It feels like just yesterday that Nissan introduced the current, third generation Qashqai to European and Asia-Pacific markets. However, the Japanese automaker is already preparing a facelifted version, aiming to maintain its competitive edge in the highly contested compact crossover market three years after its introduction in 2021.
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Still off the cards for US consumption after Nissan discontinued the previous generation model that was offered as the Rogue Sport in 2022 – though, surprisingly, it’s still sold in Canada as the Qashqai – the updated Qashqai for global markets gains new front and rear styling. But what else do we know about its mid-life update?
A Sharper Face
Mid-life refreshes are hardly a radical affair, yet the popular SUV will receive a rather substantial nose job. Our spies reveal a streamlined new look that appears to be inspired by Nissan’s Ariya EV, with a cascading grille flanked by a pair of decorative panels. The headlamps have the DRLs separated from the main units, and the lower intake has a new design.
Changes to the side and rear remain minimal. There is now chrome trim in the lower door cladding, and the rear bumper is all new. The outer shape of the taillights stays the same, with the innards gaining a new signature LED graphic.
Interior Smarts
Interior-wise, the Qashqai will largely remain the same, albeit with new upholstery and trim colors, along with fresh skins for the 12.3-inch infotainment system (which may increase in size) and digital instrument cluster. Wireless charging, Nissan connected services, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto will also be included.
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A 10.8″ heads-up display, 360-degree camera, panoramic glass roof, front seat massage function and Bose premium audio will carry over, as will Nissan’s suite of driver assists, such as lane-keeping, rear cross-traffic alert and dynamic adaptive cruise control.
Frugal Performance
As with the pre-facelifted Qashqai, the entire line-up will be partially electrified. On the milder end of the hybrid spectrum, a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol (gasoline) engine develops 157 hp (117 kW) and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque, with power going to the front wheels (AWD is optional) via a CVT transmission.
For those wanting electrons to do all the propulsion, there will be an e-Power variant that uses a 1.5-litre variable-compression petrol engine making 156 horsepower (115 kW). This unit has no physical connection to the wheels; instead, it uses the engine as a generator to feed the battery, which powers an 188 hp (140 kW) electric motor to do all the driving.
A battery electric version will appear sometime after 2025 on an all-new, EV-dedicated platform.
Rivals And Reveal
Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
The Nissan Qashqai competes in a hotly-contested segment. Worthy rivals include Subaru’s new Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda ZR-V, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Cupra Formentor, Skoda Karoq, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Ford Puma.
We anticipate a rise in pricing, with starting prices in the UK expected to be around £30,000 (approximately $38,000 at current exchange rates) for the mild hybrid model. The fully loaded e-Power variant could potentially reach up to £43,000 ($54,400).
There are conflicting reports about the official debut of the Qashqai, but it’s likely to occur sometime this year, with sales expected to begin before the last quarter.
Note: This story contains illustrations that are not related to nor endorsed by Nissan.
