Nissan revealed an enhanced 2002 Xterra at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show in February, a mere two years after the first Xterra burst upon the SUV scene in Canada. The new Xterra, featuring dramatic front end styling, a supercharged V6 engine option and a totally revised interior with a new instrument panel, went on sale nationwide in August 2001.

"When Xterra came out in 2000, it rewrote traditional SUV categories," said Ian Forsyth, director, marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. "The 2002 model makes it clear to our competition, which has become formidable over the last few years, that we're not resting on our laurels. The new Xterra can just plain do more on- and off-road than it could before."

More Style

All 2002 Xterras feature new front end styling that gives the Xterra a tougher, more familial look. Round headlights with a thick surrounding frame set the tone of the vehicle, giving it a new, substantial look. A new front fascia, with the Nissan flying "V" grille and round fog lights complete the rugged face of the Xterra.

A new hood, with a 48mm raised "power bulge" centre section, clears the way for the supercharged V6 and lends a muscular, powerful look echoed by the signature Xterra front fenders with large flares. New 17-inch wheels with off-road 265/65R17 tires complete the look of Supercharged SE Xterras, while 16-inch wheels with beefy 265/70R16 tires are standard on SE Xterras.

New exterior colours include Molten Lava and Gold Rush, and new trim colours have been added. XE receives black trim around the headlights and grille, with a silver roof rack, step rails, wheels and front lower fascia. SE models come with a dark titanium finish on all exterior trim and wheels.

"Xterra's new styling gives the vehicle even more confidence than it had before," said Forsyth. "Its new look gives a hint at the huge improvements made to Xterra under the hood and inside."

Xterra was originally designed at Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in La Jolla, Calif. with all 2002 refinements designed and engineered at Nissan Technical Center-North America in Farmington Hills, Mich. (NTCNA-FH).

More Power

SE-SC Xterras include a factory-installed supercharged 3.3-litre V6 engine. This engine, shared with the Frontier SC compact truck, produces 210 horsepower and 246 (A/T), 231 (M/T) lb-ft of torque. It uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporate and is fully warrantied by Nissan. Xterra is the first compact SUV to receive a factory-installed supercharged engine.

Supercharged Xterras are available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

More Interior and Amenities

Perhaps the biggest difference between 2001 and 2002 Xterras is the revised interior. "We wanted to keep Xterra's interior just as durable as before, but add a more modern look and feel," says Forsyth.

A new instrument panel, with three "cockpit-style" round gauges give a sporty look while adding ergonomic efficiency. SE and SE-SC gauges are a blue gradient colour, while XE is a gray gradient. New HVAC controls and a new console with a side map pocket add style and practicality. A 25 percent larger glove compartment, a map light with integrated compass (SE), new pull-out rear cup holders and four interior power points continue Xterra's well-established reputation for practicality. New seat fabrics, with a new darker gray and special charcoal for SE-SC models, are Xterra durable. Also standard are variable intermittent front windshield wipers and a rear window wiper.

Another major change is the replacement of the dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake with a more traditional foot-operated pedal system.

Standard in SE and SE-SC is an 8-speaker audio system with an in-dash 6-disc CD player.

Safety

From a safety standpoint, the 2002 Xterra comes standard with dual stage front supplemental air bags. This new system senses seatbelt use and collision severity and deploys the airbags accordingly.

Many of Xterra's interior enhancements are shared with the 2002 Frontier compact truck lineup.

More Enthusiasm and Options

"When we tested Xterra in focus groups, we were told that it was definitely not a 'grocery getter,' like some of the smaller SUVs currently on the marketplace," said Forsyth. "In fact, it's got a cult off-road following that was previously only seen among Jeep owners."

"It's the 'real deal' lifestyle accessory," said Forsyth.