The new Nissan Qashqai features a sleeker look, plush interior and e-POWER technology.
Nissan has recently unveiled its third iteration of its Qashqai. While on the surface at least it looks to only have had subtle changes over the old model, dig a little deeper and it’ll soon be clear that there are some major changes that were done under the skin of this rather popular Japanese crossover.
The biggest one of which will perhaps be the all new platform on which this Qashqai is currently riding on. Nissan’s first model (in Europe at least) to be built on the Alliance’s CMF-C platform, the Japanese automaker touts an improved level ‘refinement, ride comfort and driving response, plus exceptional security in the event of an accident’ for this crossover.
On the topic of driving response, this is perhaps more down to the new range of engines that are available for this new Qashqai. Gone are any diesel options, and in its place instead is a 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine which features a 12V mild-hybrid system. Paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox, this powertrain combination dishes out 136 hp. With an XTronic CVT however, the power is then bumped up to 154 hp and 270 Nm of torque.
Nevertheless, more interestingly though in terms of engine options for the Qashqai would perhaps be the e-POWER powertrain that will be available further down the line. Consisting of a 145 kW electric drive motor and a 1.5 litre variable compression ratio petrol engine that is unconnected to the driven wheels, this will be Nissan’s first range-extender style offering for the European market.
Moving onto the exterior of this new Qashqai, the differences as compared to the old model are much more subtle than what is hidden away under the skin. Up front, this new crossover follows closely to the new Ariya with its slim split-level LED headlights that flank a sharpened version of Nissan’s signature V-Motion front grille.
Now going down the side meanwhile, this crossover features a stronger shoulder line and a two-tone paint job which supposedly gives it a more ‘athletic and dynamic’ appearance. Another subtle addition would be the Qashqai name stamped into the front fenders, just in between the two-tier headlights, of this new Nissan crossover.
Continuing down the side of this Qashqai, alloy wheels of up to 20-inches in diameter can be specced for the four-wheel drive variant of this new Nissan crossover. This should be a serious consideration to prospective Qashqai buyers, as these larger wheels bring with it an upgraded multi-link rear end suspension set up that replaces the torsion beam setup featured on the front wheel drive or smaller wheeled Qashqais.
Finally turning our attention round the back of the Qashqai, this new Nissan adopts a rather more angular rear end design over its more rounded predecessor. In fact, it looks rather more like a Lexus than a Nissan with those sharp 3D-effect LED tail lights, which is hardly a complaint in any case.
Stepping inside, this new Qashqai brings with it a massive cabin redesign over the dated-looking predecessor. Prominently inset within the dashboard now is a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, as well as a floating 9-inch NissanConnect central infotainment system that features not only Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration, but also Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa home-to-car connectivity.
Other interior niceties to be found within the cabin of the Qashqai includes a panoramic sunroof, 360º surround view camera, interior ambient lighting, a slew of charging ports as well as rear air-con vents. A 10.8-inch heads-up display, a BOSE surround sound system and fully electric massaging Nappa leather seats are also available on this new Nissan crossover.
Furthermore, courtesy of the general increase in overall dimensions on this new model means, this Qashqai also boasts a greater interior volume, as demonstrated by having more space in the front, in the back (+28 mm knee room), as well as a much larger boot (+50 litres) than before. This family vehicle too, Nissan has loaded the an array of active driver aids as part of its ProPILOT with Navi-link driver assistance suite.
Aiming to maintain its position as one of Europe’s best selling crossovers, this new Qashqai is expected to cost from around £24,000 (RM 135,000) when it goes on sale over there in the summer. Don’t expect to see this new Nissan over here however, though this new model here gives us a better look at what the general vibe of what the next X-Trail would be like when it eventually arrives.
PRESS RELEASE: Nissan today unveiled the all-new Nissan Qashqai compact crossover SUV for the European market, set to go on sale this summer.
Marking the third generation since debuting in 2007, the all-new Qashqai once again aims to set a new standard in the segment it pioneered. The Qashqai reinvents itself, from the inside out, for today’s customers looking for striking attraction, comfort, refinement, efficiency and the latest in convenient and intuitive technology.
As a top-selling vehicle for Nissan in the European market, the Qashqai is the latest to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, which prioritizes sustainable growth and profitability across the company’s global operations.
Striking, elegant exterior design
The all-new Qashqai features a more toned, sharp and modern style, while still maintaining its unmistakable character. In its details, the styling reflects Nissan’s global design language, notably the V-Motion grille, “floating roof” and use of precise, taut lines that generate simple, bold surfaces and muscular volumes.
