Qashqai Revealed: Nissan's New Sub-Compact AWD

By Motoring Channel Staff - 7/Sep/2006

Paris, France — With one of the most powerful men in the motoring industry presiding over ceremonies, Nissan/Renault president Carlos Ghosn yesterday presented the new Euro-styled compact crossover vehicle at an event in Paris, the Qashqai.

The unveiling of its new vehicle is a major deal for Nissan, as it predicts the new 'segment-busting' compact 4WD will be a big seller in Europe, where many buyers see the X-trail as too large but who still want to drive an AWD. And this is where the oddly-named Qashqai makes sense.

Sales of the Qashqai will begin in Europe in February 2007, and the vehicle will also be sold in Japan as the Dualis, and selected other overseas markets, including Australia.

The new compact AWD is smaller than an X-Trail and its ilk, but it larger than the Holden Cruze and Daihatsu Terios, and will go on sale in Australia sometime in 2007, for an as yet unannounced price.

Addressing the media at the launch event in Paris, Mr Ghosn was buoyant about the new model: "European customers want it all: dynamic design, driving performance and attractive premium interior. Qashqai delivers it all, which is why it will lead our sales growth in Europe and the growth in recognition of Nissan as a truly bold, thoughtful and innovative Japanese brand.

"We expect Qashqai will sell more than 100,000 units a year on average across Europe – with 80% of those customers buying a Nissan for the first time," added the Nissan chief.

Pricing will be a key feature of the new model, and will need to be if Nissan is to reach its 100,000 unit sales target in Europe. With four engine options spanning 1.5- to 2.0-litres in capacity, costs will kept to a minimum, and we're predicting a price of around $25,000 for the 1.6-litre model when it arrives in Australia in 2007.

For the European markets, the Qashqai will be offered in both two and four-wheel drive guises. Here are the engine options:

Petrol
1.6-litre: 84kW & 160Nm (115hp)
2.0-litre: 103kW & 200Nm (140hp)

Diesel
1.5-litre: dCi 78kW & 240Nm (106hp)
2.0-litre: dCi 110kW & 320Nm (150hp)

All models will be offered with 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, plus a traditional 6-speed automatic gearbox will be available alongside an advanced CVT gearbox, the latter of which will most likely return the best fuel economy figures.

The 2.0-litre versions of the Qashqai will benefit from the electronically controlled All-Mode 4x4 system (as pioneered in X-TRAIL) which can provide greater traction for safer driving and extra control in all weather. It is a front-wheel drive system to save fuel, and only diverts torque to the rear axle when the front wheels are slipping.

Though the new crossover model has a greater ground clearance than an ordinary hatchback of a similar size, Nissan is quick to point out that four-wheel drive Qashqai's have not been designed as go-anywhere 4x4s [we'll see about that - Ed].

As Nissan explains, the daring new vehicle was inspired by the concept car of the same name which was first seen at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It adds that the new crossover car will cater for car-buyers who want a more dynamic design than offered by a traditional C-segment car, but are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a compact SUV, such as the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail.

NDE, or Nissan Design Europe, came up with the Qashqai's bold new look and it represents the first new production vehicle to be designed at NDE since its move to London in 2003. Nissan explains that the development programme was led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe based in Cranfield, England, with significant input from Nissan's engineering base in Japan, which is where the original design concept began.

The vibe at Nissan is very positive about the Qashqai, where the styling marries the sleek shape of a passenger car with the strength of a 4x4, and most people at the Motoring Channel think the design works well. With a sleek, dynamic form that features a distinctive shoulder line which rises at the rear – a design cue similar to that of the Murano – the lower portion of the car suggests SUV attributes of strength and solidity thanks to large, pronounced wheel arches, elevated ground clearance and a purposeful stance. "It is a car of contrasts for a world of contrasts," noted the head of design at NDE, Stephane Schwarz.

"It is tough and compact for the city but sleek and agile for journeys away from the town. It reflects our personalities, our imagination," added Schwarz. To give you an idea of its size, the Qashqai sits between C-segment hatchbacks like the VW Golf and Ford Focus and compact SUVs like the Subaru Forester, measuring 4310mm long. At 1610mm tall and 1780mm wide it is about 100 to 150mm taller than rival hatchbacks and around 130mm lower than an SUV, and is based on the new Nissan/Renault Alliance ‘C’ platform, first seen in use with the Nissan Lafesta minivan which is sold in Asian markets like Japan and Singapore.

The new segment-busting vehicle is also well equipped, and will be offered with things such as a large panoramic glass roof, satellite navigation, reversing camera, automatic headlights and wipers and Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones. At this stage in the vehicles early lifespan, cruise control is not standard.

However, Nissan says that every Qashqai with a factory fitted audio system has standard Bluetooth integration for hands-free use of a mobile. Incoming caller ID is displayed on the audio read-out and the system has an internal phone book which can store up to 40 numbers. Once set up, a mobile phone can stay in a pocket or handbag and its presence will be automatically discovered once the car's ignition is turned on, boosting convenience and safety.

Furthermore, when sat nav is specified, the package comes complete with a colour rear parking camera. The display includes static guidelines allowing millimetre perfect parking every time, and safety systems were also a priority when kitting out the new Nissan model, so the likes of ABS, EBD, and even ESP (electronic stability programme) will be available as an option. Impressively, six airbags will be standard on all Qashqai models - dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, thorax side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags on both sides.

The big ticket options that Nissan will offer comprise of an intelligent key system, electric folding mirrors, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, cruise control, 6CD changer, ESP, satellite navigation and reversing camera. "All the standard features and options available on Qashqai have genuine practical benefits," stated Nissan's Pierre Loing.

With an impressive feature list and a strong visual presence on the road, Nissan says that the Qashqai's dynamic exterior is matched by an asymmetric interior, providing a focused cockpit environment for the driver and a relaxing space for the occupants. High seating positions provide the sense of security normally found in an SUV, but Nissan points out that the its new baby SUV is a more dynamic performer than most 4x4s with the accelerative and handling capabilities of a hatchback. Deeply recessed instruments give the cabin a sporty feeling, which is reinforced by the raised central console, claims the Japanese company, and like any modern vehicle today it is crammed with storage solutions for added functionality and flexibility.

Nissan's new sub compact SUV may ignite an entirely new market segment in the automotive world, as it has no direct competitors when relating to body size and engine capacity. "Qashqai is bold, imaginative and exciting. And it is very different to every other car currently on sale. With Qashqai, Nissan is determined to SHIFT_ convention," added Carlos Tavares, one of Nissan's key decision makers, who heads up product planning and corporate strategy at the company.

This multi-purpose vehicle will be be built at Nissan's factory in Sunderland, England, and will be on sale in Europe from February and will come to Australia sometime in 2007, and one of the road test crew will be able to provide hands-on impressions when it comes Down Under. Nissan says a typical buyer will be open-minded and progressive with a passionate appetite for life, and that sums up the the Qashqai nicely.