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Nissan reveal the new Qashqai
17th April 2024
Nothing stands still for long in the highly competitive crossover segment that Nissan pioneered with the original Qashqai. In the three-and-a-bit years since the third generation Qashqai was launched, it has sold more than 350,000 units in Europe and continues to set the standard for crossovers – the pioneer and still the benchmark. And to maintain its place as the reference in its segment, it has received a comprehensive aesthetic refresh, as well as significant technology updates.
From the bold changes to the exterior styling to the comprehensive updates to the infotainment and connected services on-board, the philosophy behind the changes to Qashqai is to keep the essence of what consumers love about Qashqai, enhance its strengths and to add even more intuitive and convenient technology.
The new Qashqai exudes a sharp and modern dynamism thanks to its refreshed design.
The front grille of the Qashqai has been comprehensively updated to create a more striking first impression. Inspired by the patterns of ancient Japanese armour scales, it now consists of dozens of high gloss, three dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss black paint which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate holder. To the sides of the central portion, the “commas” form a triangular shape from the new headlights down to a point to the side of the numberplate and they are finished in a ”satin chrome” hot foil stamp, on the top grade version.
The flanks of the bumper are body coloured and a strip of black in a high-gloss finish runs below the numberplate to the lower corners of the bumper. Underneath the cooling aperture, there is a thin body-coloured “chin strap” which gives a sense of definition to the front.
The new headlights bring a sense of purpose and presence, with an even sharper look. It now features an adaptive high beam module complemented by a smaller unit for wider beam distribution, useful for increased visibility in low-light conditions and fog. Below the main lens the daytime running lights consist of five small lenses which are the same shape as the “commas” of the main grille. The daytime running lights now encircle the main headlight lens, joining with the thin light above the headlight which is similar to the unit on the previous iteration of Qashqai, but it now has an illuminated “Nissan” on its outboard edge. The upper daytime running light element becomes the turn indicator when activated and, for the first time, features sequential turning lights (according to the grade).
At the rear, the shape of the lights remains unchanged but the composition of the lights within the unit has been redesigned. The red lighting elements now consist of four individual elements which echo the shape of the front grille ”commas”. They appear to float in the lens housing and are now a distinctive shade of red, known as “super red”, and bring a sense of elevated precision. The lenses are now clear, to allow a better view of the lighting elements. The thin boomerang lighting element that frames the upper side of the light unit continues through the tail light and now features the dynamic indicator signal.
The bumper has been reshaped and now features harmonized colour – either gloss black on the higher grade versions or body coloured on the new N-Design grade.
Likewise, when viewed in profile, the updated Qashqai on the higher grades benefits from a new gloss black finish on the body beneath the doors and wheel arches.
A new 18” diamond cut alloy wheel is now standard on the mid-grade Qashqai. For the higher grades, there is a new 19” alloy and a new 20” diamond-cut alloy wheel design. This range of striking wheels gives one of the widest range of wheels in the segment, adding an extra dimension to the Qashqai’s eye-catching design refresh.
Three new colours have been added to the Qashqai’s palette. Pearl White is new and features a cleaner, pure tint that appears to give a glow in certain lighting conditions. Pearl Black replaces the previous black option and has a richer black tint and has the effect of sharpening the definition of the Qashqai’s visual geometry.
Deep Ocean is an eye-catching shade. It appears to sit somewhere between dark blue and metallic teal depending on the prevailing light conditions. It’s sure to spark the conversation among passers-by whose eye has been caught: “is that Qashqai blue or maybe green?”.
Five of the Qashqai colours – Pearl White, Deep Ocean, Fuji Red, Magnetic Blue and Ceramic Grey – are all available in two-tone, with a black roof for a more distinctive look.
A new addition to the Qashqai line-up is the N-Design grade. Conceived to appeal to Qashqai customers who’d like their version to be particularly bold, it features unique aesthetic touches. On the exterior, the lower body portion below the doors and the wheel arches are body-coloured on N-Design. There are also unique, all-new 20” alloy wheels which bring added on-road presence.
The updated Qashqai is now in production at Nissan Sunderland Plant, where more than 1.3 million units have been built since the original was launched in 2007.