Nissan has just presented an updated version of the ever-popular Qashqai. Below you can read what you can look forward to.
Everything moves fast in the highly competitive crossover segment that Nissan introduced with the original Qashqai. In the approximately three years since the introduction of the third generation Qashqai, more than 350,000 Qashqai cars have been sold in Europe and it continues to set the standard for crossovers. To maintain its position at the forefront of its segment, it has received an extensive aesthetic update as well as significant technological updates.
Exterior updates refresh the Qashqai's look
The new Qashqai exudes a sharp and modern dynamic thanks to its updated design. An extensive update of the Qashqai's charcoal grill has been carried out to create a more distinctive first impression. Inspired by the monsters of historical Japanese armour, it now consists of countless three-dimensional, comma-shaped elements that are painted in high-gloss black and appear to float in the space between the bonnet edge and the license plate holder. On the sides, the "commas" have a triangular shape that runs from the new headlights down to a point at the sides of the number plate. They are finished with a heat-stamped design in "Satin Chrome" on the top model.
The sides of the bumper are body-coloured, and a stripe in high-gloss black runs down below the license plate to the lower corners. Under the cowl helmet there is a thin body-coloured "front stripe", which gives the front a distinctive look.
The new headlights give an even sharper look. The headlights are now equipped with an adaptive high beam module, which is complemented by a narrower unit that provides a wider distribution of the light beam. The automatic cornering light, which is located below the main lights, consists of five narrow light lenses that have the same design as the "commas" in the charcoal grille. The automatic headlamps now surround the lenses of the primary headlamps and mother the thin light band above the headlights, which is identical to the light band of the previous version of the Qashqai, but it is now equipped with an illuminated "Nissan" text on the outer edge. The top light element of the automatic headlamps forms the turn signal when switched on, and for the first time it is now equipped with sequential turn signals (depending on equipment version).
At the back of the car, the design of the lights is unchanged, but the composition of lights inside the light unit has been redesigned. The red light elements now consist of four individual elements, which reproduce the design of the charcoal grill's "commas". They seem to float in the housing of the lens and are now out in a distinctive root shade. The light lenses are now transparent, which means that the light elements can be seen better. The thin boomerang-shaped light element, which frames the upper part of the light unit, continues through the rear light and now includes the dynamic turn signal.
The bumpers are newly designed and have been given a customized color – either high-gloss black on the higher equipment variants or body-colored on the new N-Design equipment version.
On the higher equipment variants, there is now a high-gloss black finish on the body under the doors and wheel arches when the car is seen in profile.
A new 18” diamond cut aluminum wheel is now standard on the mid-level Qashqai The higher equipment variants are now equipped with a new 19” aluminum and a new 20” diamond-cut aluminum wheel design. The large selection of distinctive rims provides one of the largest selections of rims in the segment.
Three new colors have been added to the Qashqai color palette. Pearl White is new and has a cleaner, clearer toning. Pearl Black replaces the previously optional black and has a richer, black tint which seems to sharpen the Qashqai's visual geometry.
Deep Ocean is an eye-catching shade. It seems to change between Dark Blue and Metallic Teal depending on the lighting conditions. It is guaranteed to start the discussion between passers-by: "Is that Qashqai blue or maybe green?".
Five of the Qashqai colors – Pearl White, Deep Ocean, Fuji Red, Magnetic Blue and Ceramic Gray – are available in two-tone finishes, with a black roof for a more distinctive look.
New N-Design equipment version
A new addition to the Qashqai model range is the N-Design equipment version. It should appeal to those Qashqai customers who want their version to be a little more eye-catching. On the outside, the lower parts of the body under the doors and the wheel arches are body colored on N-Design. Unique, completely new 20” aluminum rims also contribute to increased radiance on the road.
Upgraded interior trim
Once the updated design has piqued the interest of potential or current Qashqai customers, their curiosity is heightened when they delve into the updated interior.
On the highest equipment variants, the instrument panel, door inserts, door armrests, the lid of the center console with storage option and the knee padding are now covered with Alcantara®, which overall optimizes the atmosphere in the cabin.
Materials with new monsters adorn the center console around the gear selector, and decorative inlays between the upper part of the instrument panel and the glove compartment emphasize the attention to detail that characterizes Japanese craftsmanship.
Updated seat upholstery has been introduced across the three highest trim levels of the Qashqai for an even more exclusive feel. The most significant novelty is the black, partially quilted premium leather on the highest equipment variant. The second highest equipment variant is equipped with quilted, synthetic leather, which is complemented by "burnt umber" elements on the seat cushion and the shoulders of the backrest.
The seats in the N-Design equipment version are equipped with black leather with stitching and Alcantara® inserts. And particularly prominent "Qashqai" logo text just below the headrest.
Another new dimension to the optimized cabin feel is the addition of ambient lighting on the N-Connecta, N-Design equipment versions and above. Advanced, discreetly placed red/green/blue LED light gives the driver (or passenger) the opportunity to individualize the interior lighting. The two top versions also have LED lights at the back. The settings for the ambient lighting can be controlled via the central infotainment screen.
