Nissan has pulled the wraps off two plug-in hybrid SUVs (PHEVs) that it will build in China for both domestic sales and export to global markets, with Australia representing a strong possibility.
Production versions of the boxy Terrano PHEV and sleek Urban PHEV – unveiled today at Auto China 2026 in Beijing – are expected to be in showrooms within 12 months, the Japanese automaker said.
Nissan said the Terrano would be exported to “select export markets” – without giving details – but did not comment on the Urban PHEV’s prospects beyond China.
It has also been confirmed that the N7 electric sedan will go on sale in the ASEAN markets (ten countries in Southeast Asia). A number of new models, including the Frontier Pro dual-cab PHEV ute and the NX8 electric SUV, may also be on their way to Australia.
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Nissan recently announced a major shift in its product plans for Australia, largely driven by models from China, but has not yet confirmed any further details.
The company will use China – its third-largest market behind the US and Japan – as a global export hub.
“China is not only a highly competitive domestic market, but also a source of innovation that allows us to create new values and experiences for customers in China and global markets,” Ivan Espinosa said in a statement.
The return of the Terrano name – last seen here on the 1999 Terrano II – brings with it a robust design. The red and sand-colored show vehicle features an integrated nudge bar, hood vents and bubbled wheel wells wrapped around off-road tires.
The front end features an illuminated Nissan emblem and grille, while there is high ground clearance and a set of auxiliary lights on the hood and roof. A roof rack accessible via a built-in ladder and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel further emphasize the off-road focus.
The show car’s C-pillar features topographical maps and promotional material showing the off-roader drifting through desert sand.
There is no official information on the underpinnings, but the previous Terrano II had a body-on-frame (ladder) chassis preferred by off-road enthusiasts.
True to its name, the Urban PHEV flips that script with a more curvaceous design: Shown in a cityscape, the purple concept car is aimed at younger buyers.
Its exterior design features styling cues from the Nissan NX8 – all but confirmed for Australia – and will shape the look of upcoming Nissan SUVs, the automaker said.
The interiors of neither model have yet been shown, nor have any details about the PHEV powertrains. Nissan describes it simply as “the latest plug-in hybrid technology.”
Nissan is looking to turn things around amid mounting global losses after being a late beneficiary of the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles in the US – where the company won’t launch its first e-Power hybrid model until late 2026.
MORE: Explore the Nissan showroom
