The Nissan Qashqai starts at $99,800 and is revamped and enhanced for 2017

The front of the Qashqai has been completely refreshed, with an integrated new front bumper fitted. It features much greater use of the car’s body colour, with the visible black plastic benefiting from a more premium gloss finish. At the rear of the new Qashqai, the redesigned bumper creates a more contemporary shape and more premium finish. On the roof, the new shark fin antenna is clearly visible where fitted.

At the heart of redesigned front face of the Qashqai is the latest incarnation of Nissan’s iconic ‘V- motion’ grille, which frames the new Nissan badge. For 2.0L variant, it has a completely flat finish; this is because the radar which forms part of the Qashqai’s Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) system is now located behind it. A flat finish allows radar waves to pass through it unhindered. A second version of the badge, contoured in a more traditional way, is fitted to 1.2L variant.

Framing the grille are new LED lamps, the ‘boomerang’ Day Time Running Lights (DRL) signature is also new, extending right across the top of the lamp unit. The result is a more contemporary and premium appearance.

In profile view, the enhancements to the Qashqai are expressed through a new range of premium alloy wheel designs in 17 and 19-inch sizes. All have been aerodynamically optimised to reduce drag. The new Qashqai has also increased in overall length by 14mm, with the total moving from 4,380 to 4,394mm.

The Qashqai’s palette of exterior colours is now enhanced with two vibrant new choices – Vivid Blue and Chestnut Bronze.

Interior enhancements

• New D-shaped multi-functional steering wheel with four-way controller.
• New nappa leather upholstery for 2.0L variant.
• New power seat with lumbar support for driver and passenger in 2.0L variant.
• New memory seat function for driver in 2.0L variant.

The impact of the premium upgrades to the Nissan Qashqai is most obvious in the cabin. They have resulted in a higher level of perceived quality and refinement, a more driver-oriented interior and an enhanced feeling of total control.Entering the car, the striking new steering wheel is the first thing drivers will notice. The D-shaped horizontal base means easier entry and exit for the driver, as well as providing a sportier look and feel. This D-shaped multi-function steering wheel with premium satin silver detailing on the central spoke, features a new four-way controller for the combimeter display, for more intuitive use and less ‘eyes off the road’ time.

In the cabin, the new premium seats are trimmed in the highest-quality soft nappa leather, with luxurious 3D quilting on the centre panels for the 2.0L variant. Now monoform in style, the seats feature an extended base and bolster shape for additional support. With a higher back and tapered shoulders, it creates a roomier cabin environment, a more cossetted feeling for the occupant and improved visibility for rear passengers.

In the 2.0L variant, the driver’s seat features electrically-controlled four-way pneumatic lumbar support. This allows drivers of all sizes to fine-tune their seating position, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue. A seat memory function with two stored positions has been added, linked to the door mirrors. Additionally, all windows can be opened and closed together remotely via the key fob.

The boot is a truly flexible load space, with a carrying capacity of 430 litres which increases to 1,598 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat.

New riding features

• Enhanced ride comfort
• Enhanced Intelligent Ride Control system
• New thicker steering shaft with Active Return Control
• Enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performanceThe Nissan Qashqai has always been renowned for its confident drive.

On ride comfort, the priority was calmer body motion and improved impact shock. This was achieved by retuning the dampers, reducing the single wheel spring rate, and modifying rubber components. The anti-roll bar stiffness has been increased to maintain handling performance. There is now reduced body motion when going over large bumps thanks to changes to the car’s Intelligent Ride Control system.To enhance handling, the engineering team has created a more secure feel and improved line traceability through corners. This has been achieved with a new thicker steering shaft and changes to the steering effort build-up around dead centre.On steering, a new technology called Active Return Control means the steering wheel now returns to centre more naturally, with improved precision during driving. The assembly behind the new steering wheel features a new dynamic damper which has resulted in less vibration reaching the driver’s hands.

There are significant improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance on the new Qashqai. More sound insulation material, and material of a higher quality, has been added inside the front doors and behind the rear wheel arches. Additional sealing around the front doors has been integrated, while the rear door glass is now thicker – from 3.15mm to 3.85mm – to improve the rear passenger experience. The road and wind noise in the cabin have been reduced and there is also less engine noise. For customers, the quieter cabin creates a more premium feeling and lowers fatigue levels.

New Nissan Intelligent Mobility Technologies

• Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection (2.0L Variant)
• Intelligent Emergency Braking (2.0L Variant)
• Blind Spot Warning (2.0L Variant)
• Intelligent Driver Alertness (2.0L Variant)
• Lane Departure Warning (2.0L Variant)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (2.0L Variant)
• Intelligent Auto Headlights with new Adaptive Front Lighting SystemNissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) is the name for the brand’s advanced technologies which make its cars more desirable by redefining how they are driven, powered and integrated into society.

The Intelligent Emergency Braking* helps to avoid or mitigate collisions using a combination of forward-facing radar and a camera. The Qashqai also comes with Blind Spot Warning* which is based on radar data that detects vehicles in the blind spots adjacent to the car.

Other NIM technologies include Intelligent Driver Alertness*, Lane Departure Warning*, Rear Cross Traffic Alert*, Intelligent Auto Headlights with new Adaptive Front Lighting System, Intelligent Trace Control, Intelligent Engine Brake and Intelligent Ride Control.

*Available only in 2.0L version

The new Nissan Qashqai is priced at the following: