NISSAN’S third generation of its groundbreaking, hugely popular Qashqai family crossover is on its way – and a few enticing details have been revealed.
Highlights include an innovative electrified powertrain, increased on-board tech and greater driver enjoyment thanks to new chassis, suspension and steering set-ups.
A cornerstone of the Japanese firm’s newcomer will be the clever e-POWER drive system that promises the EV fun of instant acceleration without any range anxiety.
It uses a petrol engine to charge a high-output battery that then supplies energy to a pure EV-sized electric motor generating 188hp to drive the front wheels.
The marque reckons it will make the new Qashqai “the perfect transition into EV driving, especially for high-mileage drivers who will love the combination of convenience and refinement, as well as the car’s eco-efficiency”.
Alternatively, the first models to hit our streets will also be available with an updated 1.3-litre petrol engine with a 12V mild-hybrid system. It’s offered as a 138hp manual 2WD powertrain, a 155hp manual/automatic two-wheel drive or auto 4WD.
Most owners will also benefit from Nissan’s upgraded ProPILOT with Navi-link driver assistance package.
It includes fully adaptive, intelligent cruise control and speed limiting, as well as side impact and reversing crash prevention features that are likely to be very handy in busy supermarket car parks.
A key change for the Qashqai is its use of state-of-the-art platform and body structure know-how, which makes it both significantly lighter and yet stronger.
Coupled with suspension changes to match either 19 or 20in alloys and two or four-wheel drive, along with upgraded power steering, motorists should notice a difference for all kinds of driving.
While initial images show the car heavily camouflaged as road testing goes on across Europe, bosses have revealed that it is slightly wider, longer and taller than before.
They also point to its more muscular lower half and more elegant aerodynamics, while a stretched wheelbase makes it roomier inside and adds 50-plus litres (a suitcase or two) to the boot space.
Nissan European supremo Gianluca de Ficchy said: “The new Qashqai is going to change what customers can expect from a family car.
"Comfort, refinement and technology will be from higher categories of car, while the driving experience will satisfy drivers and passengers alike.”
More details will be revealed in the months to come ahead of a full unveiling in the spring of next year.
Meanwhile, the firm’s Micra supermini is getting some updates for 2021, with improvements to its safety systems and changes to the kit levels on higher grade models.
All four specs, starting with Visia grade, now have hill start assist, intelligent ride control and intelligent trace control for improved handling in difficult conditions.
A safety pack available across the range adds the likes of high beam assist, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition and intelligent forward emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
The new range is priced from £13,995 and models are expected to be on the road before the year is out. Other changes see top-spec Tekna models include an around-view camera, moving object detection and a blind spot monitor as well as an advanced sound system.
The NissanConnect infotainment system with TomTom navigation is available as an option on Acenta and N-Sport and is standard on Tekna. Apple CarPlay with Siri voice recognition and Android Auto with Google Assistant are standard from Acenta trim upwards.
