Nissan's Second Generation Qashqai Takes Crossovers to the Next Level of Technology

While crossovers certainly existed in Europe before the introduction of the NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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QashqaiNissan QashqaiJapan, 2006 > 2014305 versions
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in 2007, it offered a mix of style, power and price that grabbed consumers and sold 2 million units over the course of its generation. Now, Nissan is introducing the second generation Qashqai and hoping that it has the mix right again, but this time it will have to stand up against a host of imitators.

The newest generation gets a styling update with Nissan’s new V-shaped corporate face with vertical L-shaped LED running lights flanking the headlights and optional full LED headlights. The latest generation is 49mm longer, 20mm wider and 15mm lower. It uses the new CMF (Common Module Family) RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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-Nissan shared platform. The new platform cuts weight by 40kg over the previous generation.

The second generation Qashqai will be available with four turbocharged engines – two diesels and two petrols. The base engine is the 1.2 DIG-T with 113hp and 140lb-ft of torque (190Nm) and a six-speed manual with standard start/stop. It emits 129g/km of CO2 and uses 5.6l/100km. The 1.6 DIG-T with 148hp and 177lb-ft (240Nm) will be available in the summer. It will emit 132g/km of CO2 and use 5.6l/100km. The diesel options begin with the 1.5 dCI with 109hp and 99g/km of CO2 emissions. It uses 3.8l/100km and comes standard with start/stop. The other diesel option is the 1.6 dCI with 128hp. It will be offered with two-wheel or all-wheel drive. The two-wheel drive version uses 4.4l/100km and emits 115g/km of Co2, and the all-wheel drive version uses 4.6l/100km and emits 129g/km of CO2.

One of the biggest changes to the Qashqai is the massive update it is getting in safety technology. It is available with Nissan’s Safety Shield that combines front collision avoidance, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, moving object detection, high beam assist and park assist.

Inside, Nissan is adding its new NissanConnect infotainment system with a 7in touchscreen and smartphone connectivity. It can download apps to add functionality in the future. It also has Google search and send-to-car functions. There is a secondary 5in display in the instrument panel for further driver information.

Orders for the new car are available now and deliveries will begin in January, 2014. All second generation Qashqais will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland, England, factory.