Carscoops: Nissan Qashqai

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Nissan Qashqai Surpasses 1 Million Sales Milestone

Nissan's well-received Qashqai model has just passed the 1,000,000 sales mark after four years in production. The compact crossover model, which is also known as the Dualis in Japan and Australia and other markets, was designed and engineered in Britain. Introduced in 2007, Nissan expanded the crossover's range with the presentation of the seven-seater, long-wheelbase version called the Qashqai+2 in 2008, while the entire series received an update in March 2010 with a refreshed design and powertrain refinements.

The Nissan Dualis, which is the Japanese market version of the firm's European Qashqai, has received some modest refinements for the 2011 model year focused on the exterior, interior and improved fuel economy.

The styling enhancements to the compact crossover's exterior are limited to the reworked front grille, the chrome detailing on the door handles and a fresh design for the 18-inch alloy wheels, plus the availability of six new colors including a Brilliant White Pearl three-coat pearl paint finish.

The almighty Nissan GT-R will be the official safety car for the 2010 and 2011 seasons of the British Superbike Championship (BSB).

The two-year-long agreement between BSB series commercial rights holder MSVR and Nissan Motor GB will see a total of fleet of twelve Nissan vehicles comprising seven different models deployed in various roles in the championship.

Nissan has given its European market compact crossover, the Qashqai, a mid-life makeover for 2010 to prolong its appeal to consumers. So what's new about the Qashqai? Well, first of all, most of the cosmetic changes concern the front end as hood, bumper, fenders, grille and headlights have all been revised giving the Qashai a much more aggressive look.

There are also two new exterior colors, revised tail lights with LED technology, and newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels.

These styling changes together with a series of other improvements are said to have reduced the Qashqai's drag coefficient from 0.34 to 0.33.

Inside, Nissan is promising new trims, better quality materials, reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels, plus a revised instrument panel cluster with a new LCD screen.

Completing the upgrades is a retuned suspension that's said to further improve handling. The engine lineup remains unchanged.

Also new for the 2010 model year, is the introduction of an eco-friendly version called 'ECO Qashqai' that is powered by Nissan's (okay, Renault's) 1.5-liter turbo diesel engine.

Nissan said that this model benefits from a series of weight saving measures, aero tweaks, low rolling-resistance tires and longer gear ratios, to achieve 129 g/km CO2.

The new Qashqai will go on sale in Europe in Spring of 2010.

New Nissan Qashqai N-Tec with Tech-Savvy Upgrades

For 2009, Nissan is adding a new trim option to its UK bound Qashqai and Qashqai+2 (that's the seven-seater model) compact crossovers. Positioned between Acenta and Tekna grades, the n-tec trim level is available across all engines and transmissions. As the name suggests, the n-tec is all about tech-savvy goodies that include Nissan's Connect infotainment system that comprises color reversing camera, bluetooth connectivity, five-inch touch screen satellite navigation with 2D/3D map, CD with MP3/WMA playback, radio, AUX socket and USB port for full iPod connection.

Large 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, satin silver roof rails and satin silver door handles along with an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver alloy pedals complete the equipment package.

Prices for the n-tec models range from £17,645 for the Qashqai 1.6 to £24,295 for the Qashqai 2.0d 4WD Auto with first deliveries expected in early May.

2010 Nissan Qazana Small Crossover: Production Model Rendered

At this month's Geneva Motor Show, Nissan took off the covers on the Qazana, an out-of-space concept study that supposedly previews the design of an all-new sub-Qashqai small crossover that is bound to enter production at the company's Sunderland factory in the UK in 2010. While we can't say how close or far the concept is from reality, the folks over at Japan's Best Car magazine attempted to give us an idea of the production Qazana with this artist's impression.

Our take? For Nissan's sake, we sincerely hope that the actual production model will look much better than both the rendering and the concept study... For more information and ~~eye-soring~~ photos on the Qazana Concept, click here.

Photo: Best Car

Love it or Loathe it: Nissan Qazana Small Crossover Study

Supposedly previewing Nissan's new small crossover model that's expected in 2010, the Qazana made its first ever appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. It goes without saying the production model that will be built at the firm's Sunderland plant in the UK, will feature a much less dramatic design that the concept study. That said, don't expect to see the Qazana's suicide rear-doors or 20-inch alloys making it into production.

"The Qazana concept is an intelligent, all-wheel drive crossover which is masculine, agile, lean, and designed for the tough city streets," said Atsushi Maeda, Studio Chief Designer, Nissan Design Europe. "Our team at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in London realized this image with the motif of a modern day beach buggy and four-seat motor-bike," Atsushi added.

Mixing SUV and a few sports car styling cues like the low roofline, the design proposal for a "baby" Qashqai is quite compact measuring 4,060mm in length (110mm longer than a Ford Fiesta but 277mm shorter than a Focus), 1,570mm in height, 1,780 in width and has a wheelbase of 2530mm.

Inside, Nissan claims that the shape of the centre console and armrest have been inspired by the fuel tank and seat of a sports motocycle. "I enjoy the sensation of being at one with my bike and wanted to capture that feeling in Qazana," said Paul Ray, senior interior designer at NDE. ""The way the structure appears through the fabric of the interior also reflects motorcycle design and construction."

The Japanese automaker did not reveal any information on the concept's mechanics other than it is equipped with the firm's next generation fully electronic ALL MODE four-wheel drive with torque vectoring system.

