Nissan says customer orders for its third generation Qashqai have already exceeded 10,000 in Europe.
The third generation of Nissan’s crossover was unveiled in February and is now arriving in dealerships across Europe.
Based on the new Alliance CMF- C platform, Nissan claims the latest Qashqai is a showcase of advanced engineering, innovation and advanced technology.
“In speaking to these first customers, we have heard consistently how much they love their current Qashqai and are excited to get behind the wheel of the new model. Many of our customers have followed us on their Qashqai journey since the first generation, so this purchase will represent their third or even fourth Qashqai. This is a real vote of confidence in how the Qashqai fits into their daily lives,” said Nicolas Tschann, General Manager, Crossover product marketing.
Like its predecessors, the styling of the new Qashqai was led by the team at Nissan Design Europe, based in central London (UK), while its engineering was led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe, situated in Cranfield, Bedfordshire (UK). It continues to be produced in Nissan’s UK manufacturing facility in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.
The new Qashqai is powered by 1.3-litre petrol engine, equipped with mild hybrid technology. The 1.3 engine offers two power outputs – 138hp and 156hp – with either a 6-speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic automatic gearbox (156hp only). The 12V mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [Xtronic only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km).
Next year, the Qashqai’s powertrain line-up will be expanded with the addition of Nissan’s unique e-Power system. It comprises a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio 154hp turbocharged petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles.
The unique element of the e-Power is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, whilst the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine, Nissan claims.