The latest generation Nissan Qashqai delivers exactly what it promises, being a safe, spacious family hauler for everyday use.
In terms of sales, however, it is lagging behind competitors such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage, and to change that, the model has now received a facelift.
With the update, they want to deliver a wagon that appears more premium and expressive.
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A substantial facelift for the Nissan Qashqai
In terms of exterior, the Qashqai has received such a substantial update that it is easy to believe that it is a completely new car. In fact, it is only the old car that has received a new exterior.
The front has been redesigned so that the car is barely recognizable, and now fits in with newer Nissan models such as the Ariya electric car.
An interesting detail is the grill consists of a number of small boomerang-shaped elements, which form a pattern that should imitate a samurai armor. In the samurai grill, the daytime running lights have also been integrated in a neat way.
The car has received a major facelift – Photo: Nissan
The rear has not been revised as drastically, but new LED taillights and a new bumper have been added.
The bumper has a much cleaner design than before, and now looks much sharper.
The exterior color palette has also been updated, and includes a very nice shade of green called Ocean Deep.
The interior impresses with its simplicity
In the interior, they have been more careful with the updates, which is not a bad thing, however.
When the latest generation of Qashqai was launched, it stood out by having an unusually reasonable balance between touch controls and physical buttons in the interior, and this has thankfully been chosen to keep.
Instead, they have focused on improving the materials and the technical standard. In the top versions of the car, both alcantara and leather are offered, and new color options for the upholstery offer more possibilities for individualization.
The quality feel of the buttons and controls isn’t quite up to the premium level, but for the class the standard is undoubtedly impressive.
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Welcome Google integration
On the technology front, Nissan has put the finishing touches on the infotainment system, and to future-proof and modernize, a brand new Google-based system has been installed.
The screen is larger than before, and functions such as Google Assistant and Google Maps are built-in. Of course, especially the latter is very welcome, and also easy to use.
The screen has grown and the infotainment system is new – Photo: Nissan
A big advantage of the Google system is that it is continuously updated and constantly getting better.
For those who prefer to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, these systems are also available in all model versions of the Qashqai.
An electric car that runs on gasoline
The only powertrain available when we test drove the new Qashqai was the e-Power hybrid system.
The system works in that the car is always driven forward by an electric motor, which is powered by electricity generated by a petrol engine.
The point is that the car should deliver the direct, smooth driving experience of an electric car, but still be able to refuel just like a regular petrol car.
A cheaper mild hybrid with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front or all-wheel drive will also be on the menu.
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A smooth and compliant driving experience
When you hit the road, the benefits of the unconventional powertrain quickly become apparent.
Just like in an electric car, the power is delivered directly, smoothly and smoothly. Although the Qashqai only has a small hybrid battery, it can also drive fairly long distances with the petrol engine switched off.
Even when the petrol engine starts up, you have to make an effort to hear it when driving sober. It’s really only under heavy throttle that the engine makes itself heard, and even then it’s quite quiet.
Because of the quiet powertrain, it has actually been forced to improve sound insulation, as customers complained about road and wind noise.
The drivetrain offers a smooth and compliant driving experience – Photo: Nissan
The disadvantage of the system is above all the price, which is SEK 40,000 higher than for the automatic mild hybrid. The weight also increases a bit.
On the winding Portuguese mountain roads, the chassis of the new Qashqai proved to be both stable and relatively nimble. However, if you are a little too enthusiastic with the gas pedal in the turns, the car has a tendency to understeer.
Suspension comfort is relatively good, but the large 20-inch rims on the test car mean that minor imperfections in the road surface easily find their way into the cabin.
The new Nissan Qashqai convinces
As a whole, updated Nissan Qashqai is a worthy way to extend the life of an already good and popular car.
It looks good, the interior is unusually reasonable and the integration of the new Google system is welcome. Thanks to the new paint and interior options, the car is also more expressive than many of its competitors.
Nissan Qashqai offers a pleasant overall – Photo: Nissan
In addition, the e-Power drivetrain is still a nice middle ground between a traditional gasoline car and an electric car.
As before, the updated Nissan Qashqai delivers exactly what you’d expect, offering a nice option for those looking for an affordable everyday wagon to transport the family around.
First impressions of updated Nissan Qashqai: 4/5
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Nissan Qashqai e-POWER (2024)
Engine: Electric motor, 190 horsepower, 330 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.9 sec
Top speed: 170 km/h
Weight: 1,665 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4425/1835/1625 mm
Award: From SEK 388,100