Nissan’s critical rival to the Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos is on track to arrive in Australia early in 2022.
The 2022 Nissan Qashqai packs a sharp new look, more spacious interior, and up-to-date infotainment compared to the now eight year-old current model.
Although it’s locked in timing, Nissan hasn’t confirmed engine details for the Qashqai.
Europe gets a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but CarExpert understands entry cars in Australia will have a similar engine to the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder powering the current car.
An e-Power hybrid – where a small petrol engine is used as a generator feeding an electric motor and compact battery pack – is also likely to feature Down Under.
In the Qashqai, the e-Power system combines a 114kW petrol engine with a 140kW electric motor.
Nissan Australia has expressed a desire to roll out e-Power technology locally, and Toyota’s strong hybrid sales prove there is demand.
The current model is a top-three seller for Nissan Australia and a stalwart in the competitive world of compact crossovers, making it a logical place for e-Power to feature.
We don’t know what’s under the bonnet, but Nissan has confirmed the Qashqai will be offered in eight body colours. A black roof and grey roof will be available, along with a panoramic sunroof.
Externally, the Qashqai has grown significantly compared to its predecessor.
It rides on a 20mm longer wheelbase than before, and has a 35mm longer body. It’s also 25mm taller and 32mm wider, for a tougher look and more interior space.
Under the skin is the Nissan CMF-C platform, which the company claims is 60kg lighter than before and 41 per cent stiffer.
Front-wheel drive models will have a torsion beam rear suspension and wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, while all-wheel drive cars will have a multi-link setup and wheels up to 20 inches.
Inside, the Qashqai follows in the footsteps of the larger X-Trail in offering a much higher-tech cabin than before.
There’s a 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen on the dash and a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle in front of the driver, backed by a 10.8-inch head-up display.
Qashqai staples such as the dual-level boot floor live on, and rear seat space has grown. Knee room is up by 28mm, and headroom is up 15mm.
Boot space is up by 50L compared to the current model, jumping to 480L with the rear seats in place.
Nissan says the rear doors open to 90 degrees, making it easier to load a child or child seat, and a power tailgate will be available.
Like the new X-Trail, the Qashqai will be offered with a full range of Nissan’s ProPilot driver assists.
Autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic assist, and blind-spot assist all feature, and Nissan says the adaptive cruise control system can adjust its speed based on speed signs or navigation data.
Nissan is gearing up for a big 2022. Along with the Qashqai, it’s getting ready to welcome a fresh Pathfinder and X-Trail.
