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As if to prove that the Brits love their dogs more than people, Nissan has introduced a special edition of the X-Trail called the X-Trail 4Dogs. It's for dogs you see...
In the 445-lite boot there's a comfy bed for your dog to lie down on, a non-spill water bowl, pockets and storage areas for snacks and treats and a system to clip a lead and harness to so that the dog is safe.
All sounds reasonable, right? What about the pull-out ramp that allows smaller dogs to walk up into the boot? Does that still sound reasonable? Or the air conditioning system that delivers warm air to the doggie in the boot? OK, how do you feel about a pull-out shower unit and doggie hair dryer? Are we getting ridiculous yet?
Oh, did I mention that the boot is leather lined? Nissan says that's to make it hard wearing and wipe-clean but we all know it's because you think your doggie-woggie should have his own leather armchair.
Wait for it though. The dog even gets a bigger screen than you. Nissan has installed a communications system that allows you to keep an eye on your pooch through the seven-inch touchscreen in the X-Trail's dash, and to be able to talk to them through an audio link. The dog in the back gets a 10-inch (10-inch!!!) screen so that it can see you. In black and white, presumably.
Dr. Rachel Homeny, a respected veterinary practitioner with six years of experience, 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."
Ryan Gains, Nissan UK's Chief Marketing Manager, X-Trail, commented: "It's clear from the research that for dog owners, dogs are a key part of the family. 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."