It was definitely time for a new Xterra that built on the proven strengths of the model, while improving the areas that
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| The Xterra's platform is a version of that used in the full-size Titan pickup. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press) |
Nissan hardware has come a long way in the last six years, and the new Xterra benefits fully from the latest technology. Its platform is a version of that used in the full-size Titan pickup, a fully-boxed separate frame using high-tensile strength steel for light weight with ruggedness.
Suspension is all-steel double wishbone up front and traditional leaf-sprung solid axle out back. Such a set-up is well-suited to the Xterra's mission in life, which is to say that its owner will happily trade off some on-road comfort for the durability of a solid axle. The vertical travel of the suspension is relatively long, which permitted a greater degree of suppleness to be engineered into the set-up. The
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| A 4.0-litre truck version of Nissan's ubiquitous VQ V6 engine produces a robust 265-horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press) |
The previous lack of power, refinement and fuel economy has been amply addressed with the installation of the 4.0-litre truck version of Nissan's ubiquitous VQ V6 engine, in this case putting out a robust 265-horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque at a usefully low 4,000 rpm.
Backing up this refined engine is either a six-speed manual transmission with wide ratios for acceleration and fuel economy, or a new electronically-controlled five-speed automatic. I drove the automatic, and it was well-suited to the engine.