With more than three million units sold since it was launched in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai enters the third generation with a single desire: to lead the segment it founded again.
For that, it presents a totally new look, offers more space and more technology and, of course, it is now only available with electrified versions, either through a 12V mild-hybrid system or the unprecedented e-Power hybrid system.
In his first contact with the third generation of the Japanese model, Diogo Teixeira “laid his hands” on the version with 1.3 DIG-T engine of 158 hp and tells us everything there is to know about the new Qashqai. Watch the video:
Aesthetically, the new Nissan Qashqai has a completely redesigned look, yet is easily recognizable.
This new image is in line with the latest proposals from the Japanese brand and stands out, above all, for the “V-Motion” grille — characteristic of Nissan models — and for the LED luminous signature.
The 20” wheels also don't go unnoticed, as this is the first time the Qashqai can “wear” them (until now it was only available with 19” wheels).
More technological interior
Inside, the evolutions in the field of technology and connectivity are notorious. The Japanese SUV now features a 9” center screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems (it can be connected wirelessly), with a 12.3” fully digital instrument panel (one of the largest in the segment ) and with a 10.8” Head-Up Display.
Equipped with multiple USB and USB-C ports and an induction smartphone charger, the Qashqai can also have WiFi, working as a hotspot for up to seven devices.
Also in the safety chapter there are many and important news, as the new Nissan Qashqai equips the latest version of the ProPILOT system.
This means that it has functions such as automatic speed control with stop&go function and reading of traffic signs, a system that adjusts the speed when entering curves based on data from the navigation system and even a blind spot detector that actuates about the direction.
And the engines?
For the new generation of Qashqai, Nissan not only completely abdicated its diesel engines, but also decided to electrify all its engines. 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 gearbox and 260 Nm or a continuous variation gearbox (CVT), in which case the torque rises to 270 Nm.
In the launch phase, the Qashqai will only be available in Portugal with the 1.3 DIG-T engine (with 140 or 158 hp), but before the summer of 2022 it will have the unprecedented e-Power hybrid engine, in which the gasoline engine it assumes only the generator function, not being connected to the driving shaft, with the propulsion using only and only the electric motor.
This system, which turns the Qashqai into a kind of gasoline electric, has a 188 hp (140 kW) electric motor, an inverter, a power generator, a (small) battery and, of course, a gasoline engine, in this case a brand new 1.5 l with 154 hp which is the first engine with variable compression ratio to be marketed in Europe.
How much does it cost?
Available in Portugal with five equipment levels (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, which was precisely the one Diogo tested in this test.Highlight also for the special launch series, called Premiere Edition, which starts at 33 600 euros.