Introducing the 2010 Nissan Qashqai Range. the Legend of Crossovers.

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2010/04/21

For the first time since it was introduced four years ago, Nissan’s modern crossover icon, the Qashqai has been extensively revamped, and the local lineup further bolstered by the introduction of the 7-seat Qashqai+2 and optional CVT transmission (available on the Qashqai 2.0-litre petrol).

But the updated Qashqai is about more than merely a facelift and one additional model derivative. Nissan recognises the importance of this key model, which has seen major sales success in just four years since its introduction in 2007, and acted accordingly meticulously redesigning and enhancing the key features of this innovative vehicle. The Qashqai has been endowed with the elements needed to turn it from a record-breaker to an enduring legend, the original compact hatch crossover and the undisputed leader of the segment it created.

Johan Kleynhans, Director Marketing Sales and Aftersales of Nissan SA, is bullish about the updated model lineup; “These mid-life revisions have made the Qashqai range more appealing to an even wider market, while upping its game in the eyes of the market it was already enjoying massive success. Nissan was very careful in the tweaking of this model not to lose any of this core appeal, while improving efficiency, road noise, the already strong aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, and, of course, practicality – particularly with the addition of the Qashqai+2 in May 2010. We anticipate the Qashqai will continue to score conquest attract new customers to the Nissan brand.”

At a glance

Sophisticated new look
Improved aerodynamics
Improved refinement and comfort
Greater practicality
New interior colour options
Revised instrumentation

Refreshed frontal aspect

The most notable visual change to the Qashqai is at the front, where a complete makeover has taken place. All new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps combine to give the Qashqai an air of added premium sophistication, presence and quality.

The two distinctive raised strakes on the bonnet are now longer, finishing closer to the front lip. Additionally, the front edge of the bonnet where it meets the headlamps is shaped to come over the light, giving a tighter, more precise finish, reinforcing the feeling of quality at the same time ensuring a minimal gap between the two parts.

The lower bumper area has been reshaped around the air intake, to optimise airflow to the radiator, but with the added benefit of giving a more purposeful appearance.

A more dynamic and aggressive headlamp shape adds presence to the front of Qashqai by being flatter than the existing design, which makes it appear to be wrapped around the front corner of the car. The design of the interior of the lamp is more technical, with intricate detailing for each of the three elements (low beam, high beam and turn indicator).

The slatted grille on the current Qashqai has been updated with a honeycomb style grille, which is sportier and also adds to the air of premium sophistication. It retains the centrally mounted Nissan logo surrounded by the three-sided chromed frame, which is Nissan's signature grille motif for crossovers.

Overall, the effect is to bring added visual appeal, meeting the expectations of customers who were previously driving premium hatchbacks or compact executive cars. An added benefit of all these changes is the contribution they make to overall improvement of Qashqai's aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the shape of the lights remain unchanged, but a cleaner lens design has been adopted, with the upper portion, housing the reversing lights and turn indicators, being clear, while the lower section with the brake and tail lights, is red. Additionally, the stop lamp operates using 12 LEDs for maximum clarity.

All 2.0-litre model derivatives both petrol and diesel benefit aesthetically from the fitment of the gorgeous diamond-cut 18” alloys already dazzling onlookers on our roads on the limited-edition Qashqai n-tec. These alloys deliver a meaty portion of extra attitude to the dynamic stance of the vehicle, enhancing its visual dynamism from any viewing angle and perfectly complementing the even more premium appearance of the new styling. The Qashqai is also equipped with roofrails to add to the robust appeal of the crossover, giving it a even more pronounced SUV look.

Aerodynamic efficiency

Observers of detail will notice that the spoiler mounted on the upper portion of the rear hatchback door has been slightly reprofiled, contributing to an overall reduction in drag.

Further changes to the Qashqai's underfloor design have helped to optimise airflow, also contributing to the reduction in drag. With a smoother floor area around the engine, additional flat panels along the length of the underbody and optimised deflectors around the front and rear wheels, all the changes combine to reduce Qashqai's coefficient of drag for improved fuel economy.

Interior updates

The updated Qashqai will feature a new, cleaner design to the main dials which markedly improves their clarity and legibility. The two main dials for road and engine speed feature white increments on a black background, with red needles, and are now tastefully surrounded with chrome bezels.

Between the two principal dials is a redesigned drive computer whose white LCD screen shows average fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limiter settings.

New materials for the interior trim and low-level mood-lighting combine to give the cabin of the Qashqai a warmer interior ambience in-line with its deeply attractive exterior styling. There are now additional oddments storage areas dotted about the cabin as well, ideal for daily urban-life necessities like your cellphone and iPod.

