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A new plug-in hybrid ute from Nissan – developed and built in China – could spawn an SUV sibling.
The first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a Nissan badge could spawn a left-field SUV sibling aimed at the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and other popular ute-derived 4WDs.
It is an idea floated by an engineer working on the Nissan Frontier Pro, a new 320kW plug-in dual-cab developed in China, for China, but poised for export markets that may grow to include Australia.
“Of course, you can see the pick-up [here],” Ikuo Miyai, vehicle development engineer for the Frontier Pro, told Australian media at the Shanghai motor show.
“But the pick-up is very… [we can] really afford making another variation – a normal wheelbase, an SUV, or so.
“… We should consider the market requirement, and also we need to consider what’s the investment. If we have a chance, of course, we will start the development. Everything is under consideration.”
Such a vehicle would be an ideal successor to the Nissan Terra, an off-road SUV sold in China and other markets that is based on the current Navara ute.
The Frontier Pro will act an indirect successor to the Navara in China, as the next-generation model for Australia is set to be evolved from the latest Mitsubishi Triton, and built in a Mitsubishi factory in Thailand.
An SUV version of the Frontier Pro would compete with a growing field of off-road PHEVs from China, including BYD’s Fangchengbao Bao 5 SUV – earmarked for Australia as the Denza B5 – and ‘Hi4-T’ plug-in hybrid models from GWM’s Tank brand.
Miyai-san indicated the Frontier Pro’s PHEV system is not transferable to the upcoming Triton-based Navara.
Powering the Frontier Pro is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a “four-speed dual-motor hybrid transmission”, with an electric motor sandwiched between them, and a circa-33kWh battery pack.
It claims outputs of 320kW and 800Nm, rated for driving ranges of 135km on electric power or 1046km in hybrid mode based on NEDC lab testing, and a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.
Right-hand drive is under consideration for the Frontier Pro, the executive said.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
