Introduced to the world about three months ago, the new Nissan Qashqai now arrives on the Portuguese market with prices starting at 29 000 euros.
The new generation of the one who was the leader for many years among the crossover/SUV presents itself with a new style, but with familiar contours and in line with the most recent proposals of the Japanese brand, namely the Juke. Highlights include the V-Motion grille, increasingly a signature of the Japanese manufacturer's models, and the LED headlamps.
In profile, the huge 20” wheels stand out, an unprecedented proposal for the Japanese model. At the rear are the headlights with 3D effect that steal all the attention.
Bigger in every way, reflected in the habitability and luggage compartment — bigger by 50 liters — and dynamically revised, as well as the steering, for a better driving experience, the biggest new feature of the Qashqai is hidden under the hood, with the Japanese SUV inevitably surrendering to electrification.
In this new generation, the Nissan Qashqai not only completely abdicated its Diesel engines, but also saw all its engines electrified. The already known 1.3 DIG-T block appears here associated with a 12 V mild-hybrid system (know the reasons for not having adopted the most common 48 V) and with two power levels: 140 or 158 hp.
The 140 hp version has 240 Nm of torque and is associated with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 158 hp can have a manual transmission and 260 Nm or a continuous variation box (CVT). In this case, the torque of the 1.3 DIG-T rises to 270 Nm, which is the only engine-case combination that allows the Qashqai to be offered all-wheel drive (4WD).
In addition to this, there is the hybrid e-Power engine, the great driving innovation of the Qashqai, where a 1.5 liter gasoline engine with 154 hp takes on only the generator function — it is not connected to the drive shaft — to power a 188 electric motor hp (140 kW).
This system, which also has a small battery, produces 188 hp and 330 Nm and transforms the Qashqai into a kind of electric SUV powered by gasoline, thus giving up a huge (and heavy!) battery to power the electric motor.
Prices
Available in Portugal with five grades of equipment (Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+), the new Nissan Qashqai sees its price starting at 29 000 euros for the entry-level version and going up to 43 000 euros for the version more equipped, the Tekna+ with Xtronic box.
It is also important to remember that about three months ago Nissan had already announced a special launch series, called Premiere Edition.
Only available with the 1.3 DIG-T engine in the 140 hp or 158 hp variant with automatic transmission, this version has a bicolor paint job and costs 33,600 euros in Portugal. The first units will be delivered in the summer.