Nissan teases 12 models in video
It is not uncommon for a carmaker to release a teaser image or two of an upcoming new model. Sometimes they even do several teasers before an actual reveal or launch. Nissan however gave the public a surprise after uploading a teaser video of 12 different models showing only each car’s side silhouette and the first letter of each model’s name.
These 12 models are set to be launched within the next 18 months. Some of these are updated versions of the current generation of some models while others are completely new generations. These also appear to be mostly crossovers and SUVs.
Here are the 12 models teased alphabetically from A to Z on the video.
Ariya
The first model shown in the video is the Ariya which should be Nissan’s first purely electric crossover. This is the production version of a concept car first shown by Nissan last year.
Armada/Patrol
Next is the Armada which is the US-market version of the Patrol. The facelifted version was already revealed and is on sale in other markets like the Middle East. Despite being just a facelift, there is no doubt that this SUV is still very much up to date with several different features found in most newer cars and a still great performing powertrain. We should expect the current powertrain, a 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 400 hp and 560 Nm of torque to be carried over. No diesel option will be available yet. Hopefully we also see this on our shores soon.
Frontier
Filipinos are definitely familiar with the Frontier nameplate. The previous generation Navara was called the Frontier Navara while the current generation dropped ‘Frontier’ from its name completely. While we don’t get it anymore, the previous generation D40 Frontier is still on sale in the US and should be replaced by this all-new model soon. Based on this teaser, the Frontier will no longer get the same looks as the Navara and instead will be a larger truck. The expected powertrain is a 3.8-liter V6 with a 9-speed automatic transmission from the 2020-model year update of the current Frontier in the US.
Kicks
Just revealed in Thailand a few weeks ago, this is the updated version of the Kicks global model crossover. The e-Power version gets a 100% electric-motor driven system composed of a 1.2-liter three cylinder gasoline engine, power generator, e-motor, and a lithium-ion battery. It produces 127 hp and 260 Nm of torque. There’s also a possibility of it being powered by some turbocharged gasoline powertrains. If it does make it here, it should replace the Juke in the local Nissan lineup.
Murano?
UPDATE: It looks like this should be the Nissan Magnite. It is expected to go on sale in August and rival vehicles like the Ford EcoSport, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and Hyundai Venue. Most available online sources for information are Indian which means this will probably be a small crossover for that market.
Photo from Car India
This crossover teased in the video has no specified name as M was skipped completely in the list at the end of the video. There is also not much information about it except that the name will start with M. It could be a new version of the Murano which was available here in the Philippines many years ago. It is still sold in the US-market and the current generation was launched for the 2015 model year. As it is already five years old, this could be either a refresh or even a completely new generation for the compact crossover as the first two generations of the model both had a 5-year lifespan.
Navara
The current generation of the Navara, dubbed the D23, has been around since 2014. That’s six years without any major updates, the pick-up truck only received minor upgrades and limited edition variants. Based on the video, the Navara will get a major refresh instead of an all-new model as the silhouette remains the same. We do however see a bit of boxiness around the vehicle so we really can’t tell at this point.
Note
Nissan’s subcompact hatchback which is a competitor to the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris is already getting quite old. The current generation in the US-market has been around since 2012. While it isn’t sold here and most likely won’t, it does currently get an e-Power option under the hood in other markets. The new model should also be getting this. We wonder if Nissan Philippines has plans to rival the Yaris and Jazz here.
Pathfinder
Those familiar with the Pathfinder know that it was sold here as the two-door version of the Terrano over two decades ago. In fact, my mom even drove one while I was a little kid. Today, the Pathfinder is a midsize unibody crossover and competes with other midsize offerings in the US market such as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. The current model was launched in 2012 for the 2013 model year, making it almost 8 years old today. Based on the teaser, the Pathfinder might just become an off-road oriented vehicle again just like its first generation but still with its crossover design. It could be something like the Subaru Forester which is a crossover but with great off-road capability. Not much information is available though.
Qashqai
The Qashqai is the baby brother of the Nissan Rogue (or X-Trail in our market). The Qashqai name is used in markets like Europe and Australia while the name Rogue Sport is used in North America. The current generation was launched in 2013 and received an update in 2016. The one shown in the teaser is expected to be an all-new generation as the all-new Rogue/X-Trail is expected to be revealed very soon.
Rogue/X-Trail
The all-new Rogue is not a surprise at all. Known as the X-Trail in our market, photos of it were leaked and spread online pretty quickly giving a very good look at what the new version of Nissan’s Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V fighter will look like. We already know what it looks like inside and out so be sure to read our article about the leak by clicking here.
Terra
The Nissan Terra isn’t exactly old yet, it has been around for just two years so far after its launch in 2018 but it looks like Nissan is already getting ready for an update. We’re expecting to see some design cues from the updated Nissan Patrol as many people already found the Terra looking like a smaller version of the company’s flagship SUV. Also seen in the video are new LED daytime running lights, and a new more upscale looking V-Motion grille. We hope to see some updates in the interior as the overall design has been around since the Navara first came out in 2014, making it look just a bit dated compared to its competition.
New-Z
And last in the teasers, well because it starts with the last letter of the alphabet, but definitely not the least, an all-new Z-car. While Nissan has definitely had several ups and downs in the past few years, what better way to see the future than with a new Z sports car. Even if they just recently launched locally the 370Z, it’s still quite exciting to see a new model coming soon. This is expected to be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with at least 400 hp. It will most likely get a 7-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual. Hopefully we start getting more information about this model as there is no other perfect way to describe Nissan than with a Z badged sports car.
