Nissan Nomad Reviews

Nissan has issued an urgent recall notice affecting its most popular model.A total of 13,795 Nissan X-Trail e-Power mid-size SUVs could have a potentially dangerous software issue, according to the official notice from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.The affected X-Trails covered model years from 2022 to 2026, and used the Japanese brand’s e-Power hybrid technology.A software issue with the lithium-ion battery controller could cause the vehicle to enter a fail safe mode, which means the vehicles could lose power while driving and wouldn’t be able to charge the battery.Unlike other hybrids, Nissan’s e-Power technology only uses the petrol engine to charge the battery and the electric motors drive the wheels, rather than a combination of both. This means if the battery can not charge, the vehicle can not be driven.The recall notice said if this occurs it could “increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to the vehicle occupants and other road users”.Nissan will be contacting affected owners and urging them to attend their local dealership to have the software reprogrammed at no cost.Nissan also recalled 237 Qashqai e-Power compact SUVs for the same issue.The affected models cover the 2025 to 2026 model years and again will be reprogrammed free of charge.

This key Toyota Kluger rival has received a serious update.The overhauled Nissan Pathfinder three-row SUV has been shown off as it looks to tackle the Chinese market. There are no plans for this new Pathfinder to launch in Australia, with the X-Trail mid-size and Patrol large SUVs occupying the three-row space for Nissan.The Pathfinder was discontinued in Australia earlier this year, with factors like declining sales and impending emissions penalties contributing factors.This new version of the Pathfinder is built in China as part of Nissan’s partnership with Chinese carmaker Dongfeng. It is powered by Nissan’s innovative 2.0-litre variable compression turbo-petrol engine as opposed to the 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 previous iterations used in other markets. This new VC Turbo engine produces 185kW and 376Nm, and is designed to maximise high levels of performance and strong fuel efficiency for comparatively small size.It represents only a subtle decrease in performance from the V6's 202kW/340Nm.The new Pathfinder drinks fuel at a rate of as little as 8.65L/100km, which is considerably lower than the 10.0L-plus rating of the V6.It has a nine-speed transmission and is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.  The car’s interior features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital display, with an optional 10.8-inch head-up display.The new Pathfinder will be available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, with some cabin innovations like reclining second-row seats specified to meet Chinese market preferences.Nissan is currently facing the prospect of fines under Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which imposes a European-style emissions regime on cars sold here. Petrol models like the previous V6-powered Pathfinder would attract high penalties under the new laws.The Pathfinder is currently only offered with petrol power, unlike rivals such as the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade which are only offered as plugless hybrids in Australia.The Pathfinder is not slated for a return to Australia, with our market much more likely to receive the upcoming NX8 in its place. The NX8 is also a Chinese-built model, and is joint-developed by Nissan and its Dongfeng partner.While it has similar large SUV dimensions to the Pathfinder, for now it has only been revealed as a five-seater in either fully electric and range-extender hybrid forms.

Nissan’s luxury arm has reportedly delayed a high-performance large SUV that could have implications for its Nissan sibling.The Infiniti QX80 Red Sport, a performance version of the brand’s sibling to the 2027 Nissan Patrol, is heading back to square one with development restarting.Reports from the US said Infiniti has decided to aim higher than just building a high-output version of the QX80 large SUV, and will instead try to rival the likes of BMW M and AMG in creating a more complete performance package for the model.“As we have started to work on the project, we’re realising that power alone is not sufficient,” Infiniti Americas chief Eric Ledieu told Automotive News.“We know we have one chance at a first impression when it comes to this type of product. When you’re paying six figures for a performance-based SUV of this size and scale, it needs to deliver.”Originally due late this year, the QX80 Red Sport is now much further away.The existing QX80’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 will be tuned to produce more than the standard 336kW, though the likelihood of it being swapped for the 3.8-litre unit used in the GT-R as was seen in the Infiniti QX80 R-Spec concept built for the 2025 SEMA Show is unlikely.Infiniti has also built a 485kW QX80 Track Spec concept that could inform the WX80 Red Sport, though its production future remains uncertain.The Red Sport name has been dormant for some time, it being Infiniti’s high-performance variant badge, though its reception in Australia on the Q50 Red Sport and Q60 Red Sport was dampened by unfavourable reviews for its poor dynamics, parts-bin packaging and outdated tech.If Infiniti does revive Red Sport with proper investment as a rival to the German brands’ performance arms, it could have an effect on the fiesty Y63 Nissan Patrol Nismo.The Patrol Nismo sold in the Middle East uses the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, but thanks to “region-specific tuning” power has been bumped to 369kW (up from 317kW). Torque remains unchanged at 700Nm. The Nismo gains a range of mechanical upgrades.While it’s unlikely that a future performance model for the Patrol would land in similar areas to the QX80 Red Sport - expect an Aussie-developed Warrior version instead - the US development of the QX80’s performance variant could inform some of the work needed to give the Patrol an angrier outlook.

