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Nissan presented its new Compact Crossover, the Qashqai, at an event hosted
in Paris by Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s President and CEO.
Inspired by the concept car of the same name that was presented at the 2004
Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai is a new vehicle for Nissan in Europe, with sales
starting in February 2007.
It will cater for those car-buyers who want a more dynamic design than
offered by a traditional C-segment car, but are not attracted to the large,
aggressive nature of a compact SUV.
The design of the car was led by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) and it represents
the first new production vehicle to be designed at NDE since its move to London
in 2003. The development program was led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe based
in Cranfield, England, with significant input from Nissan’s engineering base in
Japan. Qashqai will be produced at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, England.
As well as European sales, Qashqai will also be exported from the Sunderland
factory to Japan – where it will be named Dualis – the Middle East and
additional overseas markets.
The Qashqai is described as a crossover as it inhabits the area where
passenger car attributes meet those of a 4x4. In terms of design, the top half
of Qashqai is reminiscent of a dynamic passenger car, with a sleek, dynamic form
that features a distinctive shoulder line which rises at the rear – a design cue
similar to that of the Murano.
The lower portion of the car suggests SUV attributes of strength and solidity
thanks to large, pronounced wheel arches, slightly elevated ground clearance and
a purposeful stance.
The interior has been designed to give the driver a focused cockpit feeling,
with a clear separation between them and their passenger. The deeply recessed
instruments give a sporty feeling to the driving environment – a feeling
reinforced by the raised central console. However, the front and passenger
environments have been designed to feel airy, spacious and relaxing.
In terms of size, QASHQAI sits between C-segment hatchbacks and SUVs. It has
a wheelbase of 2630mm, it is 1610mm tall, 1780mm wide and 4310mm long. It is
about 100mm longer than a typical hatchback but 150mm shorter than a typical
SUV. Similarly, it is taller than rival hatchbacks by between 100 -150mm yet up
to 130mm lower than an SUV.
Four engine options will be available, two diesel and two petrol offerings.
The 1.6-litre petrol offers 115PS of power and 160Nm or torque, while the
2.0-litre produces 140PS and 200Nm. The diesel engine options – 1.5- and
2.0-litre - provide 106 and 150PS, respectively and 240 and 320Nm of torque.
Several gearbox options are available, according to engine choice. These
include a five- and six-speed manual, a new six-speed automatic and a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) option with manual mode.
Both 2.0-litre engine options can be specified with Nissan’s advanced
ALL-MODE 4x4 system which gives added security and stability in marginal
conditions.
Speaking at the launch event in Paris, Mr Ghosn said: “European customers
want it all: dynamic design, driving performance and attractive premium
interior. Qashqai delivers it all which is why it will lead our sales growth in
Europe and the growth in recognition of Nissan as a truly bold, thoughtful and
innovative Japanese brand.”
“We expect Qashqai will sell more than 100,000 units a year on average across
Europe – with 80% of those customers buying a Nissan for the first time. Before
Qashqai, they drove a premium C-segment car, a compact 4x4 or a D-segment car,”
added Mr Ghosn.
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