YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan today unveiled the all-new Nissan Qashqai compact crossover SUV for the European market, set to go on sale this summer.

Marking the third generation since debuting in 2007, the all-new Qashqai once again aims to set a new standard in the segment it pioneered. The Qashqai reinvents itself, from the inside out, for today’s customers looking for striking attraction, comfort, refinement, efficiency and the latest in convenient and intuitive technology.

As a top-selling vehicle for Nissan in the European market, the Qashqai is the latest to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, which prioritizes sustainable growth and profitability across the company’s global operations.

Striking, elegant exterior design

The all-new Qashqai features a more toned, sharp and modern style, while still maintaining its unmistakable character. In its details, the styling reflects Nissan’s global design language, notably the V-Motion grille, “floating roof” and use of precise, taut lines that generate simple, bold surfaces and muscular volumes.

The Qashqai’s enhanced body stance is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and imposing available 20-inch alloy wheels. The LED headlamps are slimmer and sharper, and features technology that adapts the shape of the beam according to the road conditions and other road-users.

From the side, the Qashqai appears more athletic and dynamic, with a single character line that strikes through the car from the front to the rear. The design of the rear lights creates a 3-D effect when lit for a unique road-going signature.

The all-new Qashqai will be available in 11 body colors, with five two-tone combinations. This allows customers to choose from a total of 16 color variations.

Elevated interior ambience

Connected, comfortable and commanding, the cabin of the all-new Nissan Qashqai sets a new segment standard for an elevated feel and enhanced usability.

“The new Nissan Qashqai is the perfect intersection of expressive design and customer expectation,” said Matthew Weaver, vice president of Nissan Design Europe. “Their needs inform our focus, and our bold statements meet their highest expectations. With this next generation model, we have elevated the Qashqai to a new level in offering a premium yet practical, luxurious yet accessible, and advanced yet usable environment that will set the standard for others to follow.”

The Qashqai’s cabin is designed to create an inviting and relaxing environment. New seat materials and new white ambient lighting allow driver and passengers to enjoy a premium and harmonious experience inside the vehicle. New premium materials, smart features and fine detailing enhance a cabin that delivers cutting-edge design and practicality in every dimension.

“Between the design, engineering and product planning functions, we have worked harder than ever to elevate the ambience for our customers so their drive is comfortable, refined, convenient and provides a feeling of well-being,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president of product planning at Nissan Automotive Europe. “It’s where our customers, their families and friends will be spending their time with the car and it should be an exceptional experience”

Two available powertrains

The all-new Qashqai features a 12-volt mild hybrid system comprising a 1.3-liter turbo engine and lithium-ion battery. The system enables energy regenerated during deceleration to be used while driving to contribute to both fuel economy and CO₂ emissions reduction.

The all-new Qashqai also brings the first deployment of Nissan’s innovative e‑POWER drive system to Europe, sales of which are scheduled to start following those of the mild hybrid version. To meet the typical needs of European consumers and their daily drive, the e-POWER system has been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai with the adoption of Nissan’s world-first variable compression ratio petrol engine as the dedicated electricity generating unit. The result is a compact, high-output electrified system that, thanks also to the high combustion efficiency of the engine, delivers more efficiency.

Sales will start with the mild-hybrid version, while the e-POWER version will follow later.

Advanced new platform

The all-new Qashqai is the first model in Europe to use the Alliance CMF-C platform, which represents a state-of-the-art automotive structure and technology architecture.

In terms of construction, the body-in-white makes use of more lightweight material, advanced stamping processes and welding techniques to increase strength and reduce weight. For the first time, the rear hatchback door is now made of a composite material, which saves 2.6 kilograms. This and additional advanced manufacturing techniques result in weight savings of 60 kilograms and a 41% increase in structural rigidity when compared to the out-going model. This translates to refinement, ride comfort and driving response from a higher segment, plus exceptional security in the event of an accident. All this added to the benefits to the car’s overall efficiency.

With the new CMF-C platform, the all-new Qashqai has an updated Macpherson strut set-up at the front and at the rear. The rear suspension features a torsion beam equipped for two-wheel drive models and a multi-link configuration for all-wheel drive models with 20-inch wheels.

Power steering has also been enhanced, offering improved response and initial steering range from driver input.

Connected technology

The all-new Qashqai offers an advanced infotainment system with an impressive portfolio of connected services including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car WiFi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, which is a dedicated app to control and monitor the vehicle.

