Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs concept takes the lead for pet owners

Dogs may be man’s best friends, but that relationship can easily break down when wrestling a muddy, wet and energetic pooch into a car. So in the interests of inter-species harmony, Nissan has designed a conceptual version of its X-Trail SUV.

The Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs concept has a number of unique features designed especially for dogs that should keep both car and canine in pristine condition.

There’s a shower and hair dryer to rinse and dry off even the filthiest animal, while the car’s wipe-clean, leather-lined boot comes with a dog guard and clips for securing two pooches. A pull-out ramp means there’s no need to lift an elderly dog, or chivvy a lazy one, into the car, while there are under-boot utility drawers and side compartments in the boot for storing essential canine accoutrements.

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Once safely ensconced in the X-Trail 4Dogs’ custom boot, Rover and Rex can settle down and enjoy treats from a dispenser, or sup water from a no-spill bowl. Anxious owners, meanwhile, can monitor the comfort of their cherished companions via the X-Trail’s seven-inch infotainment screen, which is connected to a ‘dog-cam’ in the boot.

In fact, a full-on video-call is possible thanks to the audio link, while the dogs themselves can see their master and mistress on a 10-inch, boot-mounted LCD screen (we’re not making this up).

Now the bad news: the Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs is very much a concept and not available to purchase. Don’t start hounding Nissan, though: the dog guard fitted to the X-Trail 4Dogs is a genuine accessory, which can be purchased from Nissan dealers.