Snapshot
- Nissan aims to introduce four revised models in 2022
- Z car to debut in second half of year
- New e-Power powertrain to launch over the next 12 months
UPDATE, May 11, 2022: Australian pricing for the new 2023 Nissan Z has now been announced. Get all the details at the link below.
The story to here
Nissan Australia has confirmed four upgraded models will be arriving on local shores next year.
Headlined by the new Z, now in its seventh-generation, the remaining three models are; the next-generation Qashqai, X-Trail and Pathfinder – all of which have already launched overseas.
With the GT-R entering its final months of service to close out 2021, the Z will be Nissan's new flagship model, underpinned by a revised version of the Z34 370Z's chassis – but now featuring a a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 298kW and 475Nm, which is already stirring up interest with its manual and automatic transmission options.
Ahead of its arrival in the second half of 2022, Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson, believes the Z will be a strong contender in the sports car segment.
“The new Z doesn’t just further the story, it rewrites it,” said Paterson. “From power to handling, technology to cabin comfort, this a vehicle designed to delight – and we can’t wait for its Australian fans to get behind the wheel.”
One of the most important cars for Nissan next year will be the fourth-generation X-Trail, as the nameplate is currently the brand's most successful – accounting for almost a third of all Nissan sales this year.
Now produced in tandem with the North American Rogue, the 2022 X-Trail's design fits in with the rest of Nissan's exterior language, which was sparked by the latest-generation Juke, featuring split front lights and thinner units on the rear.
Its little-brother Qashqai will also be turning up on local shores, most likely in the first quarter of the year, bringing with it a 1.3-litre, mild-hybrid assisted petrol motor to become the first electrified variant in the model's history.
In addition to the smaller SUV, the larger Pathfinder will be looking to climb up the sales charts, with Nissan shifting just under 1000 units from the start of 2020.
Just like the X-Trail, it will feature split headlights and LED rear lights, although it may be surprising to hear the large SUV will not be available with an electrified powertrain – instead retaining its 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine.
On top of its vehicle offerings, Nissan is also looking to debut two new technologies next year. Its new e-Power tech is set to launch in 2022, a hybrid powertrain which doesn't need to be plugged in – thanks to its onboard petrol-powered range extender.
In addition to this, the ProPILOT driver assistance system will also be rolled out in select models, combining its intelligent cruise control with steering and lane keep assist technologies to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience.
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