Nissan locks in new-gen Qashqai for “early 2022”

AFTER its initial debut in February, Nissan Australia has confirmed an “early 2022” introduction for its new-generation Qashqai small SUV, a car executives say neither they nor customers can wait for. 

As previously reported by GoAuto, the third-gen Qashqai has shifted across to the Alliance’s new CMF-C platform and adopted a bold new look while retaining all of its signature touches.

Compared to the old model, the new version has grown in every respect – longer, wider, taller and riding on an extended wheelbase – affording it more room within the cabin for both occupants and luggage.

The big news however is the Qashqai’s move to electrification with two powertrain options expected to be offered from launch; a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) and a new ‘e-Power’ electric motor system which uses an internal-combustion engine to maintain battery-charge levels while a motor drives the wheels.

Keen readers may spot that the e-Power system sounds a lot like Honda’s e:HEV system which follows the same basic formula.

While the e-Power set-up develops 140kW/330Nm, the force-fed hybrid system will be available in two different states of tune – 103kW/260Nm and 116kW/270Nm – and linked to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Like the powertrain line-up, there will also be two different rear suspension configurations with the ultimate decider being the drive type and the diameter of the wheels.

Front-wheel drive versions fitted with wheels spanning up to 19-inches will feature a torsion-beam rear end while those with 20-inch wheels and/or all-wheel-drive will score an “advanced multi-link” arrangement.

Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said the brand “pioneered” the now-booming compact SUV space with the Dualis (first-gen Qashqai) before the second-gen Qashqai landed and became the country’s second best-selling vehicle within the segment.

“Customers have loved the practicality offered by a small SUV coupled with the striking good looks and convenience features,” he said.

“The all-new Qashqai broke cover globally in early 2021. Immediately after its reveal, we saw Australian customers eagerly awaiting its local introduction. 

“I am thrilled to confirm that the all-new Nissan Qashqai will be launched in Australia in early 2022 – we can’t wait.”

Standard equipment on the Qashqai will include a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.8-inch head-up display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting, however it’s likely some of these features will be reserved for the higher-end variants.

The Qashqai won’t be the only new-generation SUV to lob next year from Nissan; the fourth-gen X-Trail mid-sizer and fifth-gen Pathfinder seven-seater are both expected to arrive in 2022, as is the Premcar-tickled Patrol Warrior.

The Japanese brand has sold 4737 Qashqais so far this year ending June, accounting for 6.9 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV segment.