Now in its third generation, can the Nissan Qashqai claw back some lost ground?
Now in its third generation, Nissan has taken the wraps off its crossover pioneering model, the Qashqai, which is scheduled to launch in Mzansi later in 2021.
Although the exact launch timing, as well as local specification, are not known at this stage, buyers of the new Nissan Qashqai will be offered a special launch version that carries the Premiere Edition moniker.
The Premiere Edition model is bolstered with upmarket features which are normally found in upper automotive segments.
According to Nissan, the all-new Qashqai features a completely renewed design inside and out plus updated technologies.
Inside, there’s a 9-inch TFT screen with the brand’s upgraded infotainment system as well as a 12-inch TFT configurable screen that replaces the traditional instrument dials. There is also a 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay plus a total of 4 USB charging ports, with 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports. There’s also a panoramic sliding roof, black cloth trim, black dashboard and centre console.
The Premiere Edition Qashqai will be available with the newly upgraded ProPILOT with Navi-link.
The new Nissan Qashqai will be equipped with LED matrix headlights and two-tone colour options. Buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to body colours; new blue, pearl grey and pearl white while the black body colour can be had with a grey roof. All the other hues can be matched with a black roof. The Premiere Edition also features integrated roof rails, which are finished in matt silver. There are new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that look the part.
The current generation’s 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine soldiers on and it now boasts a 12V mild-hybrid system which, according to Nissan, enhances efficiency. The system adds a secondary Lithium-ion battery system that offers extended idle stop, swift restart and coasting stop for the automatic models. The system will even boost torque under acceleration, offering an additional 6Nm for up to 20 seconds. The 1.3-litre engine in the Premiere Edition is available in two configurations; a 103 kW and 240 Nm variant paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and a 115 kW and 260 Nm model equipped with a CVT unit.
The all-new Nissan Qashqai is built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s latest CMF-C platform and it is lighter than the model it replaces. It features a reworked McPherson strut suspension set-up, with the rear featuring a torsion beam on FWD models and a multi-link configuration on AWD models.
Whether the new Nissan Qashqai will have what it takes to claw back lost ground from the competition remains to be seen.
Keyword: Third generation Nissan Qashqai breaks cover