Nissan updates Qashqai small SUV

NISSAN has facelifted its popular small SUV segment Qashqai with refreshed looks and technology ahead of the model’s arrival in Aussie showrooms before the end of this year.

While local pricing and specification is yet to be announced, it is expected that most of the updates seen in the images here will make it Down Under.

The updated Qashqai boasts a new frontal treatment with larger grille and “comma-shaped elements”, a new bumper treatment, and revised headlights with adaptive high-beam. New tail-lights with clear lenses again feature comma-shaped elements, sitting atop a newly sculpted bumper.

Nissan has added new diamond-cut alloy wheel designs in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes, and three new paint colours to the range: Deep Ocean, Pearl Black, and Pearl White.

“The new face of Qashqai has a more technical appearance, with more texture and eye-catching detailing,” said Nissan Design Europe vice president Matthew Weaver.

“We were inspired by traditional Japanese battle costumes which combines craftsmanship with muscularity. We’ve worked hard with our colleagues on the front and rear lighting, giving a technical and precise impression which integrates seamlessly.

“Inside, the new materials and ambient lighting elevate the on-board experience even further. Overall, we’re convinced crossover-buyers will love the results.”

Additional in-cabin updates include a partially quilted leather or Alcantara upholstery option on higher trim grades, the materials also added to the armrests, dashboard pad, door card inlays, and knee pads.

There is also new-look patterned materials around the dashboard, gear shift, and glovebox.

The 12.3-inch infotainment array is carried over on higher trim grades, but adds Google apps including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity remain.

Nissan says it has upgraded its surround view system with a higher resolution camera and an “invisible bonnet” feature that shows the position of the front wheels. The handy feature joins upgraded safety technologies including GPS-enabled traffic sign recognition, customisable driver assist mode, and faster-acting AEB.

“The updated Qashqai has benefitted from a comprehensive series of technological upgrades,” said Nissan Research & Development senior vice president David Moss.

“From the next generation of around view monitor, which will prove useful for our customers every day, to the introduction of Google’s built-in, which makes the Qashqai part of our customers’ digital life seamlessly.

“At the heart of Nissan’s commitment to innovation is an intuitive user-experience and true convenience. The updated Qashqai epitomises those priorities.”

Mechanically, the Nissan Qashqai is unchanged with 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mild-hybrid and 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol e-Power hybrid options. Respective output figures remain at 117kW/270Nm and 140kW/330Nm. Both are front wheel driven.

A Nissan Australia spokesperson told GoAuto that the importer is “very excited by the facelifted Qashqai, which has just been unveiled (and that) we anticipate arrivals towards the end of 2024”.

The current Qashqai is priced from $33,890 to $51,590 plus on-road costs.

Local year-to-date sales figures show the Nissan Qashqai as one of the top 10 sellers in the 23-entrant strong SUV Small under $45K segment.

For the first three months of 2024, Nissan has sold 2166 examples of the Qashqai, placing it in tenth position behind by the MG ZS (6291), Hyundai Kona (3999), GWM Haval Jolion (3460), Subaru Crosstrek (3113), Mitsubishi ASX (3108), Mazda CX-30 (2931), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2875), Toyota Corolla Cross (2414), and Kia Seltos (2329).