With 2.3 million vehicles sold since 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has been one of the most successful crossover vehicles of the last decade. This week, Nissan unveiled the facelifted Qashqai at the Geneva motor show.
The new model features minor modifications to the suspension, damping and steering systems, as well as an updated design both inside and out and improvements to its driver aid systems.
In a first for the mass-market sector, the new Qashqai will also be available with a semi-autonomous driving mode where the driver will be able to completely let go of the steering wheel in certain circumstances.
Inside, Nissan has introduced the Tekna+ grade offering leather-trimmed seats. Other interior updates include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and four-way controller for the dashboard.
The infotainment system offers DAB radio and satellite navigation with a smart user interface. A BOSE seven-speaker sound system is available as an option.
Nissan claims that improved use of absorption materials, including thicker rear glass, has reduced noise in the Qashqai’s cabin.
The front end of the Qashqai has been redesigned and the rear and front lights revised. Adaptive front lighting improves night-time safety. Two new paint finishes are available: Vivid Blue (as seen in Geneva) and Chestnut Bronze. There is a choice of 17, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels.
Driver aids are improved and extended in the new model, with the major additions being pedestrian recognition for the AEB system and a rear cross traffic alert which reduces the risk of low-speed impacts when reversing. Other available driver aids include blind spot and lane departure warnings.
Nissan will also be introducing a semi-autonomous capability called ProPilot. The system allows the car to drive itself within its lane on a motorway-syle road with no input required from the driver. ProPilot controls the car’s steering, acceleration and braking, and can be used in traffic or at high-speed. Future updates to the system will allow it to change lanes and deal with junctions, but this will not be available at launch.
Paul Willcox, Chairman of Nissan Europe, hopes that the new Qashqai “will continue to define and set new standards in the crossover segment.”
The new Nissan Qashqai goes on sale in the UK in July 2017.
