Nissan Qashqai

Nissan is getting ready to shake up the C-Segment vehicle class in Europe and Asia with the introduction of its new Qashqai (say cash-kai although they may pronounce it cash-cow after it hits the market) at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Described as a “catalyst for change”, the Qashqai may be just the vehicle that Nissan needs; although sales of C-Segment vehicles have been consistent over the past few years, the scene itself is starting to change. The market has shifted away from simple hatchbacks, with buyers wanting more practicality, versatility and different styling. Automakers responded by shrinking conventional vehicles such as SUVs and minivans to work on compact platforms, such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda5.

Nissan’s European market share in the C-Segment also has something to do with the introduction of the Qashqai. Nissan’s European-market offering in the four-door sedan range, the Almera, based off of the outgoing Sentra, never took off despite delivering attractive styling, reputable quality and a variety of different body styles and powertrains. The crossover-styled Qashqai will replace the Almera as Nissan’s only offering in the segment, and as its main competitor to the VW Golf, Ford Focus, and other volume sellers. This is different than Nissan’s North American tactic, which is to offer two separate models, the basic but extremely affordable Versa, and the upmarket, luxury-minded upcoming Sentra.
In terms of its appearance, the Qashqai looks like a shrunken Murano - particularly from its curvy rear flanks - which isn’t a bad thing. Slightly less rakish from the front, the previous toothy chrome grille is now replaced by Nissan’s more distinctive corporate nose and vertically-stacked headlamps. Overall, Nissan says that the vehicle is no longer than the current Ford Focus, ensuring an easy to maneuver vehicle.
Inside, the Qashqai combines the best of the SUV and car worlds, by offering a high vantage point, but a car-like layout with supportive seats. To create an airy feel in the cabin, the Qashqai is available with a two-toned interior colour scheme and an optional full-length laminated glass panoramic sunroof with electric sunblind. Cargo volume ranges from 387 to 660 L (13.6 to 23.3 cu-ft), the latter number when the rear seats are folded.
The Qashqai will be offered in Europe with a variety of different powertrains including 115-horsepower 1.6-litre and 140-horsepower 2.0-litre inline fours, as well as two different dCi turbodiesel engines. Before being routed to Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4 system (first seen in the X-Trail), power flows through either a five- or six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or CVT gearbox. Like the X-Trail, the Qashqai offers reasonable ground clearance, although it’s not intended for any heavy duty off-road use. ALL-MODE is standard on all vehicles equipped for those that feature the gasoline and diesel 2.0-litre engines.