The Nissan Qashqai is one of Nissan’s biggest-selling cars in Europe and the UK. There was a new model about three years ago, with a whole new powertrain (e-power) launched in mid-2022. This 2024 model looks strikingly different, at least from the front, but surely it’s too early for a whole new model? Yup, this is a facelift designed to give the Qashqai a bolder look and align it with the style of the Ariya EV.
But while the drivetrains remain untouched, changes go further than skin-deep with significant enhancements to the infotainment, connectivity and AI features. Nissan invited us to beautiful Faro in Portugal to learn more about the updates and drive the new car.
Familiar Yet Different
From the grille backwards, the new Qashqai is pretty much the old Qashqai, however, the front has had major surgery. The grille stretches across almost the full fascia and consists of dozens of three-dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss black paint. It also aligns the Qashqai with Nissan’s current design language seen on models like the Ariya. The sleek LED headlights and revised bumper certainly lend the family SUV more than a hint of, shall we say, assertiveness.
Around the back, you’ll find new LED tail lights with a striking light strip that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The boomerang goes from flat orange to “Super Red” and is particularly eye-catching.
Tech Revolution
Stepping inside, the changes are subtle and dependent on trim level, for example, there’s now material stretched across the dashboard – Alcantara for the top-level versions. It’s all about enhancing connectivity and the user interface with far more voice activation while retaining traditional buttons and switchgear. The centre screen provides crisp graphics and is customisable to display various types of information.
It now features Google Assistant integration, and you can ask not just for things like navigation and the weather report, but also command it to find your music and set the climate control temperature for example. Imagine saying, “Hey Google, reduce the temperature by two degrees,” and low and behold, it is done.
Of course, features like these are not entirely new, but it’s the integration of not just Google Assistant, but also Siri and Alexa should you wish, plus the ability to download apps for the car. Additionally, there are remote features you can use, automatic tracking that alerts you if the car is stolen and taken, as well as being able to answer the doorbell at home, turn on the home heating and more.
Versatility intact
It’s a handy thing the Qashqai. A boot that you can partition into two with its own false floor and the tailgate is powered. The rear passenger compartment compensates for a slightly higher floor by being airy and comfortable with decent knee room. And up front, there is little cause for complaint, confirmed from a near three-hour drive.
A Balanced Performer
The car we tested was the e-Power N-Design version (a new trim level that focuses on style and comes with 20-inch alloy wheels). This range-extender hybrid system has sold about 140,000 since launch and essentially boasts a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that does not drive the wheels. Instead, it charges the battery and feeds extra power to an inverter.
As such the e-Power Qashqai drives like an EV, as only the electric motor drives the wheels. You don’t have to plug in to enjoy the quietness, efficiency, torque and clean emissions of an EV, you just put petrol in it. And when you put your foot down you’ll hear the engine sending more power to the inverter to give it that added boost. Nissan regards it as an ideal interim solution for those who aren’t yet quite ready to make the move to EVs. Customers may see it as the one-stop best-of-both-worlds solution.
Performance is respectable, with the 190bhp hybrid system delivering a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds. The car feels light and nimble in city driving, absorbing bumps and rough surfaces with ease. It’s not a sports car by any means, but it handles well enough on twisty roads, providing a confident and comfortable ride.
Nissan claims an impressive 53mpg for the e-POWER hybrid. The CO2 emissions are also relatively low, ranging between 117-120g/km, what you would expect for a much smaller car.
Style and Gadgets in an Already Compelling Car
Is the 2024 Nissan Qashqai worth considering? Absolutely. While the changes might seem incremental, they add up to a more refined, connected, and capable vehicle. It retains its practical nature, with a bit more flair and a lot more tech.
For those already driving a Qashqai, it might not be a must-upgrade unless you’re particularly enticed by the new tech features. However, for anyone in the market for a new crossover, stick the new Qashqai on your shortlist.
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