Modern-day off-roaders are impressive, no doubt about that: they’re generally quite comfortable on-road and often quite capable off-road.But are they so good at doing 4WD things that they effectively rob any off-roading challenge of, well, the challenge part? Are they such a great blend of driver-assist tech and 4WD mechanicals that the driver is merely along for the ride?Read on.Off-roading in a contemporary off-roader (AWD or 4WD) can be such smooth sailing that you’d be forgiven for thinking “What’s all the fuss about?”Driver-assist tech with direct off-road applications – such as the 360-degree camera or vehicle-info read-out (displaying driveline/diff lock indicators, steering, pitch and roll angles etc) – is taking on ever more significant roles as it all improves.But invasive technology, finely-tuned off-road traction control and even overbearing drive modes can turn what might have been a technically difficult section of 4WDing into almost a point-and-enjoy-the-ride kind of driving experience because new off-roaders are simply that good.Don’t get me wrong, driver-assist tech is great, especially when it works as it should: being consistently effective when it really counts.Off-road traction control, hill-descent control, track cameras, transparent bonnet functions and more are welcome additions to any off-road vehicle.The Kia Tasman is a good example of a 4WD with an off-road traction control system that is so smoothly well calibrated the driver is nigh-on redundant.But if a vehicle’s off-road traction control system is patchy in its application, safe controlled momentum from a reliable base of traction is difficult to accomplish or sustain – and that can be annoying at best and dangerous at worst.The flip-side of that issue is that if the off-road traction control system is so finely tuned the only danger may be that the driver is rendered near-obsolete. The onboard tech does all the thinking for the driver, as well as adjusting engine output, transmission settings and traction control to best suit the terrain. So if you’re the driver you have an existential crisis on your hands in the form of “Why am I even here?”The same goes for hill-descent control; if you’re not in charge of modulating the vehicle’s speed and direction down a hill then shouldn’t you be in a passenger seat enjoying the view?Can you even call yourself a 4WDer if your vehicle does all the work for you?And what if your off-road vehicle has its own eyes watching the track ahead?A track camera (aka 360-degree view camera, or surround-view camera) has the potential to greatly enhance driver vision while you’re 4WDing on bush tracks, cresting steep hills, or traversing sand dunes on beach adventures.What started as more of a novelty for me, the track camera has taken on an increasingly important role. Sure, I still prefer to get out of the vehicle and check the track ahead myself or get a human spotter to do the work for me, but the view afforded by a track camera / 360-degree view camera will usually help the driver to maintain vision, especially if forward visibility is compromised, say for instance up and over the crest of a steep rocky hill, or if your vehicle is edging towards a steep rocky drop into a creek bed and you can’t discern your driving line.Helpful, but still robbing the 4WDer of another bit of responsibility, purpose and challenge.The same can be said for the transparent bonnet function. Can’t figure out what that is even though the tech’s function is literally in its name? (Literally.)Let me explain.This driver-assist tech is designed to help the driver see the correct driving line to take through challenging terrain or over an obstacle without being able to see with their naked eyes what’s under them.Being able to see the track in front of your vehicle is a definite advantage and visibility in some off-roaders is impacted due to the forward-view-restricting design of the cabin or the size of the vehicle’s bonnet, but the transparent chassis function is designed to address that issue.As with onboard cameras, I still prefer to stick my head out the window and have a look at the track, or actually stop the vehicle, get out and have a decent look at the track ahead before I proceed.If your off-road vehicle is working the gears for you, adjusting the speed for you and even looking for you, then how dare you have the audacity to sit in the driver’s seat.The problem with all of this tech – beyond its annoying over-effectiveness – lay in the fact that it’s all more difficult to address failures or damage in the great outdoors than it is to bush-repair an older traditional 4WD.Modern 4WDs are a mass of electronics, sensors, wiring, motherboards etc and those components may be vulnerable to damage, especially in harsh Australian conditions.And the efficacy of driver-assist tech may be impacted by the ingress of bulldust, mud or water. If onboard sensors are compromised or damaged in some way, then you’re at the mercy of nature.Imagine this: You and your family are on a weekend trip away in the bush and you’re currently 80km from the nearest town. You drive through an innocuous-looking creek crossing – the water seems to be about shin-deep. However, some of that muddy water splashes onto one of the vehicle’s onboard sensors and your 4WD automatically goes into the equivalent of ‘limp home’ mode.Bloody uh-oh.Old-school 4WDs can be more easily fixed in remote areas as opposed to trying to get a new vehicle running again which may require someone in your touring group to have a computer engineering degree or have a team of specialists choppered in from Germany.And that’s why old-school 4WDs – or even new old-school 4WDs (like the Suzuki Jimny or Jeep Wrangler) – continue to enjoy such enduring popularity and still fetch sky-high prices on the second-hand market.A real purpose-built 4WD with a full ladder-frame chassis, rigid (live) axles front and rear, and diff locks has always been admired by those in the know; basic and solidly reliable powertrain and mechanical components are the way to go.Any serious 4WDer has a soft spot for something like a Toyota LandCruisers (70, 80,100 Series, anyone?), Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender (the old ladder frame kind), Mitsubishi Pajero, even Jeep Gladiator. The old way of doing things is even sought after by some newer examples on the market like the Ineos Grenadier, Jimny and Wrangler.Resolving issues on those old-school 4WDs can be completed with a little bit of common sense, some ingenuity and a bit of hard work. A stack of spares, duct tape, cable ties and some welding skills will help you get a whole lot further than nothing at all and you’ll likely be able to patch up your 4WD, continue your trip and reach civilisation or at least the nearest town.The good news is no matter how clever your off-roader’s software, cameras and sensors are, it’ll still need you to press the ‘Start’ button.Or will it?

