The Nissan Qashqai is being updated, with the first examples of the new version due in showrooms in July.
Buyers should not expect any radical changes, however, as Nissan’s Brit-built crossover pioneer remains a highly popular buy – so far in 2017 only Ford’s Fiesta and Focus have outsold the Nissan Qashqai on the UK market.
On the exterior, the front end is redesigned with the integrated front bumper largely finished in the body colour. There is the latest v-design grille and a reshaped bonnet. New headlamp designs differentiate between models, and the daylight running light signature is new too. The rear is also revised and there are two bumper designs depending on grade chosen.
Higher quality interior
Nissan says that the most obvious updates are to the Qashqai’s interior. These include higher quality surfaces and a completely new steering wheel design with revised controls. On higher-spec models, the seats have also been upgraded.
Ride, handling and steering are all improved, the package including retuned dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars and a new self-centring steering technology. Nissan adds that noise, vibration and harshness are also better than the previous model.
Buyers will also have more choice in future – the Qashqai gains a fifth, range-topping grade dubbed Tekna+. Highlights of its standard equipment list are Nappa leather seats with 3D quilting, a driver’s seat with pneumatic lumbar support and an eight-speaker BOSE audio system.
