The Nissan Qashqai has a loyal fan base. Now that the new Qashqai is in the showroom, every enthusiast can experience what he thinks of it. Viewing a car in real life is of course more exciting than via the configurator on your computer screen. We highlight four highlights.
1. Let the new design of the Qashqai affect you
What do you do as a car brand when you have to think of a successor for the most successful Nissan? Will you opt for a radically new course or will you continue to build on the design that was already so popular? Nissan chose the latter. Although you can see big differences if you look more closely. The grille and logo of the Nissan Qashqai have been getting a little bigger since 2007. Both now have XXL format.
Innovation is in the details. For example in the word Qashqai, which is written in capitals on the tailgate, but also very subtly at the headlights. These boomerang-shaped headlights themselves are worth a closer look, as is the fold that runs from the lower part of the ‘boomerang’ over the side of the car to the taillights.
Car designers prefer the largest possible rims: that looks the best. Matthew Weaver, who also drew the first and second Qashqai, was allowed to go up to 20 inches. With the previous Qashqai, 19 inches was the maximum achievable.
2. Experience the space of the new Qashqai
Compared to its predecessor, the new Qashqai seems to have been to the gym. Yet it is hardly any bigger. The third generation is 35mm longer than before. The differences are also small in height and width: the Qashqai is 10 mm higher and 32 mm wider. The wheelbase has been stretched by just two centimeters. But the space has been used more efficiently: rear passengers have almost 3 centimeters more legroom than in the second generation. In addition, you can now store more than 504 liters in the luggage compartment; 74 liters more than before. If you fold down the rear seats, a cargo space of 1447 liters is created.
3. Discover Japanese details in the craziest places
The Nissan Qashqai is a mix of European and Japanese craftsmanship. A design center was opened in London to build cars that European consumers like. The original Qashqai was the first car to be drawn there. The new Qashqai also comes from London with love.
The appearance is therefore aimed at European customers, but the tendency towards perfection is typically Japanese. When you step into a new car with all the trimmings, you want to be pampered. And now let that be something that Japanese are famous for. Nissan’s Japanese craftsmanship is also reflected in the Qashqai. If you are going to sit on the massage chairs with leather, you should know that it takes 25 days to make this cover. After that, it takes more than 60 minutes to apply the diamond design 3D stitching. If you need to recover from this information, turn on the massage function of the chairs. You can choose from three massage programs (Tekna+ version).
Another Japanese joke: listen to the sound of the seat belt reminder and the direction indicators. Don’t think these were chosen randomly. No, they were developed in collaboration with Japanese video game developer Bandai Namco. The creators of Pac-Man. This should produce a harmonious, soothing sound. So be sure to listen!
4. Try the smart solutions
The new Qashqai is fully equipped for smartphone use. The car has WiFi for up to seven phones, tablets or laptops. There are also USB ports in the back. Almost all versions of the Qashqai can be equipped with the ability to wirelessly charge your phone.
The 9-inch navigation screen is suitable for Android Auto and (also wirelessly) for Apple CarPlay. If you like listening to your favorite music while driving, try the Bose sound system with ten speakers and a subwoofer in the boot. Increasing the volume does not have to be done via complicated touchscreens, but can simply be done with a button on the dashboard.
Thanks to the 10.8-inch head-up display (more than 27 cm), if you are tempted to take a test drive, the most important information (speed, navigation) is projected in the windscreen in front of you. This way you keep your attention completely on the road. By the way, you’re looking at a first: this is the first Qashqai with a head-up display.
The tailgate can be opened with a foot movement. Handy if you have your hands full with groceries or with green waste that you want to take to the municipal yard. Speaking of green: every Qashqai has mild hybrid technology for slightly more power and flexibility and a fraction lower consumption. How was that during the test drive?
The Nissan Qashqai is now in the showroom. The starting price is 33,540 euros (140 hp, manual transmission, Visia version) and a Qashqai with automatic transmission costs 39,940 euros (158 hp).
