The updated Nissan Qashqai (2024) goes into battle with heavy weapons

Globally, 2017 was a record year for the Nissan Qashqai. The improved version of the previous generation was able to test more than 247,000 buyers, but after corona things stopped and the sales figures decreased by half. The new model also could not change the situation in 2021. We see a similar picture in the Netherlands. In 2017 we still counted more than 7,300 Qashqai drivers here, in 2023 there would be less than 3,400.

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Japanese fighters

It’s time for a new attack and Nissan is doing just that by giving the Qashqai a makeover, with the nose being addressed in particular. The recognizable V-motion grille has been removed, making way for a nose with a lower body color sheet.

In its place was a large grid, in which the symbol of the fence of Heras would not be out of place. So it is inspired by the design of the chain mail (steel vests) that Japanese warriors were afraid of wearing in the distant past. Just to show that Nissan wants to compete with the competition. The lower units of the daytime running lights follow an attractive grid pattern with ‘sleeping commas’, which provide a recognizable look.

New rear lights Nissan Qashqai (2024)

By the way, that grid is not the whole grille. If you look closely, you will see that the outer parts are closed. At the back of the updated Qashqai we see a modified bumper and a different arrangement of lighting units. The LEDs also have the shape of a horizontal comma of ancient Japanese weapons.

Qashqai on 20-inch wheels

We see other exterior changes with the new N-Design standard. Qashqais with the package have body-colored wheel rims and sit on 20-inch alloy wheels. There’s no news to report in the powertrain arena. This means that the Qashqai in the Netherlands will continue to be offered as a hybrid and as a special e-Power. In the latter, an electric motor drives the wheels and a three-cylinder gasoline engine acts as a generator.

Chic interior

So no new power, but there is a bit of technical news to report. You will especially notice its presence in the improved interior. New upholstery materials are introduced there, and the most expensive versions you can even get close to leather and Alcantara combined in a diamond pattern.

Google-app

Most important is the introduction of Google apps for infotainment, including Google Maps and voice-enabled Google Assistant. Nissan also says that the 3D Around View Monitor camera system has been significantly improved. When reverse gear is engaged, a bird’s-eye view of the car appears on the infotainment screen thanks to four cameras.

To further facilitate tight parking, you can now also see the position of the front wheels on the same screen. This can, for example, prevent damage to the edges of the molding. If you still find it too difficult to put your Qashqai in its place, it is good to know that the car can remember a number of fixed parking spaces. The automatic parking function allows the car to park itself in the exact same way in the reserved area.

Support systems are complete

The safety package for the Nissan Qashqai was already complete, so the manufacturer thought it was enough to just add the finishing touches here and there. For example, the automatic emergency braking function has been adjusted more precisely and the lane keeping assist is automatically activated at all times. The question is whether that will make you happy if you often drive on back roads… Fortunately, you can also adjust the settings of the assistance systems to your personal taste.

Whether the newly armored Nissan Qashqai can even compete with the latest competition depends to some extent on price. As soon as we know how much the new price tags are, we’ll let you know. And then you will know if the updated Qashqai is the best alternative to Volvo XC40, Ateca seat in Renault Australia.