Nissan might have just finished a comprehensive product overhaul with new-generation versions of the Qashqai, X-Trail, Pathfinder and Z hitting showrooms in the last 12 months, but it looks like there is plenty more to come from the Japanese brand.
According to overseas reports, Nissan’s next wave of products will include a high-riding electric car to take on the MG ZS EV, a new SUV to carry the Skyline torch, the next-generation of Patrol off-roader, an electric-ready Navara ute, and two high-performance models in the form of an update to the GT-R and Nismo-tuned version of the Z.
Now, it’s important to note that Nissan has not confirmed the existence of most of these news models, nor has the local division indicated if and when we can expect them in Australian showrooms, but it does point to a continued upward trajectory for the brand.
First, let’s cover off what is likely to be Nissan’s most important model – the high-riding electric SUV set to replace the Leaf.
Nissan Europe’s boss has already confirmed the Leaf-succeeding model will morph into a small SUV designed to compete against the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV in a booming segment, and that it will be produced in the existing Sunderland, UK facility.
A more on-trend bodystyle will no doubt help sales of Nissan’s entry-level electric car, which has struggled to find its footing as a small hatchback against the turning tide of SUVs and increasing popularity of Tesla models.
However, that won’t be the only new all-electric SUV coming from Nissan, with recent reports indicating a return of the Skyline nameplate could return in the form of a high-rider.
Rumour has it the Skyline will be a mid-size SUV (one of Australia’s most popular segments) with hybrid and full-electric powertrain options – the latter expected to offer a performance version with up to 335kW to tackle the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
The platform is also expected to be shared with Infiniti, and feature many components from the larger Ariya electric SUV.
Interestingly, Ford has trademarked the ‘Skyline’ name in North America, so Nissan may very well change it up when this model is confirmed and comes to production.
To round out Nissan’s SUV line-up, there is also the next-generation Patrol waiting in the wings that is expected to drop its 5.6-litre petrol V8 in favour of a force-fed V6 to keep it competitive against the hot-selling Toyota LandCruiser.
With the Infiniti QX80 seen testing in the US, more details on the next Patrol will come to light and an official unveiling is expected not too long after.
Also key to Nissan’s continued growth is the new-generation Navara ute, which has long trailed contemporaries like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in popularity.
However, Nissan will team with alliance partner Mitsubishi for the new dual-cab ute, and with the former’s Triton due to be revealed later this month, details of what the new Navara has in store can be gleaned.
We already know there will be a diesel powertrain option, while the new-vehicle program has been built with electrification in mind – though whether that is with Nissan’s e-Power, a plug-in hybrid powertrain or just mild-hybrid technology is not yet known.
Finally, Nissan is also showing some love to its performance models, with the Nismo version of the Z expected to surface before the end of the year with tweaks to styling, handling and performance, while a new iteration of the long-running GT-R is expected to surface soon with an electrification boost.
All this is to say, Nissan is not resting on its laurels after a range-wide refresh to its models, and could capitalise on the momentum it has already built up to propel it further up the sales charts.
But whether Nissan Australia can regain its footing and make a run for the top five will all depend on how many of these new models, and at what price, they can be secured at.
Keyword: Is the best yet to come from Nissan? Qashqai, X-Trail, Pathfinder, Juke and Z might be all new, but the brand will be bolstered by much more to come soon