The new Nissan Qashqai was recently unveiled, and the company has confirmed it is coming to South Africa in 2021.
“The new Qashqai will be launched in South Africa towards the end of the year,” the company told TopAuto.
“Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the time.”
What to expect
The unveiling announcement of the new Qashqai has given us a reasonable idea of what to expect when models arrive locally.
This new generation is built on the company’s CMF-C platform, Nissan’s architecture for C-segment vehicles and above.
The Qashqai’s body is now 48% stiffer than the outgoing model, and 60kg has been stripped from the overall weight, too.
The SUV will be available in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrain configurations, with two suspension systems between the variants.
Two-wheel-drive models with 19-inch wheels and below will have a torsion-beam set-up, whereas four-wheel-drive derivatives with 20-inch wheels and larger receive a multi-link rear suspension.
Nissan promises exceptional sound insulation and vibration reduction on both, “with refinement comparable to vehicles from higher segments”.
According to the provided photos, the Qashqai will also offer a large infotainment display that supports smartphone mirroring.
A multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, a wireless charger, integrated navigation, a digital instrument cluster, and all-round electric windows should be available as well.
Engine
Power in the new Qashqai is provided by a 1.3-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid technologies.
In the entry-level models, this motor produces 103kW and 240Nm of torque.
In the rest of the line-up it puts out 116kW, and maximum torque is rated at 260Nm or 270Nm – depending on the specification.
The hybrid part then comes in the form of a 12V advanced lithium-ion battery system.
According to Nissan, this is an affordable way to provide features like torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart, and coasting stop – while also improving fuel efficiency.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard in every new Qashqai, while a new Xtronic automatic gearbox can be selected at an additional cost.
A new drive mode programme also provides five terrain settings, and the reconfigured all-wheel-drive system sends power to the rear wheels five-times faster than in the previous-generation vehicle.
While we don’t know what the new Qashqai will cost, the current model has a South African starting price of R419,100.
Keyword: New Nissan Qashqai confirmed for South Africa