The Nissan Qashqai has received a bold new look to bring it in line with the electric Ariya and boost its efficiency. The popular SUV, which was the UK’s bestselling car in 2022 and the runner-up in 2023, has been reworked with sharper lines and an aggressive new face inspired by Japanese samurai helmets.
- Qashqai facelift gets samurai-inspired design
- 140hp and 150hp mild-hybrid, 190hp hybrid powertrains continue
- Infotainment system gets also gets updates
The headlights and daytime running lights are split into three distinct elements, with the latter representing horns above the new ‘eye’ projectors. They bracket a significantly larger grille area finished in black and satin-silver chrome, intended to evoke the chainmail armour worn by the ancient Japanese soldiers. The rear end, meanwhile, wears a new set of clear LED lights styled to match those up front, and the bumper has also been reprofiled for a sportier look.
The technical brief for the update, revealed Nissan, was to improve efficiency and rolling refinement. The windows have been thickened, for example, and the new look is said to further reduce wind noise at speed. The Qashqai remains exclusively electrified, offering a choice of 140hp and 150hp mild-hybrid petrols, plus the 190hp E-Power full hybrid.
The computers that run the Qashqai’s digital interfaces have been significantly upgraded to boost graphic quality and processing times. The infotainment’s computer is now said to be several times more powerful, enabling a move to Google’s Android Auto operating system on higher trim levels. That means certain apps can run natively on the system and can be displayed across the instrument panel.
The Qashqai’s security system has been boosted too and the Nissan Connect app now provides live tracking of the car’s location that can be used to alert Nissan, insurers and the authorities if the car is stolen. Nissan also offers remote immobilisation via an optional subscription, allowing a call centre to coordinate with the police to halt a car on the move.
Nissan SUVs for India
While Nissan has been evaluating an India launch for the Qashqai – the SUV was spotted testing in the country as well – there is no word yet on when it’ll arrive. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand is working on bringing two new SUVs to the market. The first one is expected in 2025 and will be Nissan’s version of the recently revealed Renault Duster; it will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Tata Curvv, Maruti Grand Vitara and other midsize SUVs.
The second model will launch sometime after, be based on the Bigster concept, and come with a three-row layout. The larger Nissan SUV will compete against the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and the upcoming seven-seat version of the Grand Vitara (codename: Y17). All four Renault-Nissan SUVs will come with petrol engines only.
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