Hi Sean. Fully sympathise as the choice is rubbish at present. None of us know if and when cars that have been removed will return, if at all, but I should think that the Qashqai would be one of the first to return. It’s always been a very popular car on Motability and I should think that Nissan will want it back on as soon as they are able, as they will be losing a lot of sales.
Personally, given that it sounds as though your wife has similar issues to mine, I would never order something that’s a compromise. If Motability is your only option, I’d be inclined to sit tight and see what happens early next year. As you probably know, you can extend the lease by 2 years but you aren’t tied to it and can order at any time within that period – even the day after you ask for the extension!