Nissan Qashqai.
Nissan has unveiled the all new Qashqai. The compact crossover now rests atop the CMF-C platform, which offers a weight saving of up to 60kg, and a 41% increase in structural rigidity when compared to the previous model.
The new platform is also claimed to bring to the new Qashqai increased refinement, ride comfort and driving response, as well as additional security in the event of an accident.
NISSAN QASHQAI : SLEEK NEW DESIGN
The exterior of the new Nissan Qashqai is described as sharp and modern. Nissan’s V-Motion grille, and a “floating roof” remain key features.
The black C-pillars help give the Qashqai its “floating roof” effect.
In front, the crossover now sports LED headlamps which are slimmer and sharper. Adaptive technology will alter the shape of the beam according to the road conditions and other road-users.
A strong character line visually connects the front to the rear, where the tail-lights are described as offering a “3-D effect” when lit. Eleven body colors, with five two-tone combinations, will be offered in European markets.
UPGRADED INTERIOR AMBIENCE
The cabin of the Nissan Qashqai has been designed to create an inviting and relaxing environment. New seat materials and white ambient lighting are being offered.
The 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen will offer drivers configurable layouts.
Driving information is delivered via a fully electronic 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen with a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information.
The screen also utilises a Japanese Kiriko cut glass motif as its background – a nod to Nissan’s Japanese DNA.
Also new for the driver is a 10.8-inch Head-Up Display that can project key navigation, driver assistance and road information onto the windscreen.
On the centre of the dash is a high resolution 9-inch NissanConnect display compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa home-to-car skills are also supported.
ELECTRIFIED DRIVETRAINS
The new Nissan Qashqai will be powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.
The 9-inch NissanConnect display offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatablility.
Two power outputs will be offered in Europe – 138hp and 156hp – paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. A new Nissan Xtronic CVT is also offered for the 156hp variant. Peak torque figures are 240Nm and 270Nm respectively.
An e-POWER drivetrain is also being offered for the new Nissan Qashqai. It utilises a 1.5-litre petrol engine, as well as a power generator and inverter to supply electrical current to a 187hp electric motor. Peak torque for the electric motor is 330Nm.
The Nissan Qashqai has a MacPherson strut set-up in front. Two-wheel-drive models with up to 19-inch wheels will utilise a torsion beam at the rear. Models with 20-inch wheels and all-wheel-drive variants will have an advanced multi-link setup.
A 10.8-inch Head-Up Display will project key navigation and road information directly onto the windscreen.
The steering has also been upgraded, for improved response and off-centre feel.
UPGRADED SAFETY
Nissan’s ProPILOT with Navi-link is also being offered in the Nissan Qashqai. It combines the driver assistance features of ProPILOT and utilises navigation data to provide smoother driving assistance when approaching sharp corners and off-ramps.
The system can also communicate with the car’s blind-spot radars to help intervene with a steering input correction to help prevent a lane-change manoeuvre if there is a vehicle in its blind-spot.
Find out more about Nissan’s line-up here
Read our review of the Nissan Kicks, also available here with the e-POWER system!
