The flagship is always e-Power

It was 2004 when Nissan unveiled the Qashqai Concept at the Geneva International Motor Show. Its style, futuristic and unconventional, was immediately appreciated so much that the Japanese company decided to create a series version of the C-segment crossover. From 2007, the year of launch, the Qashqai immediately became a great success, having its units 1.3 million produced at the Sunderland plant in England, among Nissan’s best-selling models. A success that, even for the third generation, shows no sign of slowing down: with more than 21,000 units sold last year, the Qashqai proved itself as the Italian market leader among C-segment crossovers so the time has come for Nissan to renew its flagship model with a more attractive design, featuring sharp and muscular lines, new on-board technology and updated ADAS.

Qashqai’s origins and strengths they remain intact. The front part features an evolution of Nissan’s “V-Shape” trapezoidal grille: the grille has 3 distinct sections and three-dimensional elements reminiscent of ancient Japanese samurai armor. The central grille seems to separate from the side ones, located below the headlights, due to the different design and chrome details, thus re-creating the Nissan “V-Motion”. Also new are the LED lights, thinner and with a more open angle, and the upper element becomes an important part of the front design. Below there are 5 small LED elements that outline the shape of the grille. At the back, along with the redesigned bumper, we find the rear lights which, although unchanged, have transparent lenses to emphasize the 4 elements inside. The passenger compartment, which has remained unchanged, is equipped with high-quality materials. The dashboard and seat covers change depending on the version, from Tekna technical fabric to special seats, with leather and Alcantara, in the more luxurious N-Design. Using the 10.5-inch touch screen, placed in the center of the dashboard, it is possible to configure the ambient light, choose from 64 colors, as well as control the multimedia system that integrates the Google unit with interactive maps, programs and capabilities. use voice commands. There is no lack of integration with Apple CarPlay and Alexa.

Technological equipment for active and passive safety has been updated and expanded such as the Around View Monitor which, through 4 rotating cameras, provides a high 360° view of the vehicle on the central display, making driving easier. Furthermore, one of the 8 views can be selected individually, also taking advantage of the new front camera with a wide angle of 200°, to identify any obstacles not visible from the driving seat. Another new feature is the “invisible bonnet” function which, through AI, allows you to see the exact position of the wheels, making parking easier. ADAS have been further improved, now faster and more efficient, thanks to new software. Driver Assist Custom is also available on the Qashqai which, using the steering wheel controls, allows you to adjust and memorize the level of driving assistance according to your driving style. Finally, the new NissanConnect Service app offers remote functions such as door locking and vehicle location recognition.

The engines have not changed. We start from the 1.3 turbo petrol with powerful hybrid technology available with 140 or 158 hp, the latter also offered with XTronic automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. The spear remains the innovative E-Power system consisting of a 140 kW electric motor, which moves the wheels and a petrol engine, 158 hp 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder, which recharges the battery. This technology, which combines the convenience of electricity with the use of gasoline, has proven to be a winning solution for Nissan, so much so that it has been chosen by more than 100,000 customers in Europe. Nissan has not yet released a price list for the new Qashqai. With the basic configuration of the Visia gone, the Japanese Crossover will already start from the more complete Acenta. In addition to Tekna and Tekna+, the range will be extended by N-Design with unique finishing materials, such as door frames, wheel arches and bumpers in the same color, and 20 alloy wheels. The Qashqai will arrive at Nissan dealerships from next September.