Refreshed Qashqai: takes to the roads with bold restyling, upgraded tech & Nissan’s unique e-POWER system
Striking, imposing design
The front grille of the Qashqai has been comprehensively updated to create a more striking first impression. It now consists of dozens of high gloss, three dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss black paint which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate holder. To the sides the “commas” are finished in a “satin chrome” hot foil stamp on N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+ models.
New headlights bring a sense of purpose and presence, with an even sharper look. Below the main lens the daytime running lights consist of five small lenses which are the same shape as the “commas” of the main grille. The daytime running lights now encircle the main headlight lens, joining with the thin light above the headlight which is similar to the unit on the previous iteration of Qashqai. The upper daytime running light element becomes the turn indicator when activated and, for the first time, features sequential turning lights front and rear on N-Design and Tekna grade.
At the rear, the red lighting elements now consist of four individual elements which echo the shape of the front grille “commas”. They appear to float in the lens housing and are now a distinctive shade of red, known as “super red”, and bring a sense of elevated precision. The lenses are now clear, to allow a better view of the lighting elements.
A new 18″ diamond cut alloy wheel is now standard on the mid-grade Qashqai. For the higher grades, there is a new 19″ alloy and a new 20″ diamond-cut alloy wheel design. This range of striking wheels gives one of the widest range of wheels in the segment, adding an extra dimension to the Qashqai’s eye-catching design refresh.
Three new colours have been added to the Qashqai’s palette. Pearl White is new and features a cleaner, pure tint that appears to give a glow in certain lighting conditions. Pearl Black replaces the previous black option and has a richer black tint and has the effect of sharpening the definition of the Qashqai’s visual geometry.
Deep Ocean is an eye-catching shade. It appears to sit somewhere between dark blue and metallic teal depending on the prevailing light conditions.
New N-Design grade
A new addition to the Qashqai line-up is the N-Design grade. On the exterior, the lower body portion below the doors and the wheel arches are body-coloured on N-Design. There are also unique, all-new 20″ alloy wheels which bring added on-road presence.
Upscaled interior trim
For the upper grades, there is a new application of Alcantara® on the dashboard, door inserts, door armrests, centre storage console lid and even the knee pads all of which combine to elevate the on-board ambience.
New patterned materials adorn the centre console around the gear selector and the decorative insert between the upper dashboard and glovebox, underlining the attention to detail which underpins Japanese craftsmanship.
Updated seat trims have been introduced across the upper three grades of Qashqai for an even more premium feel. Most notable is the black partially quilted premium leather on the top spec Qashqai. On the penultimate grade, there’s a quilted synthetic leather which is complemented by “burnt umber” flashes on the seat base and shoulders of the seat upright.
Another new dimension to the elevated life-on-board feeling is the addition of ambient lighting giving 64 different colour options on the N-Connecta, N-Design grades and above.
Upgraded technology
The upgraded Around View Monitor system now features a 3D function allowing the driver to see the car not only from above, but also select one of eight different external camera view points to visualise the car from the front, rear, sides or corners to potentially identify any unseen exterior hazards.
Additionally, a feature known as “invisible hood view” allows the driver to see the position of the front wheels as if looking at them from just behind, which enables them to precisely manoeuvre in tight locations, such as multi-story car parks where there are concrete curbs which could damage a wheel.
Furthermore, the AVM tech can be used to help drivers make a safe entry from a difficult exit onto a road where visibility is limited. It uses a wide-angle front camera to show the view from the front of the bonnet, projected onto the central screen. Like the “Parking Spot Location Memory” function, locations with limited visibility can be stored in AVM’s GPS memory, so it will automatically activate close to the junction.
Google built-in
The refreshed Qashqai is the first vehicle in Nissan’s European range with Google built-in as part of the NissanConnect infotainment system, which makes a near-seamless interaction between a customer’s digital life and their vehicle.
The updated Qashqai comes as standard with Google Maps and, once signed-in, with a personal Google Account drivers can access their favourite locations and points of interest. This reduces the dependence on a mobile phone and cellular phone network. Over the air updates ensure the map information is always current.
Google Assistant allows the driver to use their voice for hands-free help on the go. For example, drivers can say “Hey Google” to control the vehicle’s ventilation system, heated seats and windscreen or to navigate to their next destination. Additionally, drivers can make phone calls and listen to audio instructions without taking their eyes off the road.
Drivers also gain access to an ecosystem of apps that are available for download on Google Play. They can conveniently listen to their favourite music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more directly from their vehicle.
For peace of mind, the NissanConnect Services update will monitor the Qashqai on the driver’s behalf. It can remind customers if they have forgotten to lock the car or close the windows if they remain open one minute after the engine has stopped. It will also warn them if the car has been tampered with or towed. In case of suspected theft, it can be immobilized and using Nissan’s third-party supplier, law-enforcement authorities can be informed in order to recover it – even in foreign countries.
Equally, Qashqai customers with a data plan subscription can also use Amazon’s Alexa smart home system. Customers can talk to Amazon Alexa in their Qashqai. With Alexa, they can ask to play music, hear the news, check weather, control smart home devices, and more.
e-POWER: Nissan’s unique and innovative powertrain
Since its launch in September 2022, Nissan has sold more than 140,000 Qashqai e-POWER – with customers loving the electric drive feeling.
The key to e-POWER’s unique and innovative powertrain is that the wheels are only ever driven directly by the electric motor, unlike traditional hybrids.
A pure electric motor direct drive to the wheels means no gearbox, instant, high torque and linear response. It represents an EV-drive sensation without the need to think of charging – a stepping-stone for customers who aren’t yet ready to make the switch to 100% EV.
The sole role of the advanced turbocharged 3-cylinder engine – with variable compression ratio technology – is to generate electricity, which is sent via the inverter to either the 140kW electric motor or the 1.8kwh battery (or both, according to the driving scenario). The engine works quietly in the background to provide the necessary charge to the battery and motor. It’s been programmed to provide the electricity in relation to vehicle speed to avoid the disconcerting disconnect between background sound and vehicle progress.
The updated Qashqai is now in production at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the UK, where more than 4 million units have been built since the original was launched in 2007.
Customers can order the new Qashqai now, with UK prices starting from £30,135.