New Nissan Qashqai reinvented

With Nissan's trademark innovation and excitement at its core, the new Qashqai has been unveiled during a thrilling 3D social media digital mapping show in London, signalling the start of the second generation of crossovers. Representing a small yet significant sample of Qashqai drivers from across the world, more than 2,500 people submitted images representing the best of technology innovation. These images then came together to form the shape of the all new Qashqai, revealing its design to the world for the first time.

The second generation model is 20mm wider, 49mm longer and 15mm lower than the current car. Yet despite this reduction in height, front and rear headroom levels have actually increased by 10mm and the raised driving position remains.

As with any new Nissan, the Qashqai is packed full of innovative technology. Nissan's Safety Shield technologies now incorporate Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition along with several other vital driver aids, while Intelligent Park Assist takes the stress out of urban manoeuvres.

The innovation continues with the new Qashqai's powertrain range, which is wider and more efficient than ever. Every engine uses a turbocharger to reduce capacity, emissions and fuel consumption while maintaining excellent performance with class-leading CO₂ emissions - from only 99g/km. Efficiency is further enhanced by an extensive mass reduction programme, resulting in 40kg weight loss on some models despite the extensive addition of new equipment.

Versatility is another area where the new Qashqai excels. No area of the car's interior was overlooked in the pursuit of increased flexibility and better practicality. The boot, for example, has a luggage capacity of 430 litres with the rear seats in position - an improvement of 20 litres over the outgoing Qashqai.

The new Qashqai is based on the new CMF (Common Module Family) Renault-Nissan Alliance platform, bringing outstanding engineering efficiencies to the consumer.

The new crossover will come with two petrol variants - a 1.2-litre DIG-T and a 1.6-litre DIG-T.

Driving through a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.2-litre DIG-T turbocharged engine delivers 115bhp and generates 190Nm of torque. Despite its modest size, this engine packs a real punch, offering sharper acceleration and greater flexibility than the outgoing 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.

The more powerful 1.6-litre DIG-T engine, on the other hand, is tuned specifically for the Qashqai. With 240Nm of torque on offer, this powerplant delivers impressive low and mid-range pull, with excellent in-gear flexibility. Yet despite its strong performance, the range-topping petrol option retains impressive efficiency. Fuel consumption is 50.4mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO₂ emissions are 132g/km.