Nissan has officially revealed a new small SUV that’s aimed at the Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets, but don’t expect it to be coming to Australia.The Nissan Tekton is essentially a rebadged Dacia or Renault Duster. It has been developed in India and will be manufactured in partnership with Renault in India.There are two powertrains on offer, a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The latter produces 100kW and 280Nm.Depending on the powertrain there are either manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions on offer.A wide array of trim levels are available in India but available equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Google built-in, LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof, dual-zone climate control and ventilated front seats.Although the top-spec models get 18-inch alloy wheels, a number of the more affordable models get 17-inch steel wheels.On the safety front there are six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, as well as a surround-view camera.Although the Tekton is built in right-hand drive and is set to be offered in 50 global markets across the Middle East and Africa, a Nissan Australia spokesperson confirmed it is “not currently under consideration for Australia”.Renault launched the related Duster in Australia during 2025. It's built in Romania alongside the Dacia Duster and comes in two- and all-wheel drive guises.As it stands, Nissan's smallest vehicle in Australia is now the UK-built Qashqai. The new-generation Juke EV isn’t coming to Australia.Nissan recently launched the Kicks small SUV in right-hand drive for Japan but it’s not confirmed for an Australian launch either.It’s offered in Japan exclusively with e-Power hybrid powertrains.

