Nissan announces 2014 models

Nissan Australia has taken the unprecedented step of announcing it will launch four new models in the first half of next year, headlined by a replacement for the popular Dualis that will be renamed as the Qashqai.

No Australian release timing was confirmed for the Qashqai, which is due to make its world debut at the Tokyo motor show next month, but the successor for nation’s second best selling compact SUV is expected on sale here by mid-year.

Also confirmed for local release in 2014 at Nissan’s annual National Dealer Meeting at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium yesterday were the all-new X-TRAIL mid-size SUV, a hybrid version of the new Pathfinder large SUV and a sedan version of the Pulsar SSS warm-hatch -- all in the second quarter of next year.

While the next-generation Dualis will take on the Qashqai name applied to the model since its introduction in Europe and the Middle East, Nissan has also confirmed the next X-TRAIL will be available with seven seats in Australia for the first time.

Due on sale around the same time, the Pathfinder Supercharged Hybrid will combine a 2.5-litre supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, CVT and all-wheel drive to form a more fuel-efficient alternative to the new model’s standard V6 petrol engine, but there will be no diesel option.

The new Pathfinder goes on sale here later this month, following the all-new JUKE compact crossover. Pricing for both five-star ANCAP safety-rated models was announced late last month, while Nissan yesterday announced pricing for the all-new Altima mid-size sedan, which goes on sale in November.

Finally, Nissan confirmed it will release the Pulsar SSS sedan by mid-2014, fitted with the same 140kW direct-injection turbocharged petrol (DIG Turbo) 1.6-litre engine as the hatch and available with the same manual and CVT automatic transmissions.

Expect the Pulsar SSS sedan to cost about $1000 more than the hatch with a starting price of $30,690, while the cheapest JUKE will cost $21,990, the Altima will be priced from $29,990 and Pathfinder pricing will open at $39,990.

“Nissan is set for a big end to 2013 with the launch of JUKE, Pathfinder and Altima and we look forward to taking that momentum into 2014 with these exciting new model launches,” said Peter Jones, Managing Director and CEO, Nissan Motor Company Australia.

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