CONCLUDING a pumped-up teaser marketing campaign, Nissan has unveiled its new-generation Qashqai with the favored small SUV set to be moved throughout to the brand new Alliance CMF-C platform whereas retaining nearly nothing from its predecessor.
Sporting a brand new however definitively Qashqai look, the next-gen mannequin has grown in each dimension in comparison with the present mannequin, being 35mm longer (4425mm), 40mm taller (1635mm) and 32mm wider (1838mm), using on a wheelbase that has been stretched 20mm (2666mm).
The brand new ‘Nissan V-Movement’ grille is doubtless the star of the present on the entrance by way of styling, flanked on both facet by a (horizontal) V-shaped head- and daytime operating mild association.
Beneath the lights is a set of deep-set triangular cheeks containing the indications whereas the foglights are housed throughout the black decrease consumption.
Character traces and physique sculpting are in abundance down the flanks of the automobile, culminating in a considerably squared-off rear finish sporting the acquainted skinny tail-lights and typical SUV physique cladding/fake skid plate.
It’s a comparable story contained in the cabin the place we discover a cabin filled with swooping traces and angled contours with the sprint oriented in direction of the driving force.
A 9.0-inch infotainment display screen is mounted proudly on the dashboard with a row of multi-media controls underlining the association, beneath which resides the HVAC controls and clutter-free centre console.
Whereas native vary, specification and pricing particulars – in addition to timing – are but to be confirmed, different customary equipment highlights embrace a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.8-inch head-up show, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting.
As beforehand reported by GoAuto, the brand new Qashqai shall be accessible with two completely different powertrains, each that includes some type of electrification.
The primary possibility shall be a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine accessible in two completely different states of tune – 103kW/260Nm and 116kW/270Nm – paired with a mild-hybrid system (MHEV).
The one transmission possibility for the 103kW model shall be a six-speed handbook whereas the higher-output model shall be accessible with the selection of both a handbook or a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT).
Excessive-output CVTs may even have the choice of all-wheel drive – all different variations are front-wheel-drive solely.
Nearly assured to be the flagship powertrain would be the new e-Energy electrical motor system which, very similar to Honda’s e:HEV system, utilises an inside combustion engine to keep up battery cost ranges whereas an electrical motor sends drive to the wheels.
When all is claimed and performed, the system produces 140kW/330Nm, all of which is distributed to the entrance wheels.
Below the pores and skin the brand new Qashqai rides on an up to date Macpherson-strut entrance suspension set-up whereas the rear will rely upon wheel measurement and drive sort.
On front-wheel-drive variations fitted with wheels as much as 19 inches, rear suspension duties shall be catered for completely by a torsion beam set-up whereas these with 20-inch wheels and/or all-wheel-drive will rating an “superior multi-link” association.
As is normally the way in which with a brand new mannequin, security has been stepped up significantly with the brand new Qashqai set to be fitted with the most recent model of Nissan’s ProPilot driver help suite.
Superior adaptive cruise management with cease and go, velocity signal recognition, blind-spot monitoring and help, flank safety, autonomous emergency braking and a brand new central airbag are all included.
Nissan Africa, Center East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) regional chairman Gianluca de Ficchy stated the brand new Qashqai’s consolation, refinement and expertise was going to be comparable with upper-segment automobiles.
“The driving expertise will fulfill drivers and passengers alike,” he stated.
“With Nissan’s daring e-Energy expertise, we really feel that prospects will fall in love with the sensation of an electrical powertrain, with out the vary issues.”
The present mannequin has been a strong vendor for Nissan Australia because it launched right here in 2014 with 722 models shifted final month alone, accounting for 7.3 per cent of the more and more crowded and well-liked sub-$40,000 small SUV section.