BYD tried to buy a share of Renault in a dramatic shot at a foothold in Europe, according to a new report in French media outlet Les Echos.According to the publication, BYD sought not just a joint production or factory deal, as Chery has secured in some locations with Renault’s partner Nissan, but actual ownership in the French giant as a shareholder.The deal didn’t work out under former CEO Luca de Meo, who was famous for guiding a re-structure of the previously dysfunctional Renault Nissan Alliance.According to several outlets, this was because Renault had already entered into an agreement with Geely to save its ailing Korean factory (formerly the Renault Samsung Motors factory), which now produces both Renaults and Polestars for Asian markets.Geely and Renault also co-own Horse Powertrain with Saudi Aramco, a spin-off of both company’s combustion engine divisions, which builds both engines and hybrid transmissions for future models both inside those two companies and for sale to other manufacturers outside of them.When BYD had a second crack at a Renault deal, it was turned down with involvement from French president Emmanuel Macron, with the government controlling 30 per cent of Renault voting shares and fiercely protective over its manufacturing footprint on the continent.The key benefit for BYD in this deal was obviously a way to avoid a tough tariff structure for Chinese built cars in Europe, while Renault would have access to its signature affordable Blade batteries, which it already sells to other manufacturers Tesla, KGM and Hyundai Group.Renault’s rejection of a BYD ownership stake won’t be a fatal blow for the Chinese giant in Europe. BYD already has a factory in Hungary and is seeking to establish a second base, with many analysts believing it will be in Spain and possible locations also including France and Germany.BYD needs such a foothold as it seeks new global opportunities off the back of a shrinking new car market in China over the course of 2026, and major profitability issues for even some of the biggest groups after a bruising domestic price war.

One of the most influential small SUVs of recent times is also one of the most underrated in Australia – the Nissan Qashqai e-Power. A plugless range-extender EV, this British designed, engineered and built crossover melds premium quality and practical sophistication with slick performance and low fuel consumption. Massive in Europe, the Qashqai deserves a much stronger following here.

When is a car no longer a car?That’s a good question, as you’d initially think that a car needs four wheels, some seats and a steering wheel.Dig deeper and a car may only require three wheels, one seat and perhaps no steering wheel whatsoever. There’s a lot of flux to the definition of a car.The steering wheel point is particularly controversial as if there is no steering wheel, you’re technically not driving anymore and are a passenger. Therefore I’d argue this isn’t necessarily a car anymore and merely a shuttle for transportation.This feeling arose when I experienced Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software for the first time late last year.This was in a Model 3 electric sedan which can be fundamentally defined as a car. It has four wheels, five seats and a steering wheel.You’re also able to drive the Model 3 like a regular car, but with the push of a button it drives itself. Sure, you need to supervise it and take back control if it starts heading in the wrong direction, but for the most part you aren’t touching the steering wheel or pedals.It’s a bizarre sensation handing over all the driving inputs, especially when it can tackle complex scenarios like roundabouts, traffic lights and the infamous hook turns in Melbourne.The technology will likely reach a point where a steering wheel is no longer needed. Tesla is already planning for this with its Cybercab autonomous vehicle.Although production versions of the Cybercab have already started to be produced, they are in small numbers for testing purposes. It’s unclear when they’ll be publicly available for purchase.Tesla is far from the only company developing autonomous driving technology. I was recently a passenger in an autonomously driven Nissan Ariya in Japan. The technology to allow this has been developed in partnership with Wayve, which also has a partnership with Stellantis.Nissan is currently aiming to begin a robotaxi service with these autonomous vehicles in Japan by the end of 2026. It’s also eventually aiming to roll the technology out to customer vehicles as an optional extra.Additionally, Waymo is already operating an autonomous robotaxi service in select cities in the US. There are also plans to introduce it in the UK and Japan.Ultimately the goal with this kind of autonomous or self-driving technology is to have a lounge room on wheels. In some respects we are already there.In the era of software-defined vehicles, many cars now revolve around the central touchscreen multimedia system and the experience they provide. Arguably for some carmakers there is more emphasis on this and the actual driving experience is secondary.In some respects this is warranted as in electric vehicles (EVs) you may be spending your time in the car while it’s charging at a public charger but at the end of the day it’s a car, not a lounge room.Going back to Tesla, the main interface in its current vehicle line-up is the central touchscreen. It dominates the dashboard and you’re required to use it to adjust virtually function.There are also so many novelty and convenience features that span beyond the driving experience. Think of the games you can play while you’re parked, the light show and the comical fart noises you can get the car to play.The list goes on and for many carmakers, especially newer Chinese ones, it seems like a heavier focus is being put on features like this, or services relating to the touchscreen, than the overall driving experience.As a result, it feels like some cars are more glorified iPads with flashy lights on wheels.I know that many people can’t function without technology now and in many respects it’s critical to many areas of cars, particularly safety, however at the end of the day a car is meant to be driven.It would be lovely to see a renewed interest in how a car actually is to drive compared to how flashy and cool its technology is. I’d argue this is wishful thinking though, especially given autonomous vehicles appear closer on the horizon every day.