Upgraded technology
The progress in the automotive world is now closely related to the progress in digital technology and processing technology. And the updated Qashqai has used this to make the daily driving experience even more intuitive and safe.
One of the most used functions in the Qashqai has been significantly upgraded. Around View Monitor [AVM] is a Nissan signature technology that dates back to 2007.
When the car is put into reverse gear, four external cameras are combined to provide a bird's-eye view of the car, ensuring that parking maneuvers can be carried out with maximum safety. The newly upgraded AVM technology uses the four cameras to ensure a crystal clear display in all lighting conditions.
The upgraded AVM system is now equipped with a 3D function, which both allows the driver to see the car from above and choose one of eight different camera perspectives to visualize the car from the front, rear, sides or corners to potentially identify all unseen outside dangers. The system works with Nissan's Moving Object Detection system, which emits a warning sound when it detects an object moving near your Qashqai.
In addition, a feature known as "Invisible Hood View" allows the driver to see the position of the front wheels as if the driver were looking at them from behind, allowing for precise maneuvering in tight spaces such as a multi-storey car park or where are concrete curbs that can damage a rim. This view uses machine learning to create the image based on what the front camera sees in front of the car, overlaying the wheels in the view to create a perspective.
The AVM function “Parking Spot Location Memory” is also a new intelligent AVM function which allows the Qashqai driver to save frequently visited parking spots so that the car automatically recognizes the location using GPS. In these situations, the car remembers the exact position, so you can park perfectly every time.
The AVM technology can also help the driver safely exit a road from a difficult exit where visibility is limited. The system uses a wide-angle front camera to show the area in front of the bonnet projected onto the central screen. In the same way as for the "Parking Spot Location Memory" function, locations with limited visibility can be stored in the AVM's GPS memory, so that it is automatically activated close to the intersection.
The design of the displays displayed on the TFT driver information screen behind the steering wheel has been changed to some extent. The design of the buttons displayed changes to red in Sport mode, green in Eco mode or light gray in Standard mode – this applies to both “normal” and “optimized” display modes.
Now there is a “minimal” mode, which reduces potential distractions for drivers by only showing the selected gear, gear setting and speed.
Updated advanced driver assistance systems
The range of driver assistance systems has been significantly upgraded to ensure improved alertness and intervention, providing maximum peace of mind.
First and foremost, the automatic emergency braking functions have been recalibrated to sharpen their risk detection and ensure they react more quickly in the event of a potential collision. This applies to the Front Emergency Brake, Pedestrian Front Emergency Brake, Front Emergency Brake Cyclist and Intelligent Emergency Brake functions.
In the event of emergency braking, the emergency braking signal is activated. This causes the rear brake lights to flash to catch the attention of the choral trains behind. The system is activated by pressing hard on the brake pedal at speeds above 60 km/h.
The Emergency Lane Keep system is now automatically activated when the Qashqai is started. It triggers both the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems at speeds above 60 km/h. It consists of a haptic warning via a vibration in the steering wheel when the system detects that the car is too close to the center lines on one or the other side of the road.
The Intelligent Speed Assistance system, which helps the driver adapt to the current speed limit by using a camera to read speed limit signs and GPS data, has been upgraded. A flashing icon already catches the driver's attention when he exceeds the speed limit, and now a warning sound sounds if the driver does not slow down.
New to the upgraded Qashqai is the quick and simple Driver Assist Custom mode, which allows the driver to precisely regulate interventions from the various assistant technologies in accordance with the driver's preferences. This can be done via a two-step process, operating the menu shortcut button on the left steering wheel spoke and the "OK" button.
Google built-in
The updated Qashqai is the first car in Nissan's model range to have Google built in, ensuring an almost seamless interaction between a customer's digital life and their car.
The Qashqai is equipped with Google Maps as standard, and once the driver is logged in, they can access their favorite locations and POIs with a personal Google account. This reduces dependence on a mobile phone and a network for the mobile phone. Over-the-air updates ensure map information is always up-to-date.
Google Assistant allows the driver to use his voice for hands-free help on the road. For example, the driver can say "Hey Google" to control the car's ventilation system, the heated seats and the heated windscreen or to navigate to the next destination. The driver can also make phone calls and listen to audio instructions without taking their eyes off the road.
The driver also has access to apps that can be downloaded from Google Play. The driver can easily and conveniently listen to his favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks and more directly from the car.
In addition, the Nissan Connected Services update monitors the Qashqai on behalf of the driver. If customers have forgotten to lock the car or close the windows, it can remind them of this if they remain open for one minute after stopping the engine. Customers can close the windows and lock the car from the smartphone app.
Updated Qashqai
To summarize, the challenge for the design, engineering, planning and production staff who have worked so dedicatedly on the updated Qashqai was to retain the essence of what customers love about the Qashqai, while making improvements in areas that would get them to love the Qashqai even more – and add new innovations to cement that love.
The updated Qashqai is produced at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, where more than 1.3 million cars have been built since the original model was launched in 2007.
The Qashqai is now the most frequently produced model at the Sunderland plant; last summer the factory produced its 11,000,000th car since production began in 1986.
