Nissan unveils X-Trail 4Dogs concept

Nissan has unveiled a special edition of its popular X-Trail SUV, adapted for dog owners.

The Japanese carmaker claims the X-Trail 4Dogs concept is the ultimate canine crossover, thanks to a boot that has been transformed into a bespoke pet travel space.

At 445 litres in size, the X-Trail 4Dogs boot features a host of dog-friendly features, such as a 360-degree pull-out shower, dog dryer, slide-away ramp and integrated drying system, all of which stow away in compact compartments.

Meanwhile a luxurious and – importantly – wipe-clean leather bed takes up most of the floor space in the compartment, providing a comfortable spot for two dogs to travel in style on.

A clip-on harness hook and rear-seat dog guard ensures the animals’ safety in transit, while a no-spill water bowl and smart dog treat dispenser keeps them watered and fed.

Dog and owner can keep an eye on each other, too, thanks to Nissan’s innovative dog-cam technology, which is integrated into the X-Trail’s NissanConnect infotainment system. The owner can see their pet on the seven-inch dashboard display and a 10-inch LED screen on the back of row two provides a video display of the owner for the dog. An audiolink also allows the owner to talk to their pet to calm them.

The X-Trail 4Dogs concept came about following a Kennel Club survey of more than 1,300 dog owners. While 54.7 per cent said they would like their current vehicle to be more easily accessible for their dog, almost 90 per cent (88.9 per cent) said they would buy a car that had dog-friendly features.

Vet Dr Rachel Homeny said: “The features in the Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs are really well considered, and make it perfect for taking pets out in all weathers. In particular, the wash and dry functionality allows dogs to be dogs, so owners don’t need to worry about messing up the car interior. This is a great concept that caters to the needs of man’s best friend.”

By Laura Thomson