Two of Japan’s biggest car manufacturers are edging closer to a game-changing team-up, and it could have huge implications for Australia. Honda Chief Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe has told shareholders the brand is in final talks with Nissan to collaborate on key software information. The deal was described as a “win-win relationship” by Mibe.It will see the pair share electronic control units (ECU) responsible for in-vehicle systems and autonomous driving, among other things.The standardisation of ECUs will form the basis of the brands’ next-generation vehicles, many of which could be on their way to Australia in the coming years. These ECUs would also be used in future Mitsubishi vehicles as Nissan maintains a sizeable stake in the carmaker. Next-generation electrified cars are increasingly important in markets like Australia where there are now fines for high emitting engines, but neither Honda or Nissan offer substantial EV lineups Down Under and have been slower to roll-out affordable hybrids across their range compared to some rivals. Honda recently backtracked on its global EV plans and will instead focus on a hybrid strategy.The Super-One city car, due later this year, is the only confirmed electric offering from the brand.Nissan has more comprehensive EV model lineup, but it has just one EV on sale in Australia, which is its Ariya mid-size SUV.A collaboration between Honda and Nissan could provide the impetus required to produce more future electrified cars for markets like Australia.There are still issues for the brands to iron out, including development funds, but it looks like an agreement is not too far away, according to Nikkei Asia. It could be reached within the next few weeks, meaning the technology could be in cars before the end of the decade.This is all contingent on Nissan convincing Renault, as the French brand holds a 15 per cent voting stake in its alliance partner. Renault has previously presented a roadblock to Nissan, halting talks over a merger in the past.News of a partnership between Honda and Nissan comes as they struggle to stave off the increasing power of Chinese carmakers in global markets.Nissan President Ivan Espinosa recently said carmakers needed to learn from China."China is as of now setting the industry standards of the future in terms of technology, in terms of cost competitiveness and in terms of development time," Espinosa told Nikkei Asia.Chinese brands have formed relationships with mainstream carmakers to collaborate on products and technology. This collaboration has seen many of China’s carmakers surge up the sales charts across the world.Nissan has developed a strong relationship with Chinese brand Dongfeng over the years, mainly focussing on China-based models.It recently spawned the Nissan Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute, which is expected to be known as the Navara Pro when it arrives in Australia, likely next year. Honda hopes some type of collaboration in its deal with Nissan will get it back on track as it looks to overturn heavy financial losses. "We will internalise the means to beat emerging forces within three years," Mibe said. "If we don't, our four-wheel business will be in trouble. We will face this challenge with unwavering determination."Honda has its own relationship with Chinese carmaker GAC, but this venture has been embattled in recent years, thanks to a bruising price war in the Chinese domestic market, which has seen it sell cars at a loss.It has raised doubts that the GAC/Honda joint venture will continue after its renewal date comes due in 2028. The two brands have been partners for nearly 30 years.

Fuel prices in Australia are about to rise again. The federal government has announced the Fuel Excise cut will continue at a lower rate until the start of August.The original 50 per cent discount equated to 32 cents per litre off fuel prices, but this was due to end on the 30th of June.The government will now extend a smaller discount of 16 cents per litre until the 2nd of August. This announcement means fuel prices will increase across the board in addition to any other fluctuations from external factors. A 16 cent increase will see diesel fuel prices increase back above the $2 per litre mark across the country, having been more than $3 per litre at times over the past few months. The diesel-powered Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes remain two of the best-selling cars in Australia.E10 petrol will also creep up towards the $2 point as a result of this decreased discount. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out further extensions to the Fuel Excise discount in the future if circumstances require it. "Of course we do live in a volatile world. Were there to be a massive global shock, my government will always respond,” Mr Albanese told Sky News. The news comes as rumours of an end to the Iran war heat up, with the conflict being the key driver of high fuel prices. There is still no freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the key gateway for many ships carrying oil globally.It has seen electric vehicle uptake in Australia soar, with budget Chinese options like the Jaecoo J5 EV and Geely EX5 growing by more than 200 per cent between May and June 2026. Tesla experienced a record-breaking month in May, shifting 6433 units - its highest sales number since the Electric Vehicle Council started collecting data. The government will also increase the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to 16 cents per litre, with it being free since April.