The new Nissan Qashqai, which started its adventure in Turkey as of January, brings features that witnessed firsts with the third generation.
Towards the mid-2000s, we observed the winds of transformation we have been experiencing over electricity in a different way in the automobile world for the last few years. In the periods when the promotion of the Urban Crossover was on the rise, the potential of users to prefer vehicles with higher ground clearance also showed itself. Launched as the creator of its class, Qashqai’s sales success since 2006 is reflected as a tradition today. Today’s conditions are different from shock. We are now witnessing the use of the crossover formula for models in B, C and even A segments in some countries. The job of the third generation Qashqai, which was introduced about a year ago, is harder than ever before. In the short journey we spent with the new Nissan Qashqai, which we had the opportunity to meet with the Turkey launch held recently, we have the opportunity to understand the main points of the brand’s emphasis.
The new Nissan Qashqai retains its fundamentals in design
With the third generation, the most distinctive part of the Qashqai’s exterior design, which we can describe as “radical”, is in the front section. With this face that Nissan uses in its new product range, the growth in the “V-Motion” grille design draws attention. Making the tool stronger. this section is accompanied by a completely new lighting group. In the model, where we think that the like-dislike distinction will be felt more than the previous generation, the “love it or hate it” rule seems to work. This will depend entirely on personal preference. When we look at the back of the Qashqai, the change is felt more plainly. Here, the changes appear as a make-up operation rather than a new generation. The approach here is that of the CEO of Nissan Turkey, Emre Doğueri.We are not saying that the genes of the Qashqai have changed.It would make more sense to blend it with the explanation ”.
The new generation, which reveals a balanced generation formula in the big picture, has advantages in every aspect compared to the previous generation in terms of dimensions. The J12, which is 35 millimeters longer, 25 millimeters higher and 32 millimeters wider than the J11, also has a 20 millimeter increase in the wheelbase. In this way, although there is a 50-liter improvement in the luggage volume of the Qashqai, which has a slightly better rear knee and headroom, the only package that will feel this improvement will be Tekna with 504 liters (Spare spare is not offered). The volume given as 449 liters with the Design Pack and Skypack is reduced to 443 liters with the Platinum Premium Pack.
Highlights in the cockpit
We think the cockpit will be the most important part where you will feel that the Qashqai has truly transitioned to a new generation. The console design that the brand will position in the new product range, as in the front design, appears here without any deficiencies. Undoubtedly, the multimedia system was one of the most criticized points of the second generation Qashqai, which we received as test guests in the past. This screen, which recovered a little more with make-up, was still behind its current rivals. With the new generation, a more modern console elements that can respond to rivals have welcomed us. The 12.3-inch digital driver display, offered for the first time in Qashqai, can easily meet today’s needs and competitors. The transitions are smooth and fluent on the driver screen, which we found successful in terms of software and visuals. The fact that the menus are not too complicated seems to allow an easier experience on the user’s side.
While the new 9-inch multimedia screen is positioned outside the console, we felt that the software details here were one level lower than the driver’s screen. It seems that the panel, which has slower transitions, will not have a problem in meeting the expectations in terms of usage. On the other hand, the material quality side makes itself felt in the prominent sections where users will contact more. The special design of the completely renewed and top-packed seats, which took 25 days during the production process, was combined with Nappa leather upholstery. 3 different massage options are also among the equipment that can be preferred in the upper packages. On the doors and other panels, we see that there has not been a radical increase in quality in order not to increase the cost too much. The completely new gear knob, positioned in the middle of the console, gives pleasure in terms of both design and use. This section, which also has advantages in terms of space usage, is also an important factor in the premium perception that Qashqai wants to be brought closer.
New driver assistance assistants meet current standards
One of the highlights of the brand officials at the launch was the new weapons brought in security and technology. Firsts in this field await Qashqai with the J12. Used for the first time in its class in the new Qashqai, the Predictive Intelligent Collision System detects up to three vehicles in front and warns the driver when one of the vehicles brakes, and can prevent the collision. Apart from this, the Intelligent Cruise Control System, Steering Assisted Lane Keeping Assistant, Intelligent Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Blind Spot Prevention System, which are used for the first time in the Qashqai, also perform their operations without any problems during the winter driving. We appreciated the fact that these assistants, which can be easily controlled via the steering wheel, can be activated with a single button and positioned together. However, let’s not forget that the new Qashqai has emerged from Euro NCAP as the segment leader. The electronic tailgate, which we call “finally” on the hardware side, also comes as standard with the “PPP” equipment package.
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First impressions of the engine and infrastructure
The 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine, which we know from the previous generation, now offers a hybrid experience with electric support in the new generation. Although this system, based on a 12V starter generator, is responsible for lowering the emission values, as well as providing benefits for fuel economy, one should not expect a huge impact here. With this combination, 160 horsepower comes as standard in all versions. The torque value, which is 270 Nm, is offered as 260 Nm in the 6-speed manual transmission version.
The 4×4 drive system offered in the model is combined with XTRONIC CVT transmission and rear independent suspension. The rear independent suspension, which is highlighted and an important factor in increasing driving comfort, has the potential to contribute to the car’s handling. Qashqai, whose vehicle is now more courageous to enter these roads on the off-road route prepared within the scope of the launch, did not perform badly on this route. When the 4×4 traction system is preferred, two driving modes, “Off-Road” and “Snow”, are also included in the system.
Separate bracket to CVT for new Nissan Qashqai
The CVT side also raises the possibility of a more suspicious approach to the Qashqai. We see that Nissan has made a special effort in order to overcome the problems of the continuously variable ratio automatic unit, which has advantages in some conditions according to itself, in previous generations. Integrated with this, the friction inside the transmission is reduced by 29 percent, making its structure 14 percent more compact, which stands out on paper. Along with the changes in the mechanical parts in the transmission, there is a claim for a more comfortable and trouble-free ride, as well as more economical use. A unit that contributes up to 10 percent to fuel consumption compared to the previous generation is promised. In order to experience this, we have to wait for the long test drive with the Qashqai. The first impression is a little more positive than the previous generation. You can reach the detailed hardware features of the new Qashqai, which we will meet again in the coming days through the long usage test, in our news.