Nissan Qashqai treated to revised exterior design and enhanced technology

Nothing stands still in the highly competitive crossover segment where Nissan was one of the original competitors with the Qashqai. In order to maintain its position in this segment, the Nissan Qashqai has received a comprehensive aesthetic refresh along with significant technology updates.

A refreshed look

The new 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 and now consists of dozens of high gloss, three-dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss black paint, which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate holder.

The new headlights bring a sense of purpose and presence and an even sharper look. They now feature an adaptive high beam module complemented by a smaller unit for wider beam distribution. Below the main lens the daytime running lights consist of five small lenses which now encircle the main headlight lens. The upper daytime running light element becomes a turn indicator when activated.

At the rear, the shape of the lights remains unchanged but the composition of the lights within the units has been redesigned, the red lighting elements now consist of four individual elements which echo the shapes within the grille. The bumper has also been reshaped and now features harmonised colour, either gloss black on the higher-grade versions or body coloured on the new N-design grade.

A new 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheel is standard fitment on the mid-grade Qashqai, while the higher grades are fitted with new 19 and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheel designs.

New N-Design grade

A new N-Design grade features unique aesthetic touches including the lower body portion below the doors and the wheel arches in body colour as well as unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

Upgraded interior trim

N-Design and Tekna+ grades of the new Qashqai feature a new application of 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 the decoration insert between the upper dashboard and the glovebox.

Updated seat trims have been introduced across the three upper grades of the Qashqai. Most notable is the black partially quilted premium leather on the top spec model.

Another new dimension to the elevated life on board is the addition of ambient lighting on the N-Connecta, N-Design grades and above. Advanced red/green/blue LEDs allow for the personalisation of interior lighting according to mood.

Updated technology

One of the most commonly used features on the Qashqai, the Around View Monitor (AVW) has been significantly upgraded. When reverse is selected, the view of four external cameras is combined to give a birds eye view of the vehicle to allowing parking manoeuvres with maximum confidence. The upgraded system also features a 3D function allowing the driver to not only see the car from above but also from one of eight different external camera viewpoints, which create a visual representation the car from the front, rear, sides or corners in order to potentially identify any unseen exterior hazards.

Additionally, a feature known as invisible hood view allows the driver to see the position of the front wheels as if looking at them from behind, which enables precise manoeuvring in tight locations such as a fast-food drive thru lane. The view uses machine learning to create the image based on what the front camera can see in front, with the wheels super-imposed into the view to give a sense of perspective.

Another new AVM feature is Parking Spot Memory Location which allows the Qashqai driver to save frequently visited parking locations so that the car will automatically recognise the location using GPS. When this happens, the car will remember the precise position to allow perfect parking each time, which is particularly useful when available space is a tight fit. AVM can also be used to help drivers make a safe entry from a difficult exit onto a road where visibility is limited by using a wide-angle front camera to show the view from the front of the bonnet, projected onto the central screen.

The suite of driver assistance systems has also been significantly upgraded. Emergency Braking functions have been recalibrated to sharpen its risk detection and to react more quickly in case of a possible collision. The Emergency Lane Keep System is now automatically activated on starting the Qashqai and triggers the operation of both Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention at speeds above 60km/h.

The Intelligent Speed Assistance system, which helps the driver to adapt the vehicle to the prevailing speed limit by using both a camera to read speed limit road signs as well as GPS data, has also been upgraded.

Google built in

The refreshed Qashqai is the first vehicle in Nissan’s European range with the suite of Google built-in, ensuring a near-seamless interaction between a customer’s digital life and their vehicle. This includes Google Maps and once signed-in, with a personal Google Account drivers can access their favourite locations and points of interest.

e-Power, a unique and innovative powertrain

The Nissan Qashqai will continue to be offered with e-Power where the petrol engine generates the electricity which is used to drive the wheels. The result of this simplicity is a drive experience which combines responsiveness and refinement with efficiency. The sole role of the turbocharged, three-cylinder engine is to generate electricity, which is sent via the inverter to the electric motor or the battery.

The key to e-Power’s unique and innovative powertrain is that there is no gearbox, and the wheels are only ever driven directly by the electric motor. This means instant, high torque and linear response as well as an EV-drive sensation without the need to think of charging.

Local availability

The launch of the updated Nissan Qashqai and the specification with which it will be made available in South Africa are yet to be confirmed.