New Nissan QASHQAI: The Ultimate Urban Experience

2014/07/01

• The world's most popular compact crossover now enters its second generation
• All-new QASHQAI builds on success of first generation and aims higher in every direction
• Two million QASHQAI owners worldwide testament to Nissan's success as the crossover pioneer

ROSSLYN, South Africa – The all-new, reinvented second generation Nissan QASHQAI is now available on South African roads.

The first generation model proved to be overwhelmingly popular, achieving more than two million sales worldwide since its 2007 launch. Now, the all-new, all-improved QASHQAI is set to continue this success in a market segment which is unequivocally led by Nissan.

"The ultimate driving experience – this is how we describe the new Nissan QASHQAI," comments General Manager of Marketing and Planning at Nissan South Africa, Konstantin von Vieregge. "The new model represents a new lifestyle choice for people who value their driving as part of their everyday experience, and aim to make their time behind the wheel more than just a chore. The new Nissan QASHQAI ultimately personifies our 'Innovation that Excites' ethos."

Compact hatchback proportions with the practicality of a passenger car and the adventurous driving stance of an SUV – these key factors culminated in the original Nissan QASHQAI. The first model pioneered the compact crossover segment and set the bar high for other manufacturers to follow in what has evolved into one of the largest market segments globally. Catering to the needs of consumers who require the virtues offered by a crossover, QASHQAI ticks all the right boxes.

Product Manager for Passenger and Crossover vehicles at Nissan South Africa, Nancy Reddy, elaborates: "Few vehicles in the world have enjoyed the sales success we have seen with the first generation Nissan QASHQAI – a car we pioneered by investigating what consumers really want from a vehicle, and then giving them the answer. We are now proud to introduce the all-new QASHQAI to South Africa, a country where compact crossovers are increasingly popular and where the QASHQAI name carries much weight in its segment – over 20 000 South African QASHQAI owners can't be wrong!

"New and revamped from the ground up, the new Nissan QASHQAI gives fresh perspective to the term 'compact crossover' and, with heightened design, luxury, quality, refinement and technology headlining its introduction, we expect South African consumers to continue to view the Nissan QASHQAI as the answer to their diverse motoring needs. QASHQAI is a vehicle which can do it all – it has the space, power, comfort, versatility and practicality to suit the busy and adventurous lifestyles of South African buyers, now at a more premium level than ever before."

The best just got better

Produced at the Nissan Sunderland plant in England, the new QASHQAI arrives in South Africa with a five-model range supported by three engine variants and two trim lines. Affordable, efficient, modern, trendy and energetic in its execution, the new Nissan QASHQAI is not just a reworked original with a renewed lease on life. Longer, wider, lower, lighter and redesigned from the ground up, the new QASHQAI features a refreshing, trendy new design, state-of-the-art technology and increased efficiency – all on the new Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF (Common Module Family) modular platform which, thanks to its adaptability, paves the way for future Nissan models as well.

The unmistakable new face of Nissan

In a complete rework of its ground-breaking predecessor which retains original QASHQAI DNA, the new Nissan QASHQAI features the new face of Nissan as well as an edgy and striking body design which not only gives it a unique new look but also a sassy new character. Keeping everything fresh, the bold new design is fronted by the prominent new Nissan V-grille, supported by angular headlights, an accented clamshell bonnet and an aggressive front bumper with a deep air dam for a purposeful look. All models are also characterised by new LED daytime running lights which create a classy light signature that is unquestionably QASHQAI.

The muscular cues continue into bold wheel arches and a strong shoulder line which dictates the sleek and aggressive side window profile – balanced by a selection of new wheel designs. The SUV stance remains, with raised ride height and black bumper cladding adding to the adventurous image. At the rear, a pert tail gate is flanked by strong wraparound tail light clusters with LED elements and a fuss-free bumper design which rounds off the SUV appeal.

Purposeful in its execution as much as it is striking to look at, design elements have also been employed to enhance aerodynamics, the new QASHQAI featuring a drag coefficient of just 0.33 – thanks to clever features like a flat underbelly and a roof spoiler with winglets.

The all-new interior, which is bolstered by the three core elements of comfort, connectivity and control, is where the biggest leap in quality and feel has been achieved, with the use of premium quality materials culminating in a chic interior which creates a wonderful driving environment. The ergonomic and fuss-free layout ensures ease of use, with key touch points and surfaces designed to enhance the sensory experience and provide long-term durability.

Sculpted design cues on the steering wheel and dashboard are complemented by matt-silver accents and glossy black finishes which elevate the new QASHQAI's interior ambience to new heights and set a precedent for other Nissan models in the future, while a new Drive-Assist Display brings increased interaction with high-definition graphics to the driving environment, making the new Nissan QASHQAI holistically more enjoyable than before. So too does the new ambient lighting system which includes full driver control to create the perfect night driving environment.