A new high-definition, fully electronic 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information, controlled from a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel. The TFT’s digital background has a Japanese Kiriko cut glass motif – a nod to Nissan’s Japanese DNA.

A new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key navigation, driver assistance and road information onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision, allowing drivers to maintain their focus on the road for more comfort and confidence at the wheel.

The high resolution 9-inch NissanConnect display screen features navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings, and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa home-to-car skills are also supported.

Enhanced safety

The all-new Qashqai is equipped with an array of safety features and tech that offer driver support in a wider array of circumstances.

Newly offered on the Qashqai, ProPILOT with Navi-link helps to reduce fatigue and stress while driving by assisting with acceleration and braking within a single lane on a highway. The system features the same intuitive controls as ProPILOT, and uses navigation data to smoothly assist with driving, especially with sharp cornering and off-ramp exiting.

Electrified powertrains

Supporting Nissan’s goal of achieving 50% electrified sales in Europe by 2024, the new Nissan Qashqai will not only be available with a 1.3 DiG-T petrol equipped with mild hybrid technology, but it also represents the European debut of e-POWER, Nissan’s innovative and award-winning powertrain that draws technologies from the company’s pioneering Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

With both 2WD and 4WD variants, 6-speed manual or new Xtronic transmissions, and pure-electric motor driving courtesy of e-POWER, the all-new Qashqai’s powertrain options cater for every customer requirement with driving pleasure at the heart of all the powertrain configurations.

1.3 DiG-T Petrol 138hp/156hp 12V Mild Hybrid

The 12V mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [Xtronic only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km).

The positive impact of the mild hybrid’s energy management on CO2 is competitive and the 1.3-litre engine delivers more power and torque than key competitors, making the petrol engine variant a compelling offer. The mild hybrid system adds just 22kg to the overall vehicle mass.

When decelerating, energy is recovered through regeneration and stored in the Lithium-ion battery. This charged energy is then supplied during Idling Stop, Coasting Stop (Xtronic versions only) and Torque Assist.

When coasting to a stop, at speeds of less than 18kph, and `brake on’, the engine will switch off and the stored energy is used to power the vehicle’s electrical equipment. This allows engine stop to be extended and fuel consumption lowered as a result.

The mild hybrid system is mated to the refined and reputable 1.3 DiG-T petrol engine that was introduced to Qashqai in 2018. This engine has been improved further for new Qashqai with 50 newly designed components and Euro6-d full compliance.

The 1.3-petrol motor will be offered with two power outputs – 138hp and 156hp – with either a 6-speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic gearbox (156hp only). Max engine power arrives at 5500rpm, with maximum available torque of 270Nm at a convenient 1750rpm on 156hp Xtronic and high power MT variants.

On manual versions the gearbox has been enhanced for a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling. The new generation Xtronic transmission offers better fuel economy and acceleration feel thanks to improvements including a twin oil pump system with new electrical oil pump.

2WD is available on both 138hp and 156hp versions, whilst 4WD will only be available on 156hp Xtronic models. A new 4WD control system and driving selection mode is more intuitive and intelligent, adapting itself to external conditions with five driving modes – Standard, ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. In case of any wheel slip, the time which the 4WD system acts has been reduced by a factor of five to around 0.2 seconds.

E-POWER

The new Qashqai brings the first deployment of Nissan’s innovative e‑POWER drive system to Europe. Exclusive to Nissan and a key component in the company’s Intelligent Mobility strategy, the e-POWER system is a unique approach to electrification by making every day driving exciting.

The new Qashqai’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a category-leading variable compression ratio 154hp petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles. It’s a unique solution that combines the enjoyable, seamless linear acceleration which is characteristic of an EV, but without the need for charging.

To meet the typical demands of European consumers and their daily drive, the e-POWER installation has been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai. Where the application in the Note – Japan’s best-selling car in recent years – is a 1.2 petrol engine charging the battery unit, and a final power output of 106hp. For Europe it has been upgraded to a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with a final power output of 140kW (187hp).

The unique element of the e-Power is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, whilst the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Thanks to the pure electric motor drive, there’s no delay as with an internal combustion engine or traditional hybrid. The instant response delivers exhilarating high torque feel and best level acceleration at different speeds to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier and more confidence-inspiring.

Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from an entirely new `one pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal. Drivers can start, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

CMF-C platform

The new Qashqai is the first new model in Europe to use the CMF-C platform, which represents a state-of-the-art automotive structure and technology architecture.

