New CEO of Nissan Ivan Espinosa has spent half his life with the Japan auto maker, a journey that has deepened his love for cars, his passion for the automobile industry … and, of course, a “passion for Nissan”.
But Mr Espinola, 46, a Mexican national, faces a challenging start as the troubled automaker confronts tough issues such as the collapse of a merger between Nissan and Honda, an anticipated US $500 million loss of annual revenue and Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on cars imported from Japan, Canada and Mexico.
Espinola used the opportunity to talk openly about how the carmaker has lost its “passion for cars”. That’s something he hopes to change along with his dream to offer younger buyers a more affordable sports car option.
“It’ll be a challenge. But it’s my job to find ways to do stuff like this because I think it’ll be great for customers and the brand, and if I can put the right formula in place, we will make it work.”
Nissan has laid out its near-term comeback playbook and doubled down on the brand’s hybrid and plan for EV vehicles in a bid to arrest its financial troubles.
In the short term for Australia, the Ariya electric car – a Tesla Model Y-sized SUV set to compete against the glut of Chinese-sourced rivals such as the XPeng G6, Geely EX5, Kia EV5, and others – is due to arrive this year.
Nissan’s global model plans for 2025 and 2026 include the third- generation Leaf that morphs into an SUV, and the sixth-generation Micra that becomes an EV.
At a recent event in Australia, Ivan Espinosa forecast six new models for release in various markets by the end of 2027. Five of them will come to Australia within that timeframe, excluding the new Micra, but including the new Navara, Patrol, Leaf and Qashqal e-Power in 2026.
While Down Under, Mr Espinosa said its Nissan range of SUVs would play a big and vital part in the company’s return to global glory, especially the ever-popular X-TRAIL, one of Australia’s best-selling mid-size SUVs.
The range includes grades with options including five trim levels, the choice of five and seven seats (ST, ST-L and N-Trek), 2WD or 4WD, and the option of the innovative e-POWER powertrain (ST-L, Ti and Ti-L).
“The X-TRAIL is one of Australia’s most flexible SUVs. and, with more than 300,000 sold in Australia, the most popular family-focused SUV.
“The MY25 updates aim to further improve the popular X-TRAIL formula. That starts with the Nissan X-TRAIL ST, with a comprehensive equipment list now further bolstered by Approach unlock and walk-away lock function.
The biggest change lies in the Nissan X-TRAIL ST-L, where customers also now benefit from Approach unlock and walkaway lock function, but also receive a cabin technology upgrade through the inclusion of a 12.3-in. central touchscreen with standard navigation, a wireless charging pad, and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The X-TRAIL ST, ST-L and N-Trek are offered with five (2WD) or seven (4WD) seats, while the five-seat ST-L delivers further flexibility through the option of a 2.5-litre petrol engine, or Nissan’s innovative e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology, which pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder variable compression petrol engine with twin electric motors (one at each axle) to deliver driving excitement.
The X-TRAIL Ti and Ti-L are both exclusively five-seat with 4WD configurations, and both offer the option of e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
Further to the electronics: In daily driving, e-POWER utilises an electric motor that is directly connected to the wheels, providing maximum torque from the start for low to mid-range speeds. When it needs charging, the fuel-powered engine generates electricity to charge the battery — powering an electric motor. In addition to the petrol engine, e-POWER also uses regenerative braking to help keep the battery topped up.
And you don’t need a plug-in. The petrol engine charges the battery when the vehicle needs it and can either be directly supplied to the electric motor or to recharge the battery. The electric motor alone drives the vehicle’s wheels.
The latest pricing and specifications for the 2025 Nissan X-TRAIL TI-L (4WD) E-Power (hybrid) start from $59,540. Nissan’s posts a consumption figure of 6.1-litres/100 km.
