Nissan Reveals Striking New Qashqai Compact SUV for Europe
Nissan has revealed a refresh for its popular Qashqai SUV in Europe, and we think it looks good.
A hybrid "E-Power" model is offered with a turbocharged three-cylinder paired with a 188-hp electric motor.
The Qashqai was sold in the U.S. from 2017 to 2022, but it likely won't return.
The Nissan Qashqai has been among the bestselling vehicles in the United Kingdom for the past decade, but never enjoyed such success in the United States, where it was sold as the Rogue Sport compact crossover from 2017 to 2022. With the handsome new Nissan Kicks growing in size, we likely won't see the Qashqai return to our shores. That's a bit of a shame since the latest refresh that was revealed yesterday sports a truly striking styling.
Enter the Euro Qashqai
The new Qashqai has an angular yet cohesive design, with a wide hexagonal grille that has a pattern apparently inspired by "ancient Japanese armor scales." The small comma-shaped pieces that make up this decoration are mirrored by the LED lights in the triangular headlights, which sit beneath thin daylight running lights—which double as sequential turn signals—that shoot upward like angry eyebrows.
The shape of the taillights remains the same as the pre-refresh model, but there are new graphic elements that recall the repeating lines in the headlights. Nissan also created a new N-Design trim, which brings a body-colored rear bumper and unique 20-inch wheels.
The Qashqai's cabin is also more upscale, with the higher trim levels now wearing Alcantara on the dashboard, door panels, and center console. The trim around the gear selector features a snazzy pattern that also appears on the dash, and the seats are upgraded with partially quilted leather on the top trim. Ambient lighting is also found on many trim levels, and the touchscreen can now display an "invisible hood view" that shows the precise location of the front tires as if the hood wasn't there.
Under that hood are two mild-hybrid options that use a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder. They produce either 138 or 157 horsepower and are offered with a six-speed manual or a CVT. There's also a full-fledged "E-Power" hybrid that pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three with a 188-hp electric motor and a 1.8-kWh battery. While the Qashqai's performance isn't going to blow anyone away, the E-Power system would be nice addition to Nissan's U.S. lineup. We also wouldn't mind seeing something like the Qashqai's sharp new styling on our streets.
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