Central to the engineering concept was to retain the current Qashqai’s proportions, which are “just right” and key in its success, meaning it comfortably navigates urban roads and fits comfortably in parking spaces, while also giving excellent interior space.

In terms of construction, the body in white makes use of more lightweight material, as well as advanced stamping and welding techniques to increase strength but to also reduce weight. For the first time, the rear hatchback door on the Qashqai is now made of a composite material, which saves 2.6kg.

The front and rear doors, front fenders and hood, are all now made of aluminium, which offers a weight-saving, when taken all together, of 21kg over the out-going Qashqai’s body in white.

The net advantage for customers, thanks to the advanced manufacturing techniques, is that the overall body in white is lighter by 60kg and 41% stiffer than the out-going model. This translates to refinement, ride comfort and driving response from a higher segment, plus exceptional security in the event of an accident – as well as having benefits to the car’s overall efficiency.

New suspension and steering design

The new Qashqai will continue to offer a rewarding driving experience – building on its reputation as a refined and cossetting drive, but nevertheless, enjoyable when the road turns twisty.

Thanks to the CMF-C platform, the new Qashqai has an updated Macpherson strut set-up at the front and at the rear. For two-wheel drive Qashqai specified up to and including 19″ wheels, rear suspension is a torsion beam configuration. For 20″ wheels and all-wheel drive versions, it will be equipped with an advanced multi-link set-up.

The power-steering set-up has been upgraded, offering improved response, better feeling around the central part of the steering range and reduced friction.

Upgraded ProPILOT driver assistance

The new Qashqai will be equipped with the next generation of ProPILOT driver assistance, bringing greater driver support in a wider array of circumstances. Called ProPILOT with Navi-link, the system has been designed to reduce fatigue and stress while driving, while being very intuitive to use. [Only available with Xtronic transmission].

ProPILOT with Navi-link is able to accelerate and brake the vehicle within a single-lane on a highway. The system can accelerate the vehicle to cruise at a set speed, and can brake the vehicle down to 0 km/h in heavy stop-start traffic. The system is able to resume automatically if the vehicle has been stationary for less than three seconds and the traffic in front of the car moves away.

On the new Nissan Qashqai, the updated system is now able to adapt the car’s speed according to additional external circumstances: when the car crosses to a lower speed limit zone on the highway, the system is able to read road signs and take into account navigation system speed limit data to slow the Qashqai to the appropriate speed, meaning the driver doesn’t need to adjust the cruise control speed manually.

The system can also use data from the navigation system to adjust the speed for approaching curves or exit ramps that have a tighter radius.

Furthermore, ProPILOT with Navi-link can now communicate with the Qashqai’s blind-spot radars to help intervene with a steering input correction to help prevent a lane-change manoeuvre if there is a vehicle in the blind-spot zone.

Other upgrades include a “flank protection” warning for urban situations, which alerts the driver of the risk of contact with an object on the side of the vehicle, typically when turning into a supermarket parking space. And the new Qashqai can also intervene to prevent a collision upon reversing from the space thanks to an upgrade on the existing Moving Object Detection alert, applying the brakes to stop the car if a moving obstacle is detected nearby.

Additional security comes in the form of Nissan’s Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with predictive function. Thanks to advanced radar technology, sensors are able to read the road beyond the car in front to detect if a vehicle suddenly brakes. The system will apply the brakes to reduce the likelihood of a collision.

Another feature of the suite of safety technology on-board the new Qashqai is the new central airbag, which deploys from between the two front seats, to prevent the front row occupants from making contact in the event of a side-impact. The central airbag supplements the driver and passenger airbags, as well as the side and curtain airbags fitted as standard to the new Qashqai.

Intelligent LED headlights

For the new Qashqai, Nissan’s engineers have developed an advanced headlight system that adapts the shape of the beam according to the road conditions and other road-users. The beam is divided into 12 individual elements that selectively deactivate upon detection of an oncoming vehicle. Thanks to this innovation, it can project a brighter beam further and wider, but the shape effectively changes so oncoming road-users will not be dazzled.

“The new Qashqai is going to change what customers can expect from a family car. Comfort, refinement and technology will be comparable with upper segment vehicles, while the driving experience will satisfy drivers and passengers alike. With Nissan’s bold e-POWER technology, we feel that customers will fall in love with the feeling of an electric powertrain, without the range concerns,” said Gianluca de Ficchy, Chairman, Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) Region.

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