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There's
a major clue to Nissan's redesign of its compact Xterra
SUV for 2005 by what hasn't been taken out. Yes, the first-aid
kit is still there. Read that to mean that while many competitors
have fallen all over themselves to remove truck foundations
and offer car-based SUVs instead, Xterra can still hunker
down for true off-road duty without worrying about getting
its undercarriage muddy. In fact, this second generation
remains based on a modified "F-Alpha" truck foundation
used in other Nissan SUVs and pickups, and includes a specifically-named
"Off-Road Grade" version complete with skid plates,
trail-rated tires, lock-in low gear, and other heavy duty
necessities.
But
that's only part of the story of this remake that hasn't
ignored customer requests for some refinement despite its
tough foundation. Changes include major improvement in ride
quality (thanks to more length and width), quietness, improved
transmission, more interior space and added amenities, without
losing Xterra's distinctive character. Safety gets major
attention as well, with an available side-curtain airbag
system for rollover protection. All three trim levels are
powered by a standard 265-HP, 4.0-liter V-6, whether manual
or five-speed automatic, or two- or four-wheel drive.
Perhaps
to herald the new year in style, Nissan began production
just a week into calendar '05 for sale in February. That
could make it harder to find in showrooms for a few weeks.
But never fear, Nissan intends to sell a ton of them.
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