Exclusively available with five seats, Nissan was in fact inspired by NASA to analyse blood flow and pressure in the lower backs of seated passengers, the engineers using advanced medical scanning techniques to design brand new seats which offer even support. The resultant highly-advanced seats include special bolstering in the pelvis, lumbar and chest areas and offer unparalleled long-distance comfort.

QASHQAI is also a by-word for practicality and in the new version, availability of space is still an intrinsic feature. Spacious seating for five occupants with improved leg-, head- and shoulder room than before, is matched by improved door apertures for easier ingress and egress. The capacious 430 litre boot which is fronted by a tailgate which now opens 150 mm higher than before, is 20 litres bigger than that of the first generation Nissan QASHQAI. Cargo capacity is extendable to an enormous 1 585 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down in a 60:40 split – standard in all models.

Modular chassis and underpinnings tailored just for QASHQAI

The new Nissan QASHQAI's highly-advanced CMF platform has been tailored specifically for the second-generation crossover. One of the most adaptable platform systems in existence, designers and engineers are given the opportunity to tailor the chassis for specific products, their diverse application requirements and ultimately, customer needs.

Suspension in the new QASHQAI is a MacPherson strut design with a rigid-mounting mini sub-frame up front and an independent multi-link design at the rear, with advanced double-piston shock absorbers to provide faultless damping at both ends of the dynamic range. The two-channel damping system features a conventional channel which takes care of low-frequency bumps on rougher roads, with an additional channel to deal with smaller, high-frequency bumps found on smoother roads. The result is a car which delivers a smooth and refined ride whatever the road surface.

Dynamics are further enhanced by the completely new Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), standard across the range. Tuned with a new control logic that delivers a more natural driving experience, EPAS returns a 5% reduction in overall steering ration for better responsiveness. The caster trail of the front suspension has also been lengthened to improve straight line stability as well as create a more positive self-centring action, resulting in better feel through the steering wheel. The EPAS system is also adjustable according to driver preference, allowing for lighter or heavier feel depending on the driving environment and the driver's mood. In Normal mode, EPAS offers light responses perfectly suited to low-speed manoeuvring and effortless cruising, while in Sport mode, a heavier feel requiring more effort to turn the wheel and increased steering feel enhances sportiness.

Petrol or diesel power with CVT or manual transmissions

Powertrain development, which includes downsizing principles and the endless quest for lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions, has resulted in a trio of engines to power the new Nissan QASHQAI – all of which are ultimately frugal while offering the power and torque for a pleasant driving experience. All new QASHQAI engines are Euro 5-compliant.

The single petrol engine offering comes in the form of an all-new 1.2-litre direct injection turbocharged mill, which defies its small capacity with ample power and torque outputs. Producing 85 kW at 4 500 rpm and 190 Nm at just 2 000 rpm, the two new QASHQAI 1.2T models – available in Visia and Acenta trim levels – are a force majeure in the segment. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in both derivatives, power is transferred easily to the front wheels, making for comfortable and economical driving.

Technology highlights include start/stop technology, a regenerative alternator, optimised gear ratios and special low-viscosity oils. Fuel economy is the key benefactor of the advanced technology in this regard, the new 1.2T models averaging 6.2-litre per 100 km on the combined cycle, with corresponding carbon emissions of 144 g/km.

Headlining the charge on improved fuel economy and emissions, diesel engines make up the rest of the powertrain line-up for the new Nissan QASHQAI range. Familiar to anyone who enjoyed the most frugal derivative in the original QASHQAI range, the new QASHQAI 1.5dCi Acenta model features the latest evolution of the world-class 1.5-litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 81 kW at 4 000 rpm and abundant torque of 260 Nm between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm. Quieter and with reduced vibration, the motor is also lighter than before.

Bestowing the new QASHQAI with ultimate driveability and unbelievable fuel efficiency, this engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and powers the front wheels. Fuel economy remains class-leading, the combined cycle average just 4.2-litres per 100 km and carbon emissions only 109 g/km – which makes this new Nissan QASHQAI derivative exempt from carbon emissions tax.

Topping the range are two more diesel models – the QASHAI 1.6dCi Acenta XTRONIC CVT and 1.6dCi Acenta AWD. Powered by a new-generation 1.6-litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine, mated to either Nissan's XTRONIC CVT or a six-speed manual gearbox with ALL MODE 4x4-i, these derivatives also carry heightened specification levels to match their superior engine characteristics. Power output is 96 kW at 4 000 rpm, with generous torque of 320 Nm peaking as low as 1 750 rpm.

