Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs | Concept - Car News Feb 2017

14:36 Tuesday 28 Feb 2017

Nissan’s X-Trail is officially going to the dogs, after the manufacturer revealed a dog-friendly concept version following comments from its customers.

An owner survey found nearly nine-in-ten dog owners thought cars should be more dog-friendly, and Nissan responded with the X-Trail 4Dogs concept. After dog owners overwhelming said they would consider buying a car with more dog-friendly features, Nissan designers turned the X-Trail’s 445-litre boot space into a doggy haven with innovative features including a two-way ‘dog cam’, water shower, dryer, an access ramp, and travel space for up to two four-legged friends. The pull-out shower is perfect for getting cleaned up after a long muddy walk, before the dog dryer delivers a jet of air to the wet fur. Both stow away easily in a pull-out utility draw, while new side compartments have been added also. The slide away ramp lets dogs make their own way up into the boot, where an integrated drying system produces warm air. The boot is lined with wipe-clean leather. The dogs can settle down on a luxurious bed, help themselves to a drink from the no-spill water bowl, and indulge in a snack from the dog treat dispenser. A clip-on harness hook will help ensure they stay safe on the move, as will the genuine Nissan dog guard which is available for purchase. The ‘dog-cam’ integrated in to the X-Trail’s NissanConnect infotainment system, allows both owner and dog to keep an eye on each other, with a 7-inch dash display and 10-inch LCD screen in the boot. The owner can even talk to their dog via an audio link.

Nissan’s efforts were prompted by a Kennel Club survey of more than 1,300 dog owners. Almost all respondents considered their dog to be part of the family, with almost 90% saying they would choose a car with their pet in mind, with around the same amount using their car to transport their pets at least once a week for journeys of ten minutes or more. More than half said they would like a bigger boot and for their car to be more dog accessible, with almost three-quarters using the boot space or back seat for dog transportation.

“It’s clear from the research that for dog owners, dogs are a key part of the family”, said the X-Trail’s Chief Marketing Manager Ryan Gains.

“Ensuring their pet’s needs are catered for is often just as important as making sure the children are comfortable and happy. The Nissan X-Trail is a car that’s built for family adventures, and the X-Trail 4Dogs concept takes that to the next level.”