This vehicle is larger than ever before and comes with 20-inch wheels.
It’s no secret that the Qashqai has been a big deal for Nissan, having sold more than three million units in Europe. The company is in serious financial trouble and the third generation crossover will be crucial to the company’s future success. The all-new model has undergone major changes both inside and outside.
The Rogue Sport is also known in the United States as the Qashqai. It has a more modern design and the same quirky headlights that we have seen on other recent Nissan products. The vehicle’s bodywork is longer and wider than ever before. It measures 35 millimeters (1.37 in), 32 mm (1.25in) wider and 25 mm (1 inch) higher. The wheelbase has been extended by the longer body by 20mm (0.8 inches).
The Qashqai’s 20-inch wheels set is a great example of the SUV’s increased size. The compact crossover’s first feature is the full-LED matrix headlights. These adjust the beam according to road conditions and incoming traffic. You have 11 options for body colors and five 2-tone combinations to personalize your vehicle.
A larger footprint has resulted in increased rear legroom, which has increased by 28mm (1in). The cabin now has more space for the driver and front passengers, while the headroom is increased by 15mm (0.6 inches) for everyone. After a 50 liter increase in cargo capacity (1.76 cube feet) the new Qashqai, the cabin is now more practical than ever. This was partially made possible by lowering the cargo floor and rear suspension repackaging.
The interior has a larger cabin and benefits from improved quality due to soft-touch surfaces, upscale switchgear, and massaging front seats. The technology upgrade includes a 12.3-inch driver’s screen and a 9.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. This supports both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. It can also be connected wirelessly.
The new Qashqai will come with a 10.8 inch head-up display, which is claimed to be the largest in its class. You won’t run out of battery power with the USB charging ports at both the front and rear. On the tech side, Nissan’s latest ProPilot driver assistance system has been implemented. Additionally, an airbag has been added between the front seats to increase safety.
Nissan keeps it simple when it comes to powertrains. There are no diesel engines available. The new Qashqai comes with a mild-hybrid, 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline motor that produces 138 horsepower (103kilowatts), 240 Newton-meters (177.5 pound-feet), or slightly more 156 hp(kW) and 265 Nm (192 lb-ft). Both engines are driven by a 6-speed manual transmission.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can be used in either front- or rear-wheel drive, allows you to choose between a front- and all-wheel-drive configuration. The Qashqai equipped with Xtronic has the 156-horsepower version 1.3-liter engine but with a bit more torque at 270 Nm (199 lbft).
The new Qashqai will come with the ePower setup, which is an upgraded version the hybrid system used in Japan’s Nissan Note. This allows for additional electrification. To increase the total power output, it switches from a 1.2- to a 1.5-liter engine (140 kW) and 335 Nm (243 Lb-ft).
The bigger story is that the combustion engine is only used to generate electricity, while the wheels are driven by an electric motor. The Qashqai with e-Power is similar to the fully electronic Leaf hatchback. It has a one-pedal design. This version cannot be purchased with AWD.
The CMF-C platform allows engineers to reduce weight in critical areas in order to compensate for hybridization’s increased size and additional hardware. The composite material has made the tailgate 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) lighter. Aluminum was used in all doors, front and rear fenders, as well as the hood, to reduce fat by 21 kg (46 pounds). Other weight-saving measures were also implemented. The white body is now 60 kg (132 lbs), lighter, and 41% stiffer than the previous version.
The majority of Qashqai models have a basic torsion beam rear suspension. However, if you choose the 20-inch wheels and the AWD setup, the multi-link system will be available. The MacPherson Strut setup is available at both axles. This will provide a more responsive steering and reduce friction.
The new Qashqai will be available in Europe by Nissan this year. More details on the Rogue Sport, which is based in the USA, will be revealed at a later date.