Nissan Qashqai Starts Testing: All You Need to Know

Cashing in on the success of the Magnite, Nissan is all-set to launch new and unique models in the country. Showcased last month during an event in New Delhi, the company is evaluating three new models for India including the flagship X-Trail, Qashqai and the sub-compact Juke for India. While the X-Trail has been confirmed under heavy camouflage.

So, without further ado, let's dive straight into the details of the Nissan Qashqai.

Nissan Qashqai: Design & Exterior

Nissan Qashqai

Despite the heavy wrap, the test mule showed off the typical Nissan styling from underneath. The tell-tale signs included the rather aggressive LED DRL styling visible alongside the V-Motion grill. At the rear, we could see the new wraparound taillights along with the Qashqai lettering in chrome. Overall, it sports a dynamic appearance thanks to the slim LED taillights and a dual-tone roof. The side profile also gets a rather tough look, with the two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels (present in markets abroad) giving it a rather mean road presence.

Nissan Qashqai: Interior, Features & Safety

Qashqai Interior

Moving on to the inside, the higher trims of the Qashqai get 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.8-inch head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic glass roof and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, while all-black interior with silver accents is standard. The console finish feels premium and is boosted by the two displays mentioned above. As far as safety is concerned, the Qashqai gets Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, a tyre pressure monitor and up to seven airbags.

Nissan Qashqai: Powertrain

Qashqai Gear

In the markets abroad, the Qashqai gets two petrol engines: one mild-hybrid tech paired with an option of a 4WD and the other with Nissan’s e-power strong-hybrid system with only FWD setup. The 1.3-litre mild hybrid engine pushes up to 160 hp, with automatic and manual options, while the 1.5-litre strong hybrid engine produces around 190 hp and is paired to an e-CCT gearbox only. Since this will be a direct import-only option, the powertrain options are expected to be the same as the global model.

Nissan Qashqai: Price, Launch Timeline & Rivals

Slotting in between an awkward place, being larger than the compact SUVs like the Maruti Grand Vitara or the Hyundai Creta, but smaller than mid-size SUVs like the MG Hector and the Tata Harrier, the Qashqai could instead find its competitors in the Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson. The Qashqai could come to India in 2024 and will come as a CBU import only.