Four all-new Nissan models coming next year

Nissan Australia is gearing up for what it claims will be the biggest year in its history, with no fewer than three all-new SUVs, the redesigned Nissan Z sports car and the Toyota LandCruiser-thrashing Patrol Warrior all on the starting blocks for release in 2022.

“Next year will be a huge 12 months for Nissan, as we undertake an almost brand-wide refresh with the launch of four incredibly exciting and all-new models,” said Nissan Australia managing director, Adam Paterson.

“From the return of our iconic Z to the rugged yet refined Pathfinder, the stylish QASHQAI to the adventure-ready X-TRAIL, I can confidently say there is an all-new vehicle for everyone in 2022.”

Following this month’s release of the swansong GT-R T-Spec limited-edition, after which the current Godzilla will be discontinued Down Under, and next month’s launch of the upgraded Navara Warrior ute, the replacement of Nissan’s small, medium and large SUVs, plus the first Patrol Warrior and new Z coupe, will see the update or renewal of Nissan Australia’s entire model range.

However, many of Nissan’s new-for-2022 models have been pushed back to later next year due to supply issues and the Japanese brand remain cagey on exact arrival times. Here’s what’s coming from Nissan next year.

As new vehicles continue to be hit with manufacturing delays due to the global microprocessor shortage that has hindered almost every car brand on the planet, the new Nissan QASHQAI was expected to be the car-maker’s first all-new cab off the rank in March 2022, but that is now officially “2022” according to Nissan.

Still expected to arrive by mid-2022, top-spec QASHQAI models will head upmarket with multiple digital displays and 3D quilted premium leather front seats with massage functionality.

Nissan’s evolving ProPILOT self-driving systems will also feature in the new QASHQAI, which will again compete with popular small SUVs like the MG ZS and Hyundai Kona.

The 2022 Nissan QASHQAI will be powered by a more efficient 110kW/260Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine and several months after the initial launch Nissan Australia’s first e-POWER hybrid powertrain will also arrive under the bonnet of the QASHQAI.

“We are excited to introduce Nissan e-POWER, providing a 100 per cent electric motor-driven powertrain as well as our flagship ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system all due to arrive next year,” stated the Nissan Australia chief.

However, the most important new vehicle launch for Nissan Australia in 2022 will be the replacement for the X-TRAIL mid-size SUV – the Japanese brand’s top-selling model Down Under – which will again take on the nation’s biggest selling SUVs including the Toyota RAV4.

Based on the US-market Rogue, the fourth-generation Nissan X-TRAIL was originally due here around mid-2022 and will bring advanced tech including a trio of large digital displays, improved driving assistance features and a bold new design.

The cabin is expected to get plenty of family-friendly equipment, such as a wireless smartphone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay, USB-C and USB-A charge ports and rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees.

Reclining NASA-inspired low-fatigue spinal support for the rear seats with one-touch fold-down functionality, plus ‘class-exclusive’ tri-zone climate control, rear side sunshades and a compartmentalised storage system for the boot will also feature.

Originally set to arrive in early 2022, the new-generation Nissan Pathfinder will now arrive “later in 2022”, says Nissan Australia.

Nissan’s answer to large seven-seat family SUVs like the Toyota Kluger will be offered from launch with a 210kW/350Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6 with a bit more power than its predecessor. the

There will be no hybrid option for the new Pathie from launch (and no diesel power, period), but the updated engine hooks up to an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and will offer a towing limit of around 2700kg.

Like its small and mid-size SUV siblings, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is all-new (except for the engine), sporting a fresh new exterior design and an interior kitted out with all the latest tech, including a fully digital dashboard.

US models are offered with a 10.8-inch digital head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.0-inch infotainment touch-screens, all of which are set to be offered in Australia.

The new Nissan Z has been one of the most clicked-on vehicles of 2021 and its launch in the “second half” of next year is expected to see initial shipments of the new model sell out.

After the limited-edition Proto Spec flagship is snapped up, just one model grade will be offered in Australia. Pricing for the new Z coupe has not been announced, but it’s expected to undercut the Toyota Supra from around $70,000.

The new Nissan Z’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 – again available with both manual and auto transmissions – will pump out about 298kW/475Nm, which means more power but less torque than the Supra’s BMW-sourced 3.0-litre turbo straight-six.

Standard features for Nissan’s retro-styled rear-drive sports coupe will include a mechanical limited-slip differential, launch control, an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control.

Nissan’s big and bold Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series rival continues to gain in popularity, the current-generation Nissan Patrol recording its best-selling month ever in September, and the beefed-up Warrior version will bolster demand and no doubt extend Y62 waiting lists even further when it arrives next year.

Originally set for a 2021 launch, Nissan’s first Patrol Warrior is being designed and developed in Australia by Premcar – the same outfit that brought us the Navara Warrior.

Nissan is keeping its cards close to its chest with its second Warrior model, but it’s expected to bring chassis upgrades including upgraded suspension and off-road tyres, plus a new front-end design that should also improve ground clearance and approach angles.