Nissan (Australia) has driven away from the prestigious 2025 Australian Good Design Awards with not one, but two significant accolades for its forward-thinking vehicles. And to make things extra special, according to Good Design Australia’s Managing Director, Rachel Wye, this year saw the “highest on record” standard of entries, with winning projects demonstrating the transformational power of design to create a better and more sustainable future. For Nissan, this recognition validates an approach that has long been a hallmark of the brand, creating vehicles that seamlessly blend form and function.
The Gold Standard: Nissan ARIYA’s Electric Elegance
Leading Nissan’s charge was the all-new ARIYA battery-electric SUV, which was honoured with the coveted Australian Good Design Award Gold Winner accolade. This isn’t just a participation trophy; the Gold Winner award is reserved for a select few products each year that demonstrate exceptional design excellence and innovation, placing the ARIYA among Australia’s most outstanding design achievements for 2025.
The jury lauded the ARIYA as an “innovative, fully electric crossover SUV that blends modern sophistication with Nissan’s Timeless Japanese Design”. This philosophy of “Timeless Japanese Futurism” is evident from the first glance. Instead of a traditional grille, the ARIYA features a striking, seamless V-motion ‘shield’ that incorporates a stylised Kumiko pattern, a bold visual signature for the electric era. The judges noted the “minimalist and swoopy” exterior, praising how the designers avoided the “sometimes overly fussy styling” seen elsewhere, particularly on the rear end and wheel arches.
Step inside, and the ARIYA transforms from a piece of sculpture into a serene sanctuary. The cabin, described by the jury as a “tech-fest,” is a masterclass in minimalist design. It features a completely flat floor, a minimalist dashboard, and premium materials that exude a sophisticated feel. Soft “Andon” illumination, inspired by traditional Japanese lanterns, creates a calming ambience that perfectly complements the whisper-quiet nature of the electric powertrain. The jury was particularly impressed by the “extremely cool” integrated interface within the grained centre console and dash. It’s a space designed not just for driving, but for experiencing the journey. This serene experience is backed by serious capability, with the 87kWh ADVANCE+ model offering a driving range of up to 504km (WLTP).
The Hybrid Hero – QASHQAI e-POWER N-Design
While the ARIYA represents the all-electric destination, the Nissan QASHQAI e-POWER N-Design showcases the cleverest route to get there. It secured an Australian Good Design Award Winner recognition for its sophisticated approach to hybrid technology and premium design. The QASHQAI competes in Australia’s fiercely contested small SUV segment, and the jury commented that this “fresh new design really brings a sense of fun into this well-fought segment”.
The magic lies in Nissan’s innovative e-POWER powertrain. Unlike conventional hybrids, the 1.5L turbo-petrol engine’s primary role is to generate electricity for the battery and electric motor. The wheels are driven exclusively by the electric motor, providing the instant torque and smooth, quiet acceleration characteristic of a full EV. This system delivers an impressive 140kW and 330Nm while achieving a frugal 4.8L/100km combined fuel consumption.
The N-Design variant elevates the QASHQAI’s style with distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black mirror covers, and luxurious Alcantara accents throughout the cabin. Its updated front grille, featuring high-gloss, three-dimensional comma-shaped elements, adds another layer of visual distinction. As Warwick Daly, Nissan Australia’s Deputy Director of Marketing & Mobility, stated, the QASHQAI e-POWER N-Design “showcases how hybrid technology re-invented can be seamlessly integrated with premium design elements”.
Tarmac Takeaway
This dual victory for the ARIYA and QASHQAI is a clear signal of Nissan’s successful two-pronged strategy. With the ARIYA, Nissan is delivering on its “vision for electric mobility with distinctly Japanese aesthetic principles,” while the QASHQAI demonstrates innovation in the critical hybrid space. With initial consumer feedback for both vehicles already proving positive and the backing of a market-leading 10-year/300,000km warranty (when servicing with Nissan), these award-winning designs are set to be as popular on Aus/NZ roads as they are with design juries.
