In the fast-evolving crossover market, which Nissan initially shaped with the original Qashqai, nothing remains stagnant for long. Since the launch of the third generation Qashqai just over three years ago, it has surpassed 350,000 units sold in Europe alone, maintaining its status as the epitome of crossovers – the trailblazer and the standard-setter. To uphold its position as the leader in its segment, it has undergone a thorough aesthetic makeover alongside significant technological advancements.
From bold alterations to the exterior design to comprehensive enhancements in infotainment and connected services, the guiding principle behind the Qashqai’s updates is to preserve its essence while amplifying its strengths and introducing even more intuitive and convenient technology for consumers to enjoy.
The updated Qashqai is now in production at Nissan Sunderland Plant, where more than 1.3 million units have been built since the original was launched in 2007.
Qashqai is now the most manufactured model at Sunderland Plant, Last summer the plant built its eleven millionth vehicle since production began in 1986.
>>> Great Discounts on Car & Bike Accessories <<<
Exterior Design
Exterior enhancements breathe new life into the Qashqai’s appearance, exuding a sharp and contemporary dynamism thanks to its updated design.
The front grille has undergone a comprehensive transformation, drawing inspiration from the intricate patterns of ancient Japanese armor scales. Now adorned with dozens of high gloss, three-dimensional comma-shaped elements in sleek black paint, it creates a captivating visual effect, seemingly suspended between the bonnet’s edge and the numberplate holder. These “commas” form a triangular motif extending from the headlights to the sides of the numberplate, accented with a “satin chrome” hot foil stamp on the top-grade version.
Flanking the bumper, the body-colored panels are complemented by a sleek black strip in a high-gloss finish running below the numberplate, while a subtle body-colored “chin strap” beneath the cooling aperture adds definition to the front.
The new headlights command attention with their purposeful design, featuring an adaptive high beam module and an additional unit for wider beam distribution, enhancing visibility in various conditions. The daytime running lights, shaped similarly to the grille “commas,” now encircle the main headlight lens and are joined by a thin illuminated strip above the headlight, bearing the Nissan logo on its outer edge. The upper daytime running light also functions as a turn indicator, boasting sequential turning lights for the first time.
At the rear, while the overall shape of the lights remains unchanged, the internal composition has been redesigned, with red lighting elements echoing the grille “commas” for a cohesive look. Clear lenses provide better visibility of the lighting elements, while the thin boomerang lighting element now incorporates a dynamic indicator signal.
The bumper has been reshaped, featuring harmonized color options – gloss black on higher-grade versions or body-colored on the new N-Design grade.
In profile, the updated Qashqai, especially on higher grades, benefits from a new gloss black finish beneath the doors and wheel arches.
Wheel options have also been expanded, with a new standard 18″ diamond-cut alloy wheel for the mid-grade Qashqai, along with new 19″ and 20″ alloy designs for higher grades, offering one of the widest ranges in the segment and adding an extra dimension to the Qashqai’s refreshed design.
Three new colors join the Qashqai palette: Pearl White, with a cleaner, purer tint; Pearl Black, offering a richer black hue for enhanced visual definition; and Deep Ocean, a captivating shade between dark blue and metallic teal, sure to turn heads and prompt conversations.
Furthermore, five Qashqai colors – Pearl White, Deep Ocean, Fuji Red, Magnetic Blue, and Ceramic Grey – are available in two-tone options, featuring a black roof for a distinctively stylish appearance.
New N-Design grade
Tailored to resonate with Qashqai enthusiasts seeking a bolder expression, the new N-Design grade boasts distinctive aesthetic enhancements. Exterior features include body-colored lower sections beneath the doors and wheel arches, while exclusive 20″ alloy wheels elevate its on-road presence to new heights.
Enhanced Interior Finishes
Once potential or current Qashqai enthusiasts are captivated by the refreshed exterior, their curiosity will soar as they delve into the reimagined interior.
For the top-tier grades (N-Design and Tekna+), an all-new application of Alcantara graces various interior elements, including the dashboard, door inserts, armrests, center storage console lid, and knee pads, all contributing to an elevated onboard ambiance.
Distinctive patterned materials now embellish the center console surrounding the gear selector and the decorative insert between the upper dashboard and glovebox, showcasing meticulous attention to detail inherent in Japanese craftsmanship.
Updated seat trims have been introduced across the upper three Qashqai grades, enhancing the premium feel. Notably, the top-spec Qashqai features black partially quilted premium leather seats. On the penultimate grade, quilted synthetic leather is accented by “burnt umber” flashes on the seat base and shoulders of the seat upright.
