that can be found tucked under a 350Z, so performance and driveability should be foregone conclusions. Of course, being an SUV, a 4WD option is available to replace the base 2WD configuration. Four wheel disc brakes assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) will help keep the Xterra in check both on and off the smooth stuff.

Click image to enlarge

Like the current model, the 2005 Xterra was designed from the start utilizing a truck-based body-on-frame chassis. The 2005 will feature a modified version of the "F-Alpha" platform developed for Xterra's big brothers, Nissan Titan and Armada. A double wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf suspension in the rear will give this truck the durability and ride that one expects from a truck-based SUV. To help attack the hills with more gusto, high performance shocks are available on the Xterra Off-Road model.

Keeping its occupants safe are the Xterra's front and rear crumple zones, a dual-stage advanced air bag system, and optional front seat side and drop down curtain air bags.

The new 2005 Xterra promises to do two things: (1) offer existing and new customers alike, an SUV with truck-like prowess and durability, at car-based prices; and (2) toe the company line - and that's not a bad place to be at all when you see what else is tethered to the rope.

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