Nissan Qashqai: New look for the crossover
After three and a half years, Nissan has given the Qashqai a facelift, focusing primarily on its appearance and digital upgrades. The refreshed crossover rolls into the second half of its production period with a new front end and a revised rear end.
The radiator grille now looks much more striking than on the previous model and, according to the lyricists among the marketing experts, was inspired by "the structures of antique Japanese armored scales". Behind this are three-dimensional shiny black elements between the hood and the license plate, which give the front end an unmistakable appearance. "We were inspired by traditional Japanese battle dress, which combines craftsmanship with muscle power," explains Nissan designer Matthew Weaver. Details of the side view and the rear lights have also been revised and, depending on the equipment level, the crossover rolls on 19- or 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Much more significant than the design refresh, however, are the changes to the interior, which, according to Nissan manager Cliodhna Lyons, is intended to offer "more premium". There is a choice of up to 64 colors for the ambient lighting, and the materials have also been significantly upgraded. Nissan is also giving the people behind the wheel a modernized digital world. This includes the optimized all-round view, which uses four cameras. A new 3D function enables the selection of eight different camera perspectives, and the "view through the hood" setting makes the front wheels visible and facilitates maneuvering. Also on board is the "Parking Slot Location Memory", which saves frequently used parking positions and recognizes them thanks to GPS, making it easy to park.
The revised Qashqai now has advanced safety assistants that can be individually activated or deactivated using buttons on the steering wheel. In addition to the obligatory buttons on the central screen, the buttons in the interior that have been removed by other manufacturers have "survived" in order to be able to adjust the "simple things" while driving. "We were looking for a balanced solution to help our customers with the controls," explains Cliodhna Lyons.
The Qashqai is now also rolling into a new digital world by integrating Google services. The crossover is the first model in Nissan's European range to feature this technology. After logging in to Google, it is possible to access Google Maps, and the Google Assistant can be used to activate the air conditioning or navigation, among other things, using the voice command "Hey Google". There are no changes to the drives. The e-Power engine, which has now sold more than 100,000 units, also remains on board. A three-cylinder turbo engine generates electricity for the electric drive. The energy generated during deceleration is stored in the battery.
Nissan is sticking to its plan to only offer fully electric vehicles in Europe from 2030. "We see a trend for growing sales of e-mobiles. We believe that the market will be big enough for Nissan to switch to 100 percent electric mobility," says Cliodhna Lyons, looking to the future. According to internal plans, electric models are expected to account for 75 percent of the market by 2026. The brand has therefore invested three billion pounds sterling in the production plant in Sunderland. There will also be an electric version of the Qashqai, but "I can't yet say when the model will come," said the Nissan manager. Prices for the revised Qashqai have not yet been set. (aum/ww)
More info for topic: Nissan Qashqai
Share this article:
Images of article
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download:
Nissan Qashqai.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Nissan
Download: