The new-generation 2021 Nissan Qashqai has been revealed in Europe overnight with an Australian launch likely before the end of the year.
Slotting in between the new Juke and the upcoming X-Trail, the Qashqai is built on Nissan’s CMF-C platform which is 41 per cent stiffer and 60kg lighter than the outgoing architecture.
It’s also larger than the current car, the length has increased by 35mm, height by 25mm and width by 32mm. The wheelbase has also grown by 20mm.
With a larger footprint to play with, Nissan says those in the back get 28mm of additional knee room while headroom has increased by 15mm. Designers have also added 50L of boot space with 480L available with the rear seats in place.
The new Qashqai will also get Nissan’s full ProPilot suite of active safety features that includes next-generation radar and camera technology to provide smoother braking, better steering assist feel and improved detection performance when other vehicles cut into the lane.
The ProPilot suite also uses the brand’s Navi-link technology incorporated into the navigation system which allows map-guided speed control in advance of known turns, exits, and junctions.
As with the X-Trail, the cabin has been comprehensively updated, depending on the trim level, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch full-colour head-up display, and a floating 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system are available.
At this stage, Nissan Australia is yet to confirm local powertrain options. Nissan will likely deploy its e-Power hybrid tech.
In Europe, the Qashqai will launch with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. The engine is offered in two states of tune: 103kW/240Nm for the entry model increasing to 116kW/270Nm on higher grades.
Underneath, there’s an updated Macpherson strut set-up. For two-wheel drive models with wheels up to 19-inches rear suspension is a torsion beam configuration. For 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive versions, it will be equipped with a multi-link set-up.
The power-steering set-up has been upgraded to deliver an improved response, better feeling around the central part of the steering range and reduced friction.
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