Recognised as one of the trailblasers of the crossover automobile segment, the Nissan Qashqai returns to this shore in a third-generation guise with three 1,3-litre variants on offer.
Still easily recognisable as a Qashqai, Nissan designers have modernised the styling while keeping its ‘identity’ intact and packing in several new features, including Autonomous Driving Level 1 (Nissan ProPILOT), Predictive Front Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist.
The three specification grades are the Qashqai 1.3T Visia MT, the Qashqai 1.3T Acenta (Xtronic) and the 1.3T Acenta Plus (Xtronic).
Built on the alliance CMF-C Platform and incorporating the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technology, the 1.3T engine, mated to a refined Xtronic Automated transmission, will be boosted next year with Nissan’s e-POWER drivetrain.
With a more muscular and sharper exterior design, the all-new Nissan Qashqai also features a larger V-Motion front grille and slim LED matrix headlamps with new ‘boomerang’ daylight running lights.
The Qashqai wears premium Napa leather seats with a quilted front and the evolutionary NissanConnect feature. It offers a more connected service with the latest and greatest audio technology, connectivity, and mobile integration.
To further set it apart, the new Qashqai offers 2-tone exterior metallic paint and a 2-tone, premium interior to complete the overall premium experience of the third generation Qashqai.
In addition to the standard safety features such as anti-lock braking, the third generation Qashqai is equipped with the onboard Predictive Front Collision Warning, which keeps an eye up to two vehicles ahead. The system detects a sudden deceleration ahead and gives the driver an audible and visual warning to slow down.
The new Nissan Qashqai harnesses the full suite of technologies to help the driver avoid unintentional lane departure through its Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), keeping the driver centred in the lane using either a steering wheel action or breaking in an emergency.
The new Nissan Qashqai boasts the ProPILOT autonomous drive technology, designed for highway use in single-lane traffic. It introduces a combination of steering, acceleration and braking that works in full-automatic mode, easing driver workload in heavy highway traffic and long commutes.
