If the first was about disruption in the C segment, setting a new gauge for all others to follow, the new Nissan Qashqai , the third generation arriving in 2021, like the second, is about evolving and improving the recipe that made it such a success — the Qashqai is to Nissan a bit like the Golf to Volkswagen.
A few weeks ago we learned that the new Qashqai will grow slightly on the outside, but it will be around 60 kg lighter; and we confirmed that Diesels will not be part of the range, but there will be mild-hybrid 12 V and hybrid (e-Power) engines.
With the release date fast approaching, Nissan has once again lifted the edge of the veil on what to expect from the successful new generation crossover — more than three million units sold in Europe since 2007 — this time making it known the interior better.
More space and functionality
As we saw three weeks ago, the new Qashqai will be based on the CMF-C platform. The growth in dimensions will be modest for the new generation, but it will be reflected positively in the increase in interior dimensions.
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At the front, there will be 28 mm more in width at the level of the shoulders, while at the rear, the legroom will be improved by 22 mm, as a result of the increase in the wheelbase by 20 mm. This increase will also be reflected in access to the rear seats, with Nissan promising that it will be wider and easier.
The luggage compartment will also grow substantially, by more than 74 l, settling at 504 l — a much more competitive value in the segment. The increase results from the combination not only of the slight increase in the external dimensions, but also of the platform, which now has a lower floor at the back. At the request of “many families”, the new Qashqai will inherit from its predecessor the split shelf that guarantees added flexibility to the luggage compartment.
It is also worth mentioning the front seats — which will be heated and even have a massage function —, which now have wider adjustments: 15 mm more than before, up and down, as well as a further 20 mm of longitudinal adjustment.
Nissan also announces a more functional interior for the new Qashqai, even in small details. For example, both the electronic handbrake button and the heated front seat controls have been repositioned. And even the cup holders were not forgotten: they are now more spaced and, when occupied, they no longer interfere with handling the manual gearbox — 50% of Qashqai sold are with manual transmission.
More quality and convenience
Nissan found that there is a trend of downsizing (downsizing), not in the size of mechanics, as in the past, but in market choices, with more customers moving from segment D to segment C. To attract this type of customer, Nissan strived to raise the quality of materials and assembly, as well as the addition of more common equipment in the above segment. The transition, while descending in positioning, doesn't have to be in content or quality.
That's why we find equipment such as the aforementioned massage benches or the advertised additional attention to the choice of materials that cover the interior or even the action of physical controls, which is more solid and precise. It also justifies the shift from interior lighting to a more relaxed and elegant white tone than the orange that has so marked the Qashqai.
Attention to detail is also made at the level of the various sounds we hear when using Qashqai, whether alerts or information (beeps and bongs). To that end, Nissan turned to Bandai Namco — the well-known producer of video games — to create a whole new range of sounds that should make the sound experience clearer and…pleasant.
More technology and connectivity
Finally, substantial technological reinforcement could not be lacking. The new Nissan Qashqai will have, for the first time, a 10″ head-up display. This will be projected directly onto the windshield and in color, and will be available from the N-Connecta equipment level onwards. Also the instrument panel can be digital for the first time (12″ TFT screen) and will be customizable — in access versions it will feature an analogue instrument panel.
The new infotainment system will also be accessible via a 9″ touchscreen (it's 7″ on the current model) and will bring new features. Nissan Connected Services will also be available in the new generation.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available, with the latter being able to be wireless. Wireless is also the smartphone charger that promises to be the most powerful in the segment, with 15 W. There will also be more USB ports inside the new Qashqai, four in total (two in each row of seats), and two of which are USB -Ç.
More expensive
Mild-hybrid and hybrid engines, aluminum doors, more driver assistants, more on-board technology, etc. — more means more… cost. Unsurprisingly, this means that the new generation of the bestseller will also be more expensive when it comes to us in 2021.
Nissan has not yet advanced with prices, but, on the other hand, with the growing trend of adopting modalities such as leasing and renting, among private individuals, the good residual values known to Qashqai will allow competitive values.
