AFTER its preliminary debut in February, Nissan Australia has confirmed an “early 2022” introduction for its new-generation Qashqai small SUV, a automotive executives say neither they nor clients can await.
As beforehand reported by GoAuto, the third-gen Qashqai has shifted throughout to the Alliance’s new CMF-C platform and adopted a daring new look whereas retaining all of its signature touches.
In comparison with the previous mannequin, the brand new model has grown in each respect – longer, wider, taller and using on an prolonged wheelbase – affording it extra room inside the cabin for each occupants and baggage.
The massive information nonetheless is the Qashqai’s transfer to electrification with two powertrain choices anticipated to be supplied from launch; a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) and a brand new ‘e-Energy’ electrical motor system which makes use of an internal-combustion engine to take care of battery-charge ranges whereas a motor drives the wheels.
Eager readers could spot that the e-Energy system sounds loads like Honda’s e:HEV system which follows the identical primary system.
Whereas the e-Energy set-up develops 140kW/330Nm, the force-fed hybrid system can be obtainable in two totally different states of tune – 103kW/260Nm and 116kW/270Nm – and linked to both a six-speed handbook or a constantly variable transmission (CVT).
Just like the powertrain line-up, there can even be two totally different rear suspension configurations with the final word decider being the drive kind and the diameter of the wheels.
Entrance-wheel drive variations fitted with wheels spanning as much as 19-inches will characteristic a torsion-beam rear finish whereas these with 20-inch wheels and/or all-wheel-drive will rating an “superior multi-link” association.
Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson mentioned the model “pioneered” the now-booming compact SUV area with the Dualis (first-gen Qashqai) earlier than the second-gen Qashqai landed and have become the nation’s second best-selling automobile inside the section.
“Clients have cherished the practicality supplied by a small SUV coupled with the putting attractiveness and comfort options,” he mentioned.
“The all-new Qashqai broke cowl globally in early 2021. Instantly after its reveal, we noticed Australian clients eagerly awaiting its native introduction.
“I’m thrilled to substantiate that the all-new Nissan Qashqai can be launched in Australia in early 2022 – we will’t wait.”
Customary tools on the Qashqai will embrace a 9.0-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.8-inch head-up show, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting, nonetheless it’s probably a few of these options can be reserved for the higher-end variants.
The Qashqai received’t be the one new-generation SUV to lob subsequent yr from Nissan; the fourth-gen X-Path mid-sizer and fifth-gen Pathfinder seven-seater are each anticipated to reach in 2022, as is the Premcar-tickled Patrol Warrior.
The Japanese model has bought 4737 Qashqais up to now this yr ending June, accounting for six.9 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV section.