Overall life on board has been made more comfortable for occupants thanks to improved protection against noise, vibration and harshness. This has been achieved by adding an all-new multi-layer insulation material around the front bulkhead, as well as the fitment of an ‘acoustic' windscreen which reduces the transmission of noise. A reduction in wind noise around the A-pillar has been achieved by changing the window sealing.

Mechanical platform

The combination of SUV-like style and hatchback-rivalling driving dynamics provided by Nissan’s C-platform underpinning the Qashqai remains a backbone of the vehicle’s phenomenal success. But still, areas which were identified as improvable, have been modified for the latest models, a subtle but beneficial cocktail of tweaks and upgrades all focused on improving the dynamics or efficiency of the vehicle.

All three motor options have been updated, the two petrol engines benefitting from reduced internal friction and improved thermal and volumetric efficiency, resulting in more torque in a wide band of engine revs. The excellent 2.0-litre turbodiesel now runs a higher pressure through its direct-injection fuel system and piezo-electric injectors, 1600bar enabling up to 5 injections of fuel per moment of combustion within the cylinders for an even smoother and more refined delivery of power.

The revised model lineup does include a new CVT gearbox option on the 2.0-litre petrol Acenta. This high-tech gearbox improves fuel economy by constantly adjusting to the precise ratio needed for any given situation or driver input rather than relying on the limitations of a mechanically-defined stack of set ratios.

Suspension and electric power-steering settings have been revised to deliver a smoother ride without compromising on the surprising dynamic ability of the vehicle. The advanced Nissan All Mode 4X4 drivetrain, which provides a secure vehicle traction in various road conditions is available in the 2.0dCi engine.

Safety and equipment

The Qashqai boasts a 5-star EuroNCAP rating for excellent all-round safety levels. The driver is assisted by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as well as EBD (Emergency Brakeforce Distribution) in the event of an emergency-braking situation, and 2.0-litre models further monitored by an ESP (Electronic Stability Program), not to mention the natural traction advantages of the All Mode 4X4 on the range-topping Qashqai.

Should an accident be unavoidable, a very robust chassis is complemented by a full-house of airbags to minimise occupant injuries.

As for specification levels, the Qashqai has all the equipment to support its premium nature. There’s a 6-speaker CD/radio with AUX connector for thumping tunes, integrated Bluetooth system linked-in to the multifunction steering wheel , and on the Qashqai+2 rear privacy glass helping the upgrated air-conditioner unit to keep the interior cool regardless of the scorching heat outside. To make open road driving even more comfortable, cruise control is available on all the 2.0 litre petrol as well as the diesel models.

Qashqai+2

In its new, even more practical but now family-friendly form, Qashqai+2, this vehicle retains the same proportions and overall styling of the uniquely shapely original, just that necessary touch larger.

With a wheelbase extended by 135 mm - taking it to 2,765 mm - the overall length of Qashqai+2 has risen to 4,526 mm, an increase of 211 mm over the five-seat version. To ensure there’s ample headroom in the third set of seats, the roofline has been lengthened and reprofiled at the rear of the vehicle, adding 38 mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm. Headroom in the front and middle row of seats has increased by 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm.

Nancy Reddy, Nissan SA product manager, adds; “The Qashqai+2 is really the Qashqai you know and love, for people who need a touch more space. There are adventurous, active buyers in the market who might still be without children but has a large amount of their own leisure equipment to move about. While retaining all the core appeal of the original with the added refinement of this refreshed range. And yes, of course, significantly more appeal for those with children or considering starting their own families. We’re confident the Qashqai+2 is going to challenge the conventions of the traditional multi-pupose vehicle in the same way Qashqai did the hatchback.” Qashqai +2 will be available at Nissan dealerships in late May.

Making new legends

The new Nissan Qashqai continues to appeal to the modern urbanite with its distinctive, robust, design, further enhanced practicality, an interior which is classy and impressively refined, as well as a combination of chic SUV style and compact hatchback dynamics. The revisions to the range come together to strengthen and further reinforce these characteristics which have already made the Qashqai a class leader, putting it another step ahead of the competition.

As Reddy explains; “The Qashqai has now been honed to greater perfection and we expect it will continue to attract new customers to the Nissan brand, now in even greater numbers, with its distinctive class-leadership. The original received accolades from the media and customers across the globe, and these revisions follow the identical recipe but the proportions could not be more ideal and the end result is a genuine automotive tour de force.”

Kleynhans concludes; “It has an even more distinctive design. It’s dynamically sharper, more practical, more efficient and continues to literally ooze style whether inside the cabin or out. The new Qashqai is making a very strong case for itself as an all-time class-defining legend.”

MANUFACTUERS SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE INCLUDING VAT.

QASHQAI: Available from mid April 2010