N-Design grade seats boast black leather with quilting and Alcantara® inserts, adorned with a distinctive embossed “Qashqai” wordmark just below the headrest.
Adding a new dimension to the enhanced onboard experience is the introduction of ambient lighting on the N-Connecta, N-Design grades, and higher. Advanced red/green/blue LEDs, discreetly integrated, enable drivers or passengers to personalize the interior lighting according to their mood. In the top two grades, rear occupants also benefit from this feature, enhancing the overall ambiance for all passengers.
Control over ambient lighting settings is conveniently accessible via the central infotainment screen.
Matthew Weaver, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe, comments, “The new face of Qashqai has a more technical appearance, with more texture and eye-catching detailing. We were inspired by traditional Japanese battle costumes which combines craftsmanship with muscularity. We’ve worked hard with our colleagues on the front and rear lighting, giving a technical and precise impression and which integrates seamlessly. Inside, the new materials and ambient lighting elevate the on-board experience even further. Overall, we’re convinced crossover-buyers will love the results.”
Updated Technological Features
The automotive landscape’s rapid evolution is intricately intertwined with advancements in digital and processing technologies. In this realm, the updated Qashqai has embraced these advancements to heighten the everyday driving experience, making it more intuitive and secure.
One of the Qashqai’s most frequently utilized features has undergone a significant upgrade. The Around View Monitor (AVM), a hallmark Nissan technology dating back to 2007, has been revamped.
Upon engaging reverse, the AVM combines the perspectives of four external cameras to provide a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, facilitating parking maneuvers with utmost confidence. The enhanced AVM system now utilizes four cameras to deliver exceptionally clear views in all lighting conditions.
Moreover, the upgraded AVM system introduces a 3D function, allowing drivers to not only view the car from above but also select from eight different external camera viewpoints to visualize the car’s surroundings comprehensively, potentially identifying any unseen exterior hazards. This feature works seamlessly with Nissan’s Moving Object Detection system, which alerts drivers to moving objects in the Qashqai’s vicinity.
An innovative addition known as “invisible hood view” enables drivers to see the front wheels’ position as if observed from just behind, aiding precise maneuvering in tight spaces such as multi-story car parks with concrete curbs. This view employs machine learning to generate an image based on the front camera’s perspective, superimposing the wheels for enhanced perspective.
Another smart feature, “Parking Spot Location Memory,” allows drivers to save frequently visited parking locations, enabling the Qashqai to automatically recognize these spots via GPS. Once recognized, the car recalls the precise position, facilitating perfect parking each time—particularly useful in snug parking spaces.
Furthermore, the AVM technology assists drivers in safely entering from difficult exits onto roads with limited visibility. Utilizing a wide-angle front camera, the view from the front of the bonnet is projected onto the central screen. Similar to the “Parking Spot Location Memory” function, locations with restricted visibility can be stored in AVM’s GPS memory, activating automatically near junctions.
Visual changes have also been made to the TFT driver information screen behind the steering wheel. The display dials shift to red in Sport mode, green in Eco mode, or pale gray in standard mode—available in both “normal” or “enhanced” view mode.
Additionally, a “minimal” mode has been introduced to reduce potential driver distraction, displaying only the selected gear, drive mode, and speed. For e-POWER equipped Qashqais, the energy flow display is now accessible in “normal” view mode.
David Moss, Senior Vice President of Region (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) Research & Development, remarks, “The updated Qashqai has benefitted from a comprehensive series of technological updates. From the next generation of around view monitor, which will prove useful for our customers every day, to the introduction of Google’s built-in, which makes the Qashqai part of our customers’ digital life seamlessly. At the heart of Nissan’s commitment to innovation is an intuitive user-experience and true convenience. The updated Qashqai epitomises those priorities,”
Improved Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The array of driver assistance systems has undergone significant enhancements to deliver heightened vigilance and intervention, ensuring maximum peace of mind.
To begin, the Autonomous Emergency Braking functions have been meticulously recalibrated to enhance risk detection and expedite response times in potential collision scenarios. This refinement encompasses the Front Emergency Brake, Pedestrian Front Emergency Brake, Front Emergency Brake Cyclist, and Intelligent Emergency Brake functions.
In the event of emergency braking, the Emergency Stop Signal is activated, prompting the rear brake lights to flash, alerting vehicles behind. This activation occurs when sudden brake pressure is applied at speeds exceeding 60km/h.
