A Brief Introduction To The Nissan Qashqai

We believe the midsize SUV could come to India by early 2024 as a premium import offering

At a recent event, Nissan India showcased a trio of SUVs from the carmaker’s global lineup, which included the fourth-gen X-Trail, third-gen Qashqai and second-gen Juke. While the X-Trail has already been confirmed for a launch, the carmaker will be testing the Qashqai, pronounced ‘kash-kai’, to check its potential for our market.

Most of us are not familiar with this oddly named SUV, so here are five things you should know about it:

Stunning Inside-Out

The Qashqai has a typical Nissan-like front profile complete with the broad grille called the V-Motion grille. It is flanked by the sharp headlight setup with the angry-brow LED DRLs. Its profile features a few sharp creases and a sloping roofline. It also gets stylish dual-tone alloy wheels (up to 20-inches in the European markets) that give it a premium road presence.

At the back, it gets wraparound LED taillights like the Kicks and the ‘Qashqai’ lettering in chrome. A faux skid plate in the bumper that makes the rear look more rugged than the front rounds off the design touches of the SUV.

The Qashqai’s proportions make it hard to define its exact segment. It’s bigger than the average compact SUV like the Hyundai Creta or Maruti Grand Vitara, but smaller than mid-size SUVs like the Tata Harrier and MG Hector. However, it can be seen as an alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan or Jeep Compass.

Inside, the Qashqai has an all-black cabin theme with a silver strip running the width of the dashboard. The console layout appears to have a premium finish and is highlighted by the two large displays. Most of the controls around the dashboard are tactile with buttons and dials which is a welcome oddity for a modern-day SUV.

Technology Aplenty

Nissan has equipped the higher variants of the Qashqai with a 12.3-inch infotainment system whereas the lower-specced trims get an eight-inch touchscreen unit. The SUV also gets a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.8-inch head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic glass roof, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Safety features on board the Qashqai include up to seven airbags, a tyre pressure monitor, and a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

A Choice Of Two Powertrains

In the European markets, the Qashqai gets two petrol engines: one with mild-hybrid tech and the other with Nissan’s e-power strong-hybrid system (being offered for the first time on the SUV). While the mild-hybrid engine comes with an option of a four-wheel drive (4WD), the strong-hybrid unit only gets a front-wheel drivetrain (2WD).

Also read: Nissan To Launch Hybrids And Electric Vehicles In India, Africa And Middle East

When’s It India-bound And How Much Will It Cost?

We believe the carmaker could bring its midsize SUV to India by early 2024 following the market feasibility study. The India-spec Qashqai is expected to have a starting price of Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

Competition Check

The Qashqai will be a premium alternative to the likes of the MG Hector and Tata Harrier. Due to its pricing, it will also go up against the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass and Volkswagen Tiguan.