Nissan confirms Z to launch very soon, followed by some of its most important sellers for families.
Nissan has revealed that it will introduce at least four new models to showrooms this year.
Beginning the onslaught will the new Z soon, followed by the next generation of Qashqai, Xtrail, and Pathfinder SUVs in the second half 2022, giving Nissan the newest models in some of the most important segments.
“I’m thrilled to be able to confirm launch timings for these vehicles, with all four exciting and all-new models set to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2022,” says Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson.
“The all-new Z, Pathfinder, X-TRAIL and Qashqai will join the just-updated Patrol, along with the tough and rugged Navara, to give Nissan one of the newest and most exciting model line-ups in the country.”
The new Z sold in Australia will be offered with the choice of either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. Pricing and specifications will be revealed soon. A limited-edition model will be the Nissan Z Proto Spec, which gains unique 19-inch bronze alloy wheels, unique yellow brake calipers, black interior finished with unique yellow interior accents and stitching, and the option of a two-tone ‘Ikazuchi’ yellow exterior paint with black roof.
It’s powered by an Infiniti-sourced VR30DETT 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine producing 298kW at 6400rpm and 475Nm from 1600-5600rpm – more power but less torque than its direct rival the Toyota Supra which makes 285kW and 500Nm from a BMW engine.
The automatic is a nine-speed transmission with manual shift override via aluminium steering-wheel-mounted paddles and launch control. The manual has six cogs with an EXEDY light-weight clutch, carbon-fibre driveshaft and automatic rev-matching.
The new Qashqai brings an appearance is considerably different to the outgoing model but is in-line with Nissan’s contemporary design language. Inside, the car has also been overhauled and technology sees a significant boost – not least the safety systems with are comprehensive from the base level up.
2022 Nissan Qashqai
Kicking off proceedings will be the Qashqai crossover, ready to launch by around early to mid-2022, depending on if delays to stock occur. It brings a new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 110kW and 260Nm and the range of models and specifications have been detailed already. After the launch of the standard 1.3L turbo range will be an all-new e-Power hybrid (detailed below), the first hybrid car sold by Nissan Australia.
You can read our first-drive review of the 2022 Nissan Qashqai here.
2022 Nissan X-Trail
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail is expected after the new Qashqai and will battle against mid-size SUV segment leaders such as the Toyota Rav4 and Mazda CX-5. Based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s updated CMF-C platform, it uses a revised version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine now producing 110kW and 250Nm, and there is also an e-Power hybrid coming. No specifications have been confirmed for Australia yet but expect the newest ProPilot automated driving assistant systems (detailed below) and technology upgrades such as large digital screens in the cabin.
You can read our first-drive review of the 2022 Nissan X-Trail here.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder
The largest SUV Nissan sells before stepping up into the Patrol four-wheel drive, the Pathfinder has had a big makeover, bringing a more distinctive and toughened appearance that matches its blend of on-road comfort for families and light off-road ability. Equipped with the same 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine as before producing 210kW and 350Nm via a new nine-speed automatic, the large SUV will continue with three rows of seating for up to seven occupants.
2022 Nissan Z
Nissan says the new Z will arrive around the middle of 2022 and the sports car will be offered, initially, in two model trims grades. Soon after launch, the limited edition Proto Spec will sell out and it will be offered in just one, well-specified model. The important figures for enthusiasts are that the new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 produces 298kW at 6400rpm and 475Nm from 1600-5600rpm, and buyers have the choice of either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
You can read up on more on the new Nissan Z here.
2022 Nissan technology
e-Power
Nissan Australia has confirmed that it will introduce ‘e-Power’ hybrid, first with the new Qashqai.
The Japanese brand’s version differs in how it works compared to competitors such as Toyota and Hyundai. E-Power uses an internal combustion engine as a generator to charge a battery, which then drives an electric motor via an inverter. So E-power models, such as the Note that’s currently sold in Japan, feel like an electric car to drive with the instant hit of torque and near-silent running, while offering fuel consumption similar to that of a full hybrid model.
2022 Nissan Qashqai
Kicking off proceedings will be the Qashqai crossover, ready to launchQ3-Q4 2022, depending on if delays to stock occur. It brings a new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 110kW and 260Nm and the range of models and specifications have been detailed already. After the launch of the standard 1.3L turbo range will be an all-new e-Power hybrid (detailed below), the first hybrid car sold by Nissan Australia.
You can read our first-drive review of the 2022 Nissan Qashqai here.
2022 Nissan X-Trail
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail is expected after the new Qashqai and will battle against mid-size SUV segment leaders such as the Toyota Rav4 and Mazda CX-5. Based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s updated CMF-C platform, it uses a revised version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine now producing 110kW and 250Nm, and there is also an e-Power hybrid coming. No specifications have been confirmed for Australia yet but expect the newest ProPilot automated driving assistant systems (detailed below) and technology upgrades such as large digital screens in the cabin.
You can read our first-drive review of the 2022 Nissan X-Trail here.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder
The largest SUV Nissan sells before stepping up into the Patrol four-wheel drive, the Pathfinder has had a big makeover, bringing a more distinctive and toughened appearance that matches its blend of on-road comfort for families and light off-road ability. Equipped with the same 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine as before producing 210kW and 350Nm via a new nine-speed automatic, the large SUV will continue with three rows of seating for up to seven occupants.
2022 Nissan Z
Nissan says the new Z will arrive around the middle of 2022 and the sports car will be offered, initially, in two model trims grades. Soon after launch, the limited edition Proto Spec will sell out and it will be offered in just one, well-specified model. The important figures for enthusiasts are that the new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 produces 298kW at 6400rpm and 475Nm from 1600-5600rpm, and buyers have the choice of either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
You can read up on the Australian specifications for the new Nissan Z here.
2022 Nissan technology
e-Power
Nissan Australia has confirmed that it will introduce ‘e-Power’, first with the new Qashqai.
The Japanese brand’s version differs in how it works compared to competitors such as Toyota and Hyundai. E-Power uses an internal combustion engine as a generator to charge a battery, which then drives an electric motor via an inverter. So E-power models, such as the Note that’s currently sold in Japan, feel like an electric car to drive with the instant hit of torque and near-silent running, while offering fuel consumption similar to that of a full hybrid model.
ProPilot
New Nissan models will come with ProPilot, the brand’s version of automated driving assistance and active safety systems.
The main improvement for the incoming ProPilot is that it combines adaptive radar cruise control with automated steering so that the car can follow a vehicle ahead, braking, accelerating and steering to keep the car within the lane markings, including in stop-start traffic
ProPilot
New Nissan models will come with ProPilot, the brand’s version of automated driving assistance and active safety systems.
The main improvement for the incoming ProPilot is that it combines adaptive radar cruise control with automated steering so that the car can follow a vehicle ahead, braking, accelerating and steering to keep the car within the lane markings, including in stop-start traffic