Nissan Releases Teaser Shot of Qazana Small Crossover Concept

The undisputed star of the Nissan stand at next month's Geneva Show will be the Qazan Concept which promises to provide a good indication of the, as yet unnamed, small crossover that the Japanese automaker is readying for production at its UK Sunderland plant from 2010. While the first official teaser shot of the car leaves a lot to the imagination, Nissan did reveal that the Qazan is a five-door model with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of 'suicide doors'.

Nissan said that the trial builds of the production version will begin in early 2010 before its introduction on the Micra/Note line. There it will take up manufacturing capacity created when production of the current Micra ends later that same year.

Trevor Mann, Nissan Senior Vice President for Manufacturing in Europe, commented: "The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune. As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year."

Nissan Adds Two New Engines to Qashqai+2 Crossover Range

In an effort to make the Qashqai+2 more affordable and desirable in an era of sluggish sales, Nissan is introducing two new smaller displacement engines to the vehicle's European range. The seven-seater crossover can now be specified with a 115HP 1.6-litre petrol and a 103HP 1.5-litre diesel engine, in addition to the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units that are already available. The 1.5-litre dCi models that come complete with diesel particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, are capable of 49.6 mpg UK (5.7 lt /100km) combined while clocking a 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) time of 13.3 seconds.

The Qashqai+2 1.6L petrol model that's equipped with a five-speed manual sees 62 mph (100 km/h) coming up in 12.9 seconds while it achieves 40.4 mpg UK (7.0 lt /100km) combined.

In the U.K. prices start at £15,495 for the 1.6 Visia, and £16,995 for the 1.5 dCi Visia. In Visia spec buyers get a huge fixed panoramic glass roof complete with powered sunshade, privacy glass and roof bars plus power windows, air conditioning, drive computer, Bluetooth hands-free, four-speaker CD audio system, six airbags and front seat active headrests. 16 inch alloys are fitted in place of the 17 inch items of 2.0-litre Qashqai+2s.

Acenta models gain 17 inch alloys, a leather trimmed steering wheel and manual gear knob, a centre rear armrest and a choice of interior trim colours. Furthermore, the audio system is upgraded to an in-dash six-disc autochanger, six speakers and steering wheel controls and the air con becomes dual zone and climate controlled. Automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and rear parking sensors complete the package.

Finally, the top of the range Tekna adds heated, leather seats with contrasting stitching, an Intelligent Key, xenon headlamps and an auto-dimming interior mirror. ESP is an option on all 1.5 and 1.6 models.

NISSAN QASHQAI+2 PRICES
	1.6 petrol	1.5dCi
Visia	£15,495.00	£16,995.00
Acenta	£16,995.00	£18,495.00
Tekna	£18,120.00	£19,620.0

2010 Nissan Subcompact SUV/Crossover Teaser Sketch

Nissan has released a teaser sketch of its forthcoming subcompact SUV/Crossover/CUV (call it whatever you want) that will be built at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, starting in 2010. We can't be entirely sure, but from the looks of it, Nissan's new crossover will most probably be a three-door model

The all-new model that will follow in the footsteps of the Qashqai Crossover will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010. Production of the next-generation Micra supermini will be shifted to a new plant in Chennai, India that is being built by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. -Continued

The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The Prime Minister said, "Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I'm pleased to welcome Nissan's new investment in the UK. Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.”

"Sunderland's success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK's position as a strong player in the global car industry," he added.

Carlos Ghosn on his behalf said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”

Nissan Qashqai+2: 7-Seater, Long-Wheel-Base Version Revealed

Earlier today we revealed to you the initial details on Nissan’s newest variant of the Qashqai –also called Dualis in Japan, Australia and elsewhere, the seven-seater Qashqai+2. No thanks to an online leak, we now have the official images of the long-wheel-base version of Nissan’s compact crossover.

Set to make its global debut at the London Motor Show in July, the Qashqai+2 features an extended wheelbase by 135 mm or 5.3 in. – taking it to 2,765 mm or 109 in.– while its overall length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in, an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version.

Additionally, Nissan’s designers lengthened the roofline and re-profiled at the rear of the vehicle, adding 38 mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm or 64.7 in. Headroom in the front and middle row of seats has increased by 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm. -Continued after the jump

At the same time, both front and rear doors have been restyled while the rear pair are completely new – longer and also with squarer window frames. According to the Japanese carmaker, these changes allowed the addition of a third row of foldable seats that are designed to fit children or adults up to 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall. Probably more important is the fact that, when the third row of seats are folded away, the Qasqhai+2 boasts almost 500 litres of potential luggage capacity, an increase of 90 litres over ithe standard Qasqhai.

The extra length and equipment found in Qashqai+2 had its toll on the cars overall weight which has been raised by approximately 100 kg or 220 pounds. According to Nissan, suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight, while steering assistance has also been retuned.

In Europe, the Qashqai+2 will offer buyers a choice of two petrol (115Hp 1.6-litre 140 Hp 2.0-liter) and two diesel (106 Hp 1.5-liter and 150 Hp 2.0-liter) versions. While the two smaller engines will be solely available with front-wheel drive, the 2.0-litre diesel and petrol models will also be offered with Nissan’s ALL-MODE four-wheel drive system.

Finally, transmission options include a five-speed manual (1.6-litre petrol), six-speed manual (2.0 petrol and both diesels), six-speed automatic (4WD 2.0 dCi) and, a CVT transmission option on the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol.