Nissan Qashqai to be significantly updated

Nissan’s latest Qashqai has received a comprehensive aesthetic refresh as well as significant technology updates to ensure that it continues to remain a competitive choice in the hotly contested crossover segment.

The updates are centred around retaining the essence of what consumers love about the Qashqai while enhancing its strengths and adding even more intuitive and convenient technology.

Refreshed exterior look

The new Nissan Qashqai exudes a sharp and modern dynamism thanks to its refreshed design. The front grille has been comprehensively updated to create a more striking first impression, inspired by the patterns of ancient Japanese armour scales, the grille consists of dozens of high gloss, three-dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss paint which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate holder. To the sides these shapes form a triangular shape from the new headlights down to a point to the side of the numberplate where they are finished in a satin chrome hot foil stamp on top of the range models.

The flanks of the bumper are body coloured and a strip of black in a high-gloss finish runs below the numberplate to the lower corners of the bumper. Below the cooling aperture is a thin body-coloured chin strap which adds a sense of definition to the front.

New headlights add a sense of purpose and presence, with an even sharper look. Below the main lens the daytime running lights consist of five small lenses in the same shape as the grille details. The upper daytime running light remains and now becomes the indicator when activated.

The shape of the rear lights remains unchanged but the composition of the lights within the unit has been redesigned. The red elements now consist of four individual elements, which appear to float in the lens, finished in a distinctive shade of red, they add a sense of elevated precision. The bumper has been reshaped and now features a harmonized colour. New diamond cut wheel designs range from 18 to 20-inches in size.

A new addition to the Qashqai line up is the N-Design grade which features unique aesthetic touches. On these models the lower body portion below the doors and the wheel arches is body coloured and it rides on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Upgraded interior trim

N-Design and Tekna+ grades now feature Alcantara on the dashboard, door inserts, door armrests, centre storage console lid and knee pads. New patterned materials adorn the centre console around the gear selector and decoration insert on the dashboard. Updated seat trims have been added across all three grades which includes black partially quilted premium leather on the top spec Qashqai and quilted synthetic leather on the penultimate grade. The seats on the N-Design grade feature black leather with quilting and Alcantara inserts.

Ambient lighting has been added to the N-Connecta, N-Design grades and above. Advanced coloured LEDs allow the driver or passenger to personalise the interior lighting according to their own mood.

Upgraded technology

One of the biggest technology updates is the Around View Monitor which uses four external cameras to give a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. The upgraded system now features a 3D function, allowing the driver to see the car not only from above but to also select one of eight different external camera viewpoints to visualize the car from the front, rear, sides or corners to potentially identify any unseen exterior hazards. An invisible hood function, assists when manoeuvring in tight spaces. Both systems also work in conjunction with Nissan’s Moving Object Detection System, which sounds an alert when it perceives a moving object in the proximity of the Qashqai.

Parking Spot Location Memory allows drivers to save frequently visited parking locations so that the car will automatically recognise the location using GPS. This allows the car to remember the precise position to allow perfect parking each time, which is particularly useful when the available space is a tight fit.

Design changes have been made to the visuals that are displayed on the TFT driver information screen which change according to the mode chosen. There is also a new Minimal mode which reduces the potential distraction for drivers by only displaying the selected gear, drive mode and speed.

The suite of driver assistance systems has been significantly upgraded, including the Autonomous Emergency Braking functions and the Emergency Lane Keep System. The Intelligent Speed assistance system, which helps the driver adapt the vehicle system to the prevailing speed limit by using both a camera to read the speed limit road signs as well as GPS data has been upgraded.

The refreshed Qashqai is also the first Nissan with the suite of Google built-in, which allows for a near seamless interaction between a customer’s digital life and their vehicle which includes Google Maps reducing the dependence on mobile phones and cellular networks.

The unique and innovative e-Power powertrain

e-Power is the unique electrified powertrain where the petrol engine generates the electricity which is used to drive the wheels. Nissan believes that this is a far simpler solution than the myriad of traditional hybrids on sale today as it results in a driving experience that combines responsiveness and refinement with efficiency, with no compromise on driving pleasure.

The key to e-Power’s unique driving experience is that there is no gearbox, with the wheels only ever driven by the electric motor. This means instant torque and linear response.

The sole role of the advanced turbocharged, three-cylinder engine, is to generate electricity which is sent via the inverter to either the 140kW electric motor or the 1.8Kwh battery. The e-Power system can harness momentum during braking or coasting to send electricity back to the battery. Nissan’s e-Pedal Step function facilitates driving with one pedal only, where significant braking is achieved upon release of the accelerator.

Local availability

The South African introduction of the refreshed Qashqai and the exact local model range and specification is yet to be confirmed.