The new third-generation Nissan Qashqai will be released in Australia in the second half of 2022, with the SUV picking up a new turbo engine and a hybrid powertrain to rival the likes of the Toyota C-HR and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
A variety of delays mean the latest Qashqai has arrived in Australia later than initially intended, and the SUV has been on sale in the United Kingdom – where it is built – for over a year.
As with many manufacturers, Nissan has been affected by a shortage of semiconductor chips used to run the onboard electronics in modern cars.
The new Nissan Qashqai will come in four grades
As reported by Chasing Cars in late 2021, the latest Qashqai will continue to offer four grades, ranging from the ST through to the top-spec Ti. A summary of equipment is available at the end of the article, with pricing expected to be announced soon.
Turbo petrol now, e-Power hybrid still to come
When it lands in Australia, the Qashqai will initially be offered solely with a downsized – but more powerful and torquey – 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW/250Nm, connected to a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD).
But the powertrain we are all looking forward to is the e-Power hybrid model which employs a 115kW 1.5-litre petrol engine that works as a generator to provide electricity for the 140kW/330Nm electric motor.
The Qashqai goes a bit sporty with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and sports dials
This system is called a range-extended hybrid and differs from the system used by Toyota which is a series-parallel setup in that the petrol engine does not drive the wheels, but instead generates power for the battery and motors – which motivate the vehicle.
It’s a bigger car, too, with nearly every dimension 30mm bigger than before. The Qashqai measures in at 4425mm long, 1835mm wide and 1625mm tall with a wheelbase measuring 2665mm.
The Qashqai also gains multi-link rear suspension even on the base variant which is uncommon as a torsion beam setup is much cheaper.
We are expecting Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system to come with time
Even on the base Qashqai ST, the car comes standard with equipment such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 7.0-inch driver’s display, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker sound system, LEd headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Higher level variants such as the ST-L and Ti build on this standard specification. The ST-L will include wireless charging, leather-accented upholstery and a power driver’s seat. Larger 19-inch alloy wheels, LED indicators and adaptive headlights also make this trim level stand out from the outside.
The top-of-the-range Ti variant will add a panoramic sunroof, unique rear bumper, ambient lighting and a black roof headliner. Also standard for the Ti are features including a 12.3-inch digital driver’s cluster, ten-speaker Bose stereo and quilted leather seats that include both heating and massage functions for the front occupants.
