Facelifted Nissan Qashqai unveiled at Geneva
Nissan Qashqai updated for 2017, promising a more premium feel and ProPILOT self-driving tech
This is the facelifted Nissan Qashqai, which has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The revised version of Europe’s most popular crossover is due on sale in July, with deliveries starting in the second half of the year.
More than 230,000 examples of the Qashqai were sold in Europe in 2016, but that hasn’t stopped Nissan from giving the its family SUV a thorough overhaul. The headline change is the addition of autonomous driving tech called ProPILOT; by the end of the year, the Qashqai will have the ability to steer, accelerate and brake itself in a single lane on motorways. Nissan can’t yet say whether or not this will be standard on top trim levels, however.
Further tech enhancements will include an upgraded emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Nissan has added its latest V-motion grille design at the front, while reprofiled bumpers and a reshaped bonnet also feature. Tweaked light clusters with a new LED running light design, and the addition of an adaptive beam system, all aim to modernise the styling.
At the rear the changes are less extensive, but the eagle-eyed will spot a new tail-light motif with a 3D lens effect. Two new colours, Chestnut Bronze and Vivid Blue (pictured) are available, as well as new 17, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels.
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Nissan claims higher-quality materials give the SUV’s cabin a more premium feel. Visible changes include a new flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel and a fresh user interface for the infotainment system. And a new range-topping Tekna+ grade has been added, bringing luxuries such as 3D-effect quilted leather upholstery. Buyers can also choose the same Bose seven-speaker sound system found in the Renault Kadjar.
The new Qashqai features modifications to the suspension and steering to improve comfort, while new insulating materials are claimed to make it more refined. No changes have been made to the range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, however, so buyers can choose from an entry-level 113bhp 1.2-litre petrol, a 161bhp 1.6-litre petrol, and 1.5 or 1.6-litre diesels. The 1.5 dCi 110 should be the cheapest to run, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
Will the updated Nissan Qashqai go straight back to the top of the crossover class? Let us know your thoughts below...
