2021 Nissan QASHQAI teased ahead of Feb 18 unveil
Third instalment of Mitsubishi ASX rival set for EV-like e-POWER engine and plenty of new techNissan has announced it will pull the drapes off the third-generation Nissan QASHQAI on February 18 ahead of its launch in Australia in late 2021 or early 2022.
The Japanese car-maker has released a series of images to build anticipation in the lead up to the new-gen small SUV's debut, pointing to its sharp arrowhead LED adaptive headlights flanking a larger take on the car-maker's V-motion grille.
The other teasers, plus spy shots we've already seen, suggest brash new styling for the QASHQAI with some heavy influence from the second-generation Nissan JUKE.
As well as a sharper design, the next Nissan QASHQAI also bags a 9.0-inch infotainment system and customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that's supported by a 10.8-inch head-up display that can provide information on speed, navigation and the QASHQAI's new driver assist programs.
Designed to offer more practicality and space for those within, the new QASHQAI is about 35mm longer and 30mm wider than the model it replaces, allowing for 22mm more kneeroom for those on the second-row bench and 28mm more shoulder-room for those up front. Front and rear headroom, meanwhile, has been increased by 15mm.
Boot space should be generous, with the small Nissan set to offer 504 litres with the rear seats up – 74L more than the current version.
Under the bonnet you'll find the biggest changes over the current series as the new Nissan QASHQAI is confirmed as offering the car-maker's latest 1.5-litre e-POWER hybrid powertrain that's almost certain to be coming to Australia.
In Europe, a 1.3-litre mild hybrid will also be offered, with Nissan set to equip the QASHQAI with an entire range of electrified powertrains.
The less powerful smaller engine isn't likely to make it Down Under, with Nissan Australia set to plump for the e-POWER engine which has a blend of punchier performance and high efficiency.
Like the Nissan Note e-POWER that carsales drove in the 'Made in Japan' series, the e-POWER is a non-plug-in hybrid system that uses the internal combustion engine as a generator to recharge the battery. Driving the wheels, meanwhile, is an electric motor.
In the case of the new Nissan QASHQAI, the e-POWER system drives the front wheels only using a 140kW/330Nm electric motor, while the 1.5-litre engine generates a maximum 113kW.
Nissan describes the e-POWER set-up as “a unique solution that combines the enjoyable, seamless, linear acceleration which is characteristic of an EV, but without the need for charging”.
Like the pure-electric Nissan LEAF, the QASHQAI e-POWER will come with an e-Pedal mode that allows for efficient one-pedal operation, with acceleration blended with strong regenerative braking when you lift off the throttle.
The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid powertrain available in Europe pumps out 118kW/270Nm and is available with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
It adds a small lithium-ion battery and 12-volt electrical system that allows a coasting/engine-cut function, engine stop-start, regenerative deceleration and gives a 6Nm torque boost when required.
A lower-powered 103kW version of the same 1.3-litre turbo mild hybrid will also be available.
Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be offered.
New tech set to debut in the Nissan QASHQAI includes enlarged wireless phone chargers, USB-C ports and massage seats. The all-new model is also expected to offer the car-maker's latest ProPILOT semi-autonomous cruise control.
Based on the latest Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-C platform, the new QASHQAI will be better to drive and lighter than the model it replaces. Helping the kilo-cutting will be more aluminium used in its construction, plus a rear tailgate made of composite materials.
Two rear suspension systems will be offered, a torsion beam for the less-powerful front-drive models and a multi-link set-up for the more expensive all-wheel drive versions.
When it arrives, the closest rivals for the Nissan QASHQAI e-POWER will be the Toyota C-HR Hybrid and Subaru XV Hybrid, plus the pure-electric version of the MG ZS and Hyundai Kona.
Set to arrive late 2021 or early 2022, the QASHQAI e-POWER will be joined in 2022 by the equally all-new electrified Nissan X-TRAIL.
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