At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Nissan unwrapped their new Qashqai crossover that’s due to hit markets internationally starting in middle of this year. Despite being technically a mid-generation facelift, Nissan has managed to offer buyers a good amount of new appeal.
The exterior has undergone enough change to make it visually distinguishable from the current version, with a revised front fascia, new headlights, all integrated with a more pronounced interpretation of Nissan’s V-motion grille, and wrapped around a reshaped bonnet.
Nothing much can be pointed to as necessarily new along the sides of the car aside from the new pattern alloy wheels, though that may very likely not be available uniformly across all markets. At the rear, it mostly remains familiar, though there is an updated bumper design and the tail lamps have a new layout.
They’ve also managed to shave off some aerodynamic drag over the current model, though it still stands at 0.31 Cd. Under the skin, Nissan have sharpened up the suspension and steering for a more direct and refined experience, the latter aided by more better cabin sound insulation and a thicker rear windscreen.
The interior has been made to look decidedly more premium feel, at least on the top-spec Tekna+ grade Nissan brought for show, even offering quilted Nappa leather seats, satin finish metallic trim accents and a premium seven-speaker Bose audio system.
At the Swiss unveiling, there appears to be no change to the line-up of powertrain and transmission options, though there will be a new entry-level 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor producing 83kW.
Nissan is also implementing more active safety and autonomous features into the Qashqai, now featuring their latest PROPilot suite, which has now been upgraded to include Pedestrian Recognition and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
This facelifted Qashqai should be rolling out to European markets first with other regions coming shortly after. Expect an early 2018 local premiere for the (new) popular crossover.
For more on Nissan vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
