New Nissan Qashqai unveiled – All the photos

Nissan has unveiled the new Qashqai, which is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine with mild hybrid technologies.

Currently, there are no official South African launch dates or pricing for the model.

What you need to know

The new Qashqai is built on the company’s CMF-C platform, an architecture used for C-segment vehicles and above.

“In terms of driving dynamics, one of the most significant factors in the dynamic performance is the overall increase of stiffness in the new Qashqai’s body,” said the company.

It is now 48% stiffer than the previous generation, which contributes significantly to handling precision and response.

It is 60kg lighter than the outgoing model, too, improving the new Qashqai’s overall efficiency.

“There are two rear suspension configurations, with a torsion beam being the configuration for two-wheel drive Qashqai on 19-inch wheels or below,” said Nissan.

Customers opting for larger wheel options will then have a multi-link rear suspension.

On both set-ups the company promises exceptional sound insulation and vibration reduction, “with refinement comparable to vehicles from higher segments”.

Performance

The new Qashqai will be available with a 1.3-litre engine with mild-hybrid technologies, offering two outputs across the models.

In the entry-level variant, this motor produces 103kW and 240Nm of torque. In the rest of the line-up it puts out 116kW, while maximum torque is rated at 260Nm or 270Nm – depending on the specification.

According to Nissan, the included advanced lithium-ion battery system is an affordable way to provide torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart, and coasting stop.

It also improves fuel economy.

A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard in every new Qashqai, while a new Xtronic automatic gearbox is available at an additional cost.

A new drive mode programme then provides five terrain settings, and the reconfigured all-wheel-drive system sends power to the rear wheels five-times faster than in the previous generation.