Furthermore, the Emergency Lane Keep System now engages automatically upon Qashqai startup. This system triggers both Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention functionalities at speeds surpassing 60km/h. It incorporates a haptic warning via steering wheel vibrations when the system detects the vehicle’s proximity to either lane markings or the road’s edge.
The Intelligent Speed Assistance system, designed to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle’s speed with the prevailing speed limit, has also received upgrades. In addition to flashing an icon to notify the driver when exceeding the speed limit, it now emits an alarm if speed isn’t reduced.
A novel feature introduced in the upgraded Qashqai is the Driver Assist Custom Mode, offering drivers a quick and simple means to tailor the level of intervention from various assistance technologies to suit their preferences. This customization is facilitated through a two-step process utilizing the shortcut menu button on the steering wheel’s left spoke and the “Ok” button.
Google Integration
In a pioneering move, the refreshed Qashqai becomes the inaugural vehicle in Nissan’s European lineup to feature the suite of Google built-in, forging a seamless connection between a customer’s digital life and their vehicle.
With Google Maps at their fingertips, drivers can access their favorite locations and points of interest once signed in with a personal Google Account, reducing reliance on mobile phones and cellular networks. Over-the-air updates ensure that map information remains current.
Harnessing the power of Google Assistant enables drivers to utilize voice commands for hands-free assistance while on the move. Whether controlling the vehicle’s ventilation system, heated seats, navigation, or making phone calls and receiving audio instructions, drivers can stay focused on the road ahead.
Access to a diverse ecosystem of apps available for download from Google Play further enriches the driving experience, allowing drivers to enjoy their preferred music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more directly from their vehicle.
For added peace of mind, Nissan Connected Services keeps a vigilant eye on the Qashqai, offering reminders to lock the car or close windows, remote operation via the smartphone app, and alerts for suspicious activity or towing. In the event of theft, immobilization and communication with law enforcement authorities can be facilitated through Nissan’s third-party supplier, even across borders.
Furthermore, Qashqai customers with a data plan subscription can integrate Amazon’s Alexa smart home system, enabling seamless interaction with the vehicle. With Alexa, drivers can effortlessly play music, catch up on the latest news, check the weather, control smart home devices, and more.
Guillaume Pelletreau, Region VP Electrification & Connectivity and new Revenues and Marketing & Sales Transformations, Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) region, affirms, “The addition of Google built-in to the Qashqai reflects Nissan’s spirit of innovation. Integrating this suite of digital technology will allow our customers to have the convenience that they enjoy from their smartphones, integrated into their cars.”
e-POWER: A Distinctive and Innovative Powertrain
In line with the trailblazing ethos that birthed the original Qashqai and pioneered the crossover segment, e-POWER stands as a unique electrified powertrain that has captured the hearts of customers since its debut in 2022.
In the realm of engineering, simplicity often reigns supreme, and e-POWER epitomizes this notion flawlessly. Unlike the intricate setups of traditional hybrids, e-POWER simplifies the process: the petrol engine generates electricity to propel the wheels directly, eschewing the need for a gearbox.
The outcome of this simplicity is a driving experience that seamlessly blends responsiveness, refinement, and efficiency, all without compromising on driving enjoyment. With e-POWER, customers no longer have to settle for a lackluster driving experience typical of conventional hybrids.
Central to e-POWER’s distinct and innovative powertrain is the absence of a gearbox, with the wheels solely propelled by the electric motor. This configuration delivers instantaneous, high torque, and linear response akin to an electric vehicle, without the hassle of frequent charging—a perfect transition for customers not yet ready to fully embrace EV technology.
The advanced turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, equipped with variable compression ratio technology, assumes the role of electricity generator, supplying power to either the 140kW electric motor or the 1.8kWh battery, or both as needed. Operating discreetly in the background, the engine ensures a seamless supply of electricity aligned with vehicle speed, eliminating any disconcerting disparity between ambient sound and vehicle movement.
Similar to pure electric vehicles, the e-POWER system harnesses kinetic energy during braking or coasting to replenish the battery. Drivers can also engage the B mode for enhanced brake regeneration, while Nissan’s e-Pedal Step feature enables one-pedal driving—where releasing the accelerator results in significant braking. Over time, driving with e-Pedal Step becomes second nature, particularly in urban environments, although the brake may still be necessary in certain situations.
Since its introduction on both the Qashqai and X-Trail in September 2022, Nissan has sold over 100,000 e-POWER equipped vehicles in Europe, with customers embracing the electric driving sensation with enthusiasm.
