The all-new Nissan Qashqai
The all-new Nissan Qashqai has finally been revealed and it looks the business and should be ready to command its position in the SUV segment. Now built under a new platform called the CMF-C platform, this platform has according to Nissan allowed Nissan’s product planners, designers and engineers to create a vehicle that succeeds in reconciling the challenging customer demands in terms of design, spaciousness, dynamics and carbon footprint.
Stiffer bodyshell
The body of the new Nissan Qashqai has been made more stiffer as opposed to the outgoing model. The new Qashqai now has a more rigid basis, Despite its overall increase in stiffness, the bodyshell is over 60kg lighter which contributes to the new Qashqai’s overall efficiency, while also reducing inertia when driving, so drivers will feel the improvement in agility.
There are two rear suspension configurations, with a torsion beam being the configuration for two-wheel-drive Qashqai on 19-inch wheels or below. Customers who order their Qashqai with 20-inch wheels or all-wheel drive will enjoy class-leading poise and comfort that comes from the multi-link rear suspension configuration.
To maximise the effectiveness of the dampers, their orientation has been changed to a more vertical position which reduces friction and therefore optimises their performance, ensuring better bump absorption and a smoother ride, as well as providing better roll control.
Equally, on both suspension set-ups, the insulation from road noise and vibrations remains one of the Qashqai’s finest attributes, with refinement comparable to vehicles from higher segments.
Engines
The all-new Qashqai will come with two different powertrain options, the 1.3-litre petrol with mild hybrid, which is offered with two outputs.
The 12V ALiS (Advanced Lithium-ion battery System) mild hybrid system available on the new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop (Xtronic only), with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km). The ALiS mild-hybrid system adds just 22kg to the overall vehicle mass.
The Nissan Qashqai will make use of an all-wheel-drive system that has been upgraded, with a new direct coupling that sends power to the rear wheels five times faster than the previous generation when it detects front wheel slip. And there is more driver interaction thanks to the addition of a new drive mode selector on the centre console. It allows the driver to choose the all-wheel-drive setting according to the conditions, with Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road modes.
Transmissions
A six-speed manual gearbox is the standard option for the new Qashqai. It possesses a positive action, with clearly defined ratios tuned to offer responsive acceleration on the middle gears, with the higher gears optimised for quiet and efficient driving.
The new Xtronic automatic gearbox is designed to offer the best of both worlds in day to day driving. Around town, with partial throttle openings, acceleration is seamless, while the engine speed remains constant. When immediate acceleration is required, the gearbox instantly finds the optimum ratio and reacts in a stepped fashion, giving a more connected feeling.
After its initial introduction, Qashqai will be offered with the innovative e-POWER powertrain, which brings the well-known advantages of an EV, such as linear, effortless acceleration and refined performance, without consideration for recharging. The battery is charged thanks to a three-cylinder 1.5-litre variable compression turbo motor which runs quietly when needed in the background.
To accommodate this unique installation, the CMF-C platform was designed from the outset to house the battery pack in the centre of the floorplan, but without compromising cabin or trunk space.
