2021 Nissan Qashqai Release Date & What’s New
Published Date: 21st Nov 2020
The all-new third generation Nissan Qashqai is set to be unveiled in Spring 2021. Prototypes of the new model are currently being tested across Europe (pictured right in camo). The new Qashqai, one the UK's most popular SUV/Crossovers will bring a host of updates and new innovations:
- New mild hybrid 1.3 petrol engines offer improved efficiency and lower CO2 emission
- New e-POWER Technology brings a new, innovative approach to electric/hybrid motoring
- New lightweight materials and innovative build techniques produce a lighter yet safer vehicle
- New CMF-C platform provides improved handling and greater comfort
- New Intelligent LED Headlights can project beam further and wider when required
New Mild Hybrid Petrol Engines Deliver Improved Fuel Economy and Lower CO2 Emissions
A new 1.3-litre petrol engine available in two power outputs will be available featuring mild hybrid technology. The mild hybrids utilise brake regeneration technology to store and recycle energy along with a lithium battery under the vehicle’s floor and a belt driven generator.
The new mild hybrid powertrains combined with a new lighter platform deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions without sacrificing performance.
New Innovative e-POWER Hybrid Provides Innovative Approach
The new 2021 Nissan Qashqai will feature a hybrid for the first time, not just a run-of-the-mill hybrid either, the new e-POWER will feature unique Nissan technology.
The new e-POWER differs from traditional hybrids, firstly the electric motor is bigger, in fact it’s more comparable to what you would find in a full electric car. The electric motor combines with a high output battery and petrol engine.
The hybrid is unique in that the wheels are driven solely by the electric motor, the petrol engine is disconnected in this sense, instead the traditional petrol engine is used as a dedicated battery charger.
This new innovative system is designed to deliver power smoothly, aid fuel efficiency and reduce engine noise.
A Lighter, More Robust and Safer Qashqai
The use of Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) in the 3rdgeneration Qashqai has increased by 50%, which delivers a robust, safe vehicle without being detrimental to the weight of the vehicle.
The strength of the new Qashqai has also been boosted with new innovative bonding, welding and stamping techniques which solve traditional issues that Ultra High Strength Steel structures have posed in the past.
Weight is also saved in other areas; the rear hatch door is made from a new composite material, while the front/rear doors, front fenders and bonnet, are constructed from lightweight aluminium, all-told the new Qashqai is 60kg lighter.
The new CMF-C platform is also designed to absorb greater impact in key areas or ‘crumple zones’, the net result is a safer vehicle and less impact transferred to driver and passengers in the unfortunate event of an impact.
New CMF-C Platform Delivers Improved Handling and Greater Comfort
The new CMF-C platform offers several updates including new Macpherson struts, torsion beam set up (2-wheel drive models with 19-inch wheels) and advance multi-link set up (all-wheel drive and models equipped with 20-inch wheels).
These new updates combined with new power-steering system provide more responsive handling and improved absorption when driving over bumps or potholes. Nissan say the system delivers a best in segment balance between comfort and dynamic handing, thus the drive is more composed and quieter.
Next Generation ProPILOT Semi-Autonomous Driving System Delivers New and Improved Features
The 3rd generation Nissan Qashqai will be equipped with the next level, state-of-the-art Nissan ProPILOT driver assistance system, called ProPILOT with Navi-Link. The new system brings a wider range of semi-automomous driving aids and Nissan say it is designed to reduce driver stress and fatigue.
The ProPILOT system can aid the driver with steering, braking, acceleration, and deceleration in several scenarios.
A front camera system enables the vehicle to automatically pull off from stationary when it detects that traffic has pulled away to a certain distance, it can then accelerate to a set speed using cruise control whilst maintaining a safe distance and monitoring cars and obstacles ahead. In the event of a potential collision the system can also apply the brakes in an emergency or decelerate to a gentle stop.
A new ‘flank protection’ system can also alert the driver about a potential impact at the side of the vehicle. This is typically used in urban driving and especially useful when turning into tight areas, parking spaces etc, it also works in the same way when reversing out of a parking space.
The Cruise Control system also works in tandem with road sign recognition and it can automatically adjust the speed of the vehicle accordingly by recognising changes in speed limits.
A new navigation system also feeds information to the new ProPILOT system about upcoming bends or other obstacles like speed ramps and automatically adjusts the vehicles speed accordingly.
The new ProPILOT with Navi-link system also works in tandem with the blind-spot radar system to intervene and avoid collision with a vehicle in your blind spot. The radar system can also aid with steering to keep the vehicle safely centred in its lane on motorways.
The new ProPILOT with Navi-link system will be available with N-Connecta trim and higher.
New Intelligent LED Headlights
The 3rd generation Qashqai will feature an advanced headlight system that can adjust the shape and strength of the beam according to driving and road conditions.
The headlights are comprised of 12 individual elements that are automatically activated/deactivated on detection of an oncoming vehicle. This new tech means the lights can be brighter and the beam can be further ahead and wider, but the shape can then be quickly and automatically changed so oncoming drivers are not dazzled.