By Steve Laser
The Qashqai is a success story for Nissan in Europe. Since its launch in 2007, the Nissan Sunderland plant in the UK has built more than 1.3 million units of the popular compact crossover. Third-generation models, launched three years ago, have already sold about 350,000 units.
And now, Nissan has introduced an updated Qashqai, with more dynamic styling, new and advanced technologies, plus a new N-Design model (above left) with sporty design features inside and out.
All Qashqai models gain a distinctive new front fascia, featuring a bold new grille with intricate pattern detailing, accented by the creative touch of LED lighting. Nissan says the grille design was inspired by the patterns of ancient Japanese armor scales.
LEDs include adaptive high beam modules, plus smaller lights that echo the shapes found in the grille. Separate daytime running lights change color and serve as turn signals, with sequential indicators on select models.
The new N-Design features body color rocker panels, wheel arches, and lower front and rear bumpers, along with special 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Two-tone exterior colors are offered, including Fuji Red with a black roof.
Qashqai is available with Nissan e-POWER. Introduced on Qashqai in 2022, e-POWER has a turbo 3-cylinder gas engine that generates electricity, sent to a 140kW electric motor and 1.8kWh battery, to power the vehicle. Like an EV, e-POWER includes brake regeneration and an e-Pedal function. Yet there is no need to plug it in (just add gas).
Nissan enhances the cabin environment for N-Design with sporty Alcantara® trim on the dash, door inserts, armrests, center console cover, and knee pads. New ambient lighting allows customization of interior lights with red, green, and blue LEDs.
Black leather seating surfaces with quilting and Alcantara® inserts are also included on N-Design. The finishing touch is an embossed Qashqai logo that adorns the driver’s and front-passenger’s seatbacks below the headrests.
Newly available high-tech features include Google built-in, with Google Assistant. Amazon Alexa smart home system is also available with a data plan subscription. Upgraded Around View Monitor technology includes a 3D function, invisible hood view, and Parking Spot Location Memory.
Qashqai is offered in a variety of models, including N-Design, Tekna+, and N-Connecta, along with the choice of Mild Hybrid and e-POWER powertrains.
A previous generation of the Qashqai was available in the U.S. market as the Rogue Sport (built in Japan). While there is no news regarding a return to America, Nissan offers a wide variety of SUVs here, including the Kicks, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, Armada and Ariya EV. Qashqai was also sold in Canada, using the Qashqai nameplate, through the 2023 model year.
News source and photos courtesy of Nissan Europe
Note: Features and specifications for European models are subject to change without notice
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