Nissan is set to bring four new-generation models to Australian showrooms in 2022.
Three of these are next-generation SUVs and the fourth is the seventh-generation Nissan Z sports car.
The Japanese automaker has also confirmed that its e-Power hybrid system will debut in Australia during 2022, as will its latest ProPILOT active cruise and lane-keeping aid system.
The e-Power drivetrain is not a Toyota-style parallel hybrid. Instead the petrol engine generates charge for the batteries, with electric motor/s directly driving the wheels.
This hybrid powertrain will be available for the next-generation Qashqai and X-Trail models.
Overseas models shown
Nissan Qashqai
The 2022 Nissan Qashqai has already been detailed with Australian specifications confirmed.
It’ll arrive in early 2022 and be available in four familiar trim levels: ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti.
This next-generation Qashqai will be powered by a new turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, with the e-Power hybrid powertrain joining the range in late 2022.
The refreshed interior has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster.
This new Qashqai will be built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-C platform that’s also used in the Renault Captur.
It’ll be replacing the outgoing Qashqai model that was introduced in 2014.
Nissan X-Trail
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail is expected to arrive after the smaller Qashqai.
It shares its key mechanicals with the upcoming, next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander which will beat the Nissan to market by arriving in November this year.
The new-generation Nissan X-Trail premiered in North American Rogue guise, but the local version won’t stray too far from this.
The naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is expected to carry over from the outgoing model like the North American Rogue.
Overseas reports have indicated the X-Trail, at least in the Japanese market, will offer a choice of three electrified powertrains but may no longer offer a diesel.
These electrified variants comprise of a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and e-Power powertrains.
The US spec Rogue packs a significantly upgraded and more modern interior that features a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with an available 10.8-inch colour head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Nissan Pathfinder
The three-row 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will be arriving in Australian showrooms in late 2022.
This new model has been comprehensively overhauled for the 2022 model year but the 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6 will carry over from the outgoing model.
Power and torque outputs are unchanged at 212kW and 351Nm, however it’s now mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
An all-wheel drive system will also be available with seven different ‘Drive and Terrain’ modes to choose from.
Braked towing capacity is a claimed 2720kg.
The eight-seater has the same 2900mm wheelbase as the outgoing model, but is 39mm shorter, 19mm wider, and has a 19mm higher roof.
Just like the US spec Rogue, inside the next-generation Pathfinder is 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as well as an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch colour head-up display.
Nissan Z
The flagship vehicle that Nissan will be bringing to Australian shores in 2022 is the 2023 Nissan Z sports car.
It’s already been detailed in full with Australia specifications confirmed.
Coming in the second half of 2022, the Z will be offered in a single trim level alongside a limited-edition Z Proto Spec flagship.
These Z Proto Spec models will receive bright yellow brake calipers and interior detailing, bronze forged alloy wheels, and unique touch points.
It’s also available in the ‘Ikazuchi Yellow’ exterior paint colour with a ‘Super Black’ roof first seen on the Z Proto concept.
Regardless of trim level, the Z is fitted with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 298kW of power and 475Nm of torque.
It’ll be mated to a choice of either a six-speed close-ratio manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.
Power is sent through the rear wheels and all Australian-spec Nissan Zs will have a mechanical limited-slip differential as well as launch control.
Nissan confirmed that its new models arriving in 2022 will be receiving its new ProPilot driver active safety suite.
This safety suite combines radar cruise control with stop and go, as well as a steering assist feature and a lane-keeping assist backed up by the navigation system. When the navigation tells the car it’s approaching a bend, the cruise control can slow down ahead of time.
Expect to also see standard safety kit such as blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking, along with AEB packing pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Alongside these new Nissan models arriving in 2022, the company will continue to sell its Navara, Juke, Leaf, Patrol, and the soon-to-be axed GT-R.
MORE: Nissan e-Power hybrids in Australia from 2022
MORE: 2023 Nissan Z Australian details revealed
