New Nissan Qashqai, slight restyling but lots of technology on board

It's restyling time for the Nissan Qashqai, now in its third generation, which remains one of the best-loved crossovers in Italy. This is borne out by the figures: 400,000 vehicles sold in the Bel Paese since its launch in 2007, more than 20,000 of which were sold last year, confirming that the car that, according to Nissan, invented the 'crossover' category, is not affected by age, but rather, with the various innovations made over the years has maintained its appeal among Italian motorists.
And for this new Nissan Qashqai there is no shortage of innovations to keep it in step with the times and make it still attractive compared to the fierce competition in the C-Suv market.

You can't change a winning team, says a famous adage from the world of football, and Nissan, for this 2024 version, did not want to revolutionise the design, which it likes so much. In fact, the measurements remain unchanged from the model launched in 2021, namely a length of 4,425 mm, a width of 2,084 mm (with open mirrors) and a height of 1,625 mm. The wheelbase is also unchanged at 2,665 mm as is the boot, which offers a load capacity ranging from 504 to 1,521 litres depending on the position of the rear seats. What does change and is noticeable at first glance is the front end, which has been completely redesigned and gives the new Qashqai a more modern and striking visual impact. The new grille stands out, much larger and made up of dozens of three-dimensional elements in glossy black. Also new are the slimmer and more defined headlights with daytime running lights that are made up of five small lenses with the same shape as the elements that make up the grille.
New also for the bumper, completely redesigned (but without exaggerating too much in virtuosity), which is in the same colour as the bodywork in the N-Design version and in glossy black for the top of the range versions. And not to be forgotten are the new 19" and 20" light alloy wheels.

Alcantara arrives for the top versions of the range, (on the armrests and on the dashboard) and new interior lighting consists of LED lights inserted into the cabin, adjustable for intensity and colour via the central display. The real novelties inside the Qashqai concern the digital technologies that Nissan is inaugurating with this new version. First of all, the Google suite has been integrated, consisting of Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play store. Now, even without a smartphone connected, you can use Google Maps to set a journey or ask the Assistant via the famous 'Hey Google' phrase to act on the air conditioning system, seat heating, call a number in the phonebook and so on. All this, of course, without taking your hands off the wheel. If one accesses Google services via one's own account, one can set and find one's favourite points of interest once on board and have maps that are always up-to-date. With the Google Play store you have access to a variety of apps for streaming music, podcasts and so on and so forth.
Compatibility with Apple Carplay and Android Auto (both wireless) is not lacking, however.

Also new is the Around View Monitor system, which now has a 3D function that allows the car to be viewed in eight different angles directly on the central display. The same system, in symbiosis with the system for detecting moving objects around the car, warns the driver of an obstacle with an acoustic signal. Another new feature is the use of the front camera that reproduces images of the front wheels and the road around them, giving the driver a view as if he were at the back of the car. This is particularly useful when difficult manoeuvres have to be made due to limited space or when there are kerbs, steps and other low obstacles on the road surface that can damage the wheels if the manoeuvre is not done correctly.

Nothing new in terms of engines: petrol and electrified variants are offered. The 'basic' version relies on a 4-cylinder 1.3 mild hybrid engine with 140 or 158 hp. Without doubt the most interesting version is the one with the e-Power system, which combines a 3-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 1.85 kWh battery. This gives a total output of 190 hp. Consumption in this case (although pending type approval) is 6.2-7.1 l/100km for the mild hybrid and 5.1-5.3 l/100km for the e-power model.