Next Nissan QASHQAI cabin previewed

The all-new third-generation Nissan QASHQAI's cabin has been previewed ahead of the Japanese Volkswagen Tiguan rival's debut early in 2021.

Claimed to introduce a "class-leading on-board experience" to buyers, the next Nissan QASHQAI is far more spacious inside, on account of it being 35mm longer, 32mm wider and 25mm taller than the outgoing SUV, with an extra 20mm added to the wheelbase.

The longer wheelbase is claimed to boost rear seat legroom, and make it easier to climb in and out of the rear compartment. The boot, meanwhile, now offers more than 500 litres of space – 70L more than offered currently.

Better still, thanks to its new architecture, there's a lower boot floor, plus under-floor storage and a gesture-activated tailgate.

Ahead of the driver, the big change is there's a completely redesigned centre console that features a new 9.0-inch HD touch-screen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is new too, and on high-grade models is supplemented by a large 10.8-inch head-up display that's claimed to be the largest in its segment.

Other new tech for the QASHQAI's cabin includes a 15W wireless phone charger, both USB-A and USB-C charging ports plus the option of a new Bose premium sound system.

Once launched, Nissan says it will introduce its ProPilot driver assist tech, that includes a level 2 autonomous cruise control which will be standard on mid-spec trims and above.

Finally, in a bid to push the Nissan QASHQAI more upmarket, new massage seats, ambient lighting and high-grade materials, including Nappa leather, will all be introduced to the cabin for a more premium feel.

Beneath the skin, it's already been revealed that the Nissan will ride on the latest Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-C platform and come equipped with the car-maker's e-POWER hybrid powertrain for the first time.

Despite being bigger, the new Nissan QASHQAI should be fractionally lighter than the current model. There's more lightweight material used beneath the skin, the rear hatch is made from a composite material, and the doors, quarter guards and bonnet are aluminium.

In total, Nissan claims to have shaved around 60kg off the kerb weight through these measures alone.

Nissan also says the new generation will be 41 per cent stiffer, and that the CMF-C platform boasts torsional rigidity of vehicles from a higher segment.

Combined with updated steering and MacPherson strut front and rear suspension (except for two-wheel drive models with wheel sizes up to 19-inch, which stick with a torsion beam set-up), Nissan promises improved ride, handling and refinement.

In Europe, two electrified powertrains will be available, including two versions of a 1.3-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech in the form of a belt-driven generator to harvest braking energy, and the first deployment of Nissan’s e-POWER drive system.

Full details are still to be confirmed, but e-POWER will bring full-electric motor drive in which the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The motor is powered by a high-output battery, which in turn is charged by a small petrol engine.

Other new tech will include intelligent LED headlights that adapt the shape of their beam (divided into 12 individual elements) according to road conditions and other road users.

Nissan is expected to announce launch dates shortly. It's believed the third-generation Nissan QASHQAI should arrive in Australia during 2021, following its European debut early next year.