The Qashqai’s enhanced body stance is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and imposing available 20-inch alloy wheels. The LED headlamps are slimmer and sharper, and features technology that adapts the shape of the beam according to the road conditions and other road-users.
From the side, the Qashqai appears more athletic and dynamic, with a single character line that strikes through the car from the front to the rear. The design of the rear lights creates a 3-D effect when lit for a unique road-going signature.
The all-new Qashqai will be available in 11 body colors, with five two-tone combinations. This allows customers to choose from a total of 16 color variations.
Elevated interior ambience
Connected, comfortable and commanding, the cabin of the all-new Nissan Qashqai sets a new segment standard for an elevated feel and enhanced usability.
“The new Nissan Qashqai is the perfect intersection of expressive design and customer expectation,” said Matthew Weaver, vice president of Nissan Design Europe. “Their needs inform our focus, and our bold statements meet their highest expectations. With this next generation model, we have elevated the Qashqai to a new level in offering a premium yet practical, luxurious yet accessible, and advanced yet usable environment that will set the standard for others to follow.”
The Qashqai’s cabin is designed to create an inviting and relaxing environment. New seat materials and new white ambient lighting allow driver and passengers to enjoy a premium and harmonious experience inside the vehicle. New premium materials, smart features and fine detailing enhance a cabin that delivers cutting-edge design and practicality in every dimension.
“Between the design, engineering and product planning functions, we have worked harder than ever to elevate the ambience for our customers so their drive is comfortable, refined, convenient and provides a feeling of well-being,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president of product planning at Nissan Automotive Europe. “It’s where our customers, their families and friends will be spending their time with the car and it should be an exceptional experience”
Two available powertrains
The all-new Qashqai features a 12-volt mild hybrid system comprising a 1.3-liter turbo engine and lithium-ion battery. The system enables energy regenerated during deceleration to be used while driving to contribute to both fuel economy and CO2 emissions reduction.
The all-new Qashqai also brings the first deployment of Nissan’s innovative e‑POWER drive system to Europe, sales of which are scheduled to start following those of the mild hybrid version. To meet the typical needs of European consumers and their daily drive, the e-POWER system has been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai with the adoption of Nissan’s world-first variable compression ratio petrol engine as the dedicated electricity generating unit. The result is a compact, high-output electrified system that, thanks also to the high combustion efficiency of the engine, delivers more efficiency.
Sales will start with the mild-hybrid version, while the e-POWER version will follow later.
Advanced new platform
The all-new Qashqai is the first model in Europe to use the Alliance CMF-C platform, which represents a state-of-the-art automotive structure and technology architecture.
In terms of construction, the body-in-white makes use of more lightweight material, advanced stamping processes and welding techniques to increase strength and reduce weight. For the first time, the rear hatchback door is now made of a composite material, which saves 2.6 kilograms. This and additional advanced manufacturing techniques result in weight savings of 60 kilograms and a 41% increase in structural rigidity when compared to the out-going model. This translates to refinement, ride comfort and driving response from a higher segment, plus exceptional security in the event of an accident. All this added to the benefits to the car’s overall efficiency.
With the new CMF-C platform, the all-new Qashqai has an updated Macpherson strut set-up at the front and at the rear. The rear suspension features a torsion beam equipped for two-wheel drive models and a multi-link configuration for all-wheel drive models with 20-inch wheels.
Power steering has also been enhanced, offering improved response and initial steering range from driver input.
Connected technology
The all-new Qashqai offers an advanced infotainment system with an impressive portfolio of connected services including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car WiFi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, which is a dedicated app to control and monitor the vehicle.
A new high-definition, fully electronic 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information, controlled from a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel. The TFT’s digital background has a Japanese Kiriko cut glass motif – a nod to Nissan’s Japanese DNA.
A new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key navigation, driver assistance and road information onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision, allowing drivers to maintain their focus on the road for more comfort and confidence at the wheel.
The high resolution 9-inch NissanConnect display screen features navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings, and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa home-to-car skills are also supported.
Enhanced safety
The all-new Qashqai is equipped with an array of safety features and tech that offer driver support in a wider array of circumstances.
Newly offered on the Qashqai, ProPILOT with Navi-link helps to reduce fatigue and stress while driving by assisting with acceleration and braking within a single lane on a highway. The system features the same intuitive controls as ProPILOT, and uses navigation data to smoothly assist with driving, especially with sharp cornering and off-ramp exiting.
