2021 Nissan Qashqai gets bold looks, more tech, and a new engine

KUALA LUMPUR: Nissan Qashqai is one of the most popular family SUVs available in the European market. The automaker has sold more than three million examples since its first launch in 2007. And, now for a potential boon in local sales, Nissan introduced the third generation of the crossover SUV with a significant green upgrade and a new styling direction. 

In terms of design, the new Qashqai looks more muscular and modern with a bigger V-Motion grille finished in chrome, sharp shoulder lines, blacked-out B-pillars, and a new 20-inch diamond-cut pair of wheels. The grille is teamed up with slim LED matrix headlamps and new ‘boomerang’ daylight running lights. Talking about the colour options, the updated SUV will be available in 16 shades, including five dual-tone combinations.

The new Qashqai rides on Nissan's CMF-C architecture that reduces the weight. Dimensionally, it is slightly bigger as compared to the outgoing model; it is longer by 35 mm, taller by 25 mm, wider by 32 mm, and has an extra wheelbase of 20 mm. 

Inside the Nissan Qashqai, one can notice a radical departure from the earlier design. A completely new dashboard houses a 9-inch infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. There is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster controlled by a tactile switch given on the steering wheel for important driving information such as speed, fuel, and sat-nav directions.

Added to the list are an optional 10.8-inch heads-up display, white ambient lighting, in-car WiFi, front and rear USB ports, heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather seats with massage function.

Coming to the mechanical bits, the new Qashqai is powered by a mild-hybrid 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing a maximum power of 138 hp and a peak torque of 240 Nm. A marginally more powerful version of the engine is also available with 156 hp and 260 Nm. The available transmission options include six-speed manual transmission and Xtronic continuously variable transmission. 

Besides this, the all-new Nissan Qashqai also gets an e-Power hybrid technology for the first time. This setup has a combination of a 1.5-litre mill and an electric motor for a combined system output of 187 hp and 330 Nm. As for safety, multiple airbags and ProPilot driver assistance systems are there.

Marco Fioravanti, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Automotive Europe said: “The starting point for the design and development of the all-new Qashqai was a deep analysis of the relationships we’ve had with all of our Qashqai customers over the last 13 years. It has enabled us to understand their needs and, in particular, what they value in the crossover that they use and rely on daily.”

The new Nissan Qashqai will go on sale in Europe this summer,

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