2021/02/18
Third generation of Nissan’s crossover icon retains “unmistakable” Qashqai styling
Longer wheelbase, new 20″ wheels and taut shoulder line combine for more muscular, purposeful stance
Elevated interior ambience, with cleaner and intuitive controls layout
Designed at Nissan Design Europe, central London
PARIS, France – As with the two previous generations, the design for the all-new Nissan Qashqai came out of Nissan’s European Design Studio in London, UK.
Although unmistakably Qashqai in its styling, the third generation is more toned, sharp and modern. In its details, the styling reflects Nissan’s global design language, notably the V-Motion grille and “floating roof”. It can also be described as the use of precise, taut lines which generate simple, bold surfaces and muscular volumes.
On the exterior, the Qashqai’s enhanced body stance is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and imposing 20-inch alloy wheels introduced to Qashqai for the first time.
The all-new Qashqai maintains its overall `just right’ size, keeping the Qashqai qualities that have made its predecessors so popular. However the third generation model features efficient packaging that gives it a more planted, resolute stance on the outside, but with intelligent ergonomic design in the cabin to increase roominess and a sense of spaciousness.
The wheelbase of the car has increased by +20mm with the overall length increasing +35mm. There’s a marginal increase in height (+25mm) and width has increased +32mm for improved presence on the road.
The front end of the all-new Qashqai sports an enlarged Nissan V-Motion grille, finished in chrome with a secondary pinstripe of satin chrome to emphasise its precision. This is flanked by slim, full LED advanced matrix headlamps with boomerang signature daylight running lights. Super tight gaps between all these details create a premium and precise impression.
Air curtains under the headlights further widen the front aspect, pulling the eye across the bonnet of the vehicle. All these elements combine to create a real sense of power and purpose to the Qashqai’s forward face.
The forward lighting on new Qashqai has been enhanced from the previous model to feature a slimmer, sharper design thanks to the use of LED technology. On the rear lights, there’s also graduated `raindrop’ grain optics which create a 3D lighting effect and give a futuristic impression. In a first for a European Nissan model, lamps on higher grades of Qashqai also feature LED turn signalling.
From the side, the new Qashqai appears more athletic and dynamic, with a single `fast line’ that strikes through the car from the front to the rear, giving a very horizontal presence to the car, but also conveying a sense of dynamism.
This single line not only sets up the front’s width and strong presence, but tracks in towards the rear and allows the wheel arch to pull out.
The new generation Qashqai will be available for the first time with 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (the previous generation offered up to 19-inch wheels). These larger diameter wheels fill the arches and further contribute to the robustness of the car on the road.
As customers appreciate being able to personalise their vehicles, the new Qashqai will be available in 11 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 16 variations to choose from. The black roof option is available with pearl white, a striking new blue, an eye-catching orange/red and ceramic grey, while there is also a gun metallic roof option paired with a black body colour.
When specified with a black roof option, this creates a more seamless impression to the side glass. In combination with the gloss black finishers and quarter light, with its near-invisible joints, the whole impression is very homogeneous. It also helps visually lower the car’s centre of gravity. Even with new Qashqai’s taller, more spacious proportions, the car looks sportier and more dynamic on the road.
The panoramic sunroof, a popular feature on previous generation models, is retained and allows light to flood into the cabin, further enhancing the spacious and relaxing feel of the interior.
Elevated interior ambience
Connected, comfortable and commanding, the cabin of the new Nissan Qashqai sets a new segment standard for elevated feel, distinctive design and enhanced usability.
Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies are at the driver’s fingertips, with comfort and quality in every touch. New premium materials, smart features and considered detailing enhance a cabin that delivers cutting-edge design and practicality in every dimension.
Matthew Weaver, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, said: “The new Nissan Qashqai is the perfect intersection of expressive design and customer expectation. Their needs inform our focus, and our bold statements meet their highest expectations. With this next generation model we have elevated the Qashqai to a new level in offering a premium yet practical, luxurious yet accessible, and advanced yet usable environment that will set the standard for others to follow.”
Smart to the touch
New seat materials create an inviting and sumptuous cabin in which to relax. A new Nappa leather design takes 25 days to produce and more than 60 minutes to embroider the new 3D diamond quilted design.
Adding a touch of luxury, a massage seat function with three program modes is introduced on range-topping versions for both front seats, with settings conveniently adjusted via the NissanConnect system.
Creating a reassuring and calming environment, new white ambient lighting is used throughout the cabin, with its uniformity giving a premium and harmonious impression.
Extensive attention has been paid to the ergonomic and aesthetic quality of the switch gear and buttons with a high quality, tactile feel giving users a sense of confidence and refinement.
The centre console layout has been optimised through a collaboration between Nissan’s designers and engineers for both ergonomics and usability. Central to which is a smart new smaller gear selector for automatic versions.
On 4WD versions, a drive mode selector switch has been styled with a matt chrome ring and piano black finish, giving drivers a tactile portal to the various driving modes.
“Between the design, engineering and product planning functions, we have worked harder than ever to elevate the ambience of the new Nissan Qashqai for our customers so their drive is comfortable, refined, convenient and engenders a feeling of well-being. It’s where our customers, their families and friends will be spending their time with the car and it should be an exceptional experience,” said Marco Fioravanti, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Automotive Europe.
To learn more about All-new Nissan Qashqai and Nissan products on Nissan Europe consumer sites, visit https://www.nissan-europe.com.
For more information about Nissan’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
About Nissan in EuropeNissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 16,000 staff across locally based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. In 2019, Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced about 465,000 vehicles including award-winning crossovers, commercial vehicles, and the Nissan LEAF. Pursuing a goal of zero emissions and zero fatalities on the road, Nissan is leading the field with its vision of Intelligent Mobility. Designed to guide Nissan’s product and technology pipeline, this 360 degree approach to the future of mobility will anchor critical company decisions around how cars are powered, how cars are driven, and how cars integrate into society.
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Contacts:Vanessa LevyGeneral Manager Product & Internal Communications, Nissan EuropeE-mail: VLevy@nissan-europe.comPhone: +33 6 32 23 84 12
Catherine PerrelleManager Consumer Communications, Nissan EuropeE-mail: CPerrelle@nissan-europe.comPhone: +33 6 98 04 05 37