With technological innovations that include a cold-loop low-pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and improved thermal management for a quicker warm-up phase, fuel economy in the QASHQAI 1.6dCi CVT is exceptionally low at 4.9-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle, with corresponding carbon emissions of 129 g/km. The new QASHQAI 1.6dCi AWD manual returns similarly attractive numbers, with carbon emissions of 139 g/km met by average fuel consumption of 5.3-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle.

Both diesel engines require 50 ppm diesel or better and feature start/stop technology, along with Active Engine Brake on the CVT model which replicates the natural braking force of the engine while cornering, the benefits of which include greater braking control and enhanced feel with less pedal effort and less brake application required when cornering, along with greater braking feel when coming to a stop. Furthermore, XTRONIC CVT has been specifically enhanced for the new Nissan QASHQAI by defying conventional CVT principles to create a more natural driving sensation with stepped changes to mimic conventional multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration. Under smoother acceleration the ratios are subtly adjusted for ultimate smoothness.

Both manual diesel derivatives go even further in the aerodynamics stakes, featuring an intelligent new Active Grille Shutter system which maximises aerodynamic efficiency by closing off air flow through the radiator above speeds of 30 km/h and only reopening if sensors detect that the engine requires further cooling.

Safety counts, no matter what

Achieving five stars in the increasingly stringent Euro NCAP crash tests, safety was of paramount importance when developing the new Nissan QASHQAI. All models carry the highest complement of safety equipment as standard, including four-disc ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BAS (Brake Assist System), six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) which incorporates traction control, hill start assistance, an electric parking brake, three-point seat belts for all five seats and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. All models also feature a full-size 16-inch spare wheel.

Innovative and exciting, class-leading technology on all models also includes Chassis Control, comprising Active Trace Control and Active Ride Control. Active Trace Control complements VDC at lower speeds by applying specific braking force to each wheel to correct the course of the QASHQAI during cornering, enabling a more dynamic feel without interfering with the driving experience. Active Ride Control goes even further to enhance the comfortable ride with flatter body control by applying subtle braking to individual wheels when driving over undulating surfaces.

The smartest safety technology – in the form of the Nissan Around View Monitor – is available as an option on all derivatives except the QASHQAI 1.2T Visia. Around View Monitor incorporates four exterior cameras – mounted on the nose, tailgate and under each door mirror – to create a 'helicopter view' of the new QASHQAI. This unprecedented technology in the segment makes parking and manoeuvring exceptionally easy, linked to a 7-inch LCD display which is included in the optional TECHNO PACK.

Five new models with enhanced features and a premium feel

With each of the derivatives in the new Nissan QASHQAI range bringing different possibilities to the table, there is a new QASHQAI for everyone. The range starts with the 1.2T Visia manual, which includes standard feature highlights like LED daytime running lights, electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Charcoal cloth trim, 16-inch wheels, a 5-inch full-colour HD Drive-Assist Display which includes several information readouts as well as access to customisable vehicle settings, remote central locking, a fully-compatible audio system with four speakers, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, cruise control, two cup holders, four bottle holders and manual air conditioning. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are available as an option.

The new 1.2T Acenta and 1.5dCi Acenta derivatives ramp up the features list considerably with the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with automatic lights and wipers, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, Graphite cloth trim, an electric anti-dazzle rear view mirror, six speakers, dual-zone climate control, driver and passenger seatback pockets, and an extra two cup holders.

Options available on these two models include the DESIGN PACK and the TECHNO PACK, or a combination of both. The DESIGN PACK consists of smart silver roof rails, privacy glass and 19-inch V-design alloy wheels, while the TECHNO PACK includes Around View Monitor, heated door mirrors and the new NissanConnect system.

This latest version of NissanConnect, which makes its debut in the new Nissan QASHQAI, is a fully-fledged infotainment system operated via a stylish 7-inch touch screen interface and incorporates satellite navigation, Google® search, full smartphone integration for iOS and Android devices, and a Facebook social media app.

The two range-topping 1.6dCi Acenta models pull out all the stops in terms of features. Standard equipment increases to include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto levelling, silver roof rails, privacy glass, chrome-accented front fog lights and an intelligent key with keyless entry and push-button starting. The all-wh­eel drive derivative also features ALL MODE 4x4i, Nissan's intelligent all-wheel drive system. The TECHNO PACK is also available as an option on these models along with heated leather upholstery.

All new Nissan QASHQAI models carry Nissan's new class-leading 6-year/ 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan which includes roadside assistance as standard.

# # #