All-New Nissan Qashqai – Redefining a Compact Crossover

Nissan Qashqai, pronounced 'kash-kai', is long established as the leader in the compact crossover market, with more than 2.0 million produced since 2007. It appeals to compact car loving drivers looking for additional style, technology and excitement as well as buyers seeking greater efficiency from a small car. To further draw in more customers to the Qashqai, Nissan decided to revamp the compact crossover completely. The striking all-new Nissan Qashqai is 49mm longer than the current model and fractionally lower and wider, giving it a sleek, poised stance while maintaining the crossover style, compact dimensions and raised driving position. 

 

All-New Nissan Qashqai

Design

The All-New Nissan Qashqai features a striking new look with powerful curves, clean lines and intricate details including the option of 19-inch alloy wheels. Through bold new elements such as the raised bonnet line and muscular wheel arches, all-new Nissan Qashqai conveys a dynamic appeal. All models feature LED daytime running lights, certain versions are equipped with even more sophisticated technology, with full LED power for both dip and main beam. Not only does all-new Nissan Qashqai deliver a dynamic and bold new look, it also cuts through the air with greater efficiency. The second-generation model is 20mm wider, 49mm longer and 15mm lower than the outgoing Nissan Qashqai. Yet despite this reduction in height, front and rear headroom levels have actually increased by 10mm and the raised driving position remains unchanged.

 

Aggressive front design

Performance

Under the bonnet is the 1.2-litre DIG-T, an advance turbocharged power unit, which delivers 85kW (113hp) and generates 190Nm of torque. Despite its modest size, the 1.2-litre engine packs a real punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine. The 1.2 DIG-T has a fuel consumption figure of 5.6 l/100km, which is a 0.6 l/100 improvement over the outgoing 1.6-litre.

Side mirrors with 360 degree camera

The 1.2 DIG-T is equipped with Start/Stop ignition as standard, and benefits from a raft of fuel-saving technologies, including a regenerative alternator and optimised gear ratios. Customers can also choose between manual and all-new Xtronic automatic transmissions. In terms of suspension layout, the new Nissan Qashqai features MacPherson struts at the front and one of two different designs at the rear. Two-wheel-drive models are equipped with an advanced twist beam design, while models fitted with ALL-MODE 4x4-i feature a multi-link system

 

Distinct rear look

Interior

Inside the all-new Nissan Qashqai’s numerous comfort, convenience and safety systems have been analysed and redesigned to give the driver easy access to all key controls. Passengers also enjoy more space in all-new Nissan Qashqai, with improved head and leg room. The highly advanced all-new Nissan Qashqai’s seats offer special support thanks to additional bolsters in the pelvis, lumbar and chest areas. The result is a seat that delivers long-distance comfort.

Cockpit

The overall increase in width has allowed for greater shoulder room, while a full redesign of the door apertures means that getting in and out is easier than ever before. Load space flexibility has also been improved with a tailgate that now opens 150 mm higher and includes a dual-floor system designed to provide a flexible and versatile load space. Passengers in all-new Nissan Qashqai also benefit from a new ambient cabin lighting system, featuring a subtle orange mood light around the gearlever. Designed to give the cabin a premium look and feel when travelling at night, the lighting system is fully controllable by the driver and can easily be turned up, down or off altogether.

 

Rear seats

Verdict

Nissan has done a splendid job with the all-new Qashqai. On the styling front, you'd be forgiven for seeing a little Santa Fe in the profile and a little of Ford's Focus in the rear lamps, but the all-new Qashqai is also clearly a part of Nissan's overhauled SUV family. The all-new Nissan Qashqai’s striking looks, increased legroom and innovative technologies redefine the crossover segment. The all-new Nissan Qashqai will surely be one of the cars to watch out for in 2014.