The improved version of Nissan's third generation Qashqai remains the definitive, volume brand lower-mid-sized family SUV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The updated version of Nissan's third generation Qashqai makes a bit more of a style statement and gets much more sophisticated media tech. Added to the electrified engineering and practicality attributes of the original MK3 model, it makes for a super-strong lower mid-sized crossover contender.

Background

It's difficult to say when the Nissan brand would be without the Qashqai model line. This is the car that sustained the company through the last decade and, though much copied, continues to be the market's definitive lower mid-sized family crossover, the original J10 version first launched in 2006, then updated with a MK2 J11 model in 2013, with the current third generation J12 design introduced in 2021. It's also to some extent a British success story, assembled in Sunderland. So why mess too greatly with a winning formula? Yet Nissan has. The car we look at here, announced in Spring 2024, isn't an all-new Qashqai but it looks like it, as fundamental a facelift as you'll ever see. The engineering and basic cabin architecture is carried over though; just repackaged for a new era. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Nissan hasn't made any engineering changes here: it didn't need to. The full-EV version (arriving shortly) is still to come but the existing combustion powertrains were already electrified in various ways. The most affordable models use a 1.3-litre 12V mild hybrid petrol engine (co-developed with Renault and Mercedes), which comes in DIGT140 or DIGT158 forms, the latter available with the option of a 4WD system. As usual with set-ups of this sort, a small lithium-ion battery gives a fraction more mid-range punch and takes care of engine stop/start duties. The 4WD set-up features five driving modes (Standard, ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road) and shifts power to the rear wheels as traction requires. Handling across the range is aided by the stiff CMF-C platform. As usual with a Qashqai, there's a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT Xtronic automatic transmission. Choose the AWD variant and you have to have the auto. We should say a little about the alternative e-POWER hybrid engine too, a 1.5-litre petrol unit driving the front wheels and mated to a 140kW electric motor: the total power output is 190PS. Inevitably, it only works with auto transmission, but does so more smoothly than with the CVT autos used in some full-Hybrids thanks to a feature called 'linear tune' which ties engine speed to road speed. Nissan has also engineered in its 'i-Pedal' tech, which increases energy regeneration when you come off the throttle. This doesn't slow the car as much as it would with the company's LEAF and Ariya full-EVs, but it will mean that in normal motoring, you'll be using the brake pedal a lot less.

Design and Build

Facelifts are generally nip and tuck affairs: not this one. Nissan decided that this third generation Qashqai needed a completely new look to help it stand out in its crowded market. Hence the more aggressive front end and the larger grille with finishing apparently inspired by the ancient armour scales of Japanese Samurai helmets. The front bumper is different, the headlamps are new and there's a sharper daytime running light signature. Smarter wheels, new LED tail lamp clusters and a revised lower bumper complete the changes. The tail lights include small floating elements below larger boomerangs and feature sequential indicators for the first time. It's a lot harder to change interior architecture than it is to alter a few exterior panels and, sure enough, the changes are a lot more subtle inside. If you owned the original version of this MK3 model, you'll notice the smarter dash and centre console finishes, plus the plush upholstery, which can be partly quilted and features Alcantara inserts further up the range. The bigger change lies with the centre screen - which is now 12.3-inches in size. The computer that runs it is now several times more powerful, enabling a switch further up the range to Google's Android Operating System. With this, apps can be downloaded directly onto the car's entertainment software itself, rather than by hooking up to a smartphone with 'Apple CarPlay' or 'Android Auto' (which you can of course still also do). Other cabin changes include new graphics for the instrument screen, a better quality camera for the 'Around View Monitor' system and a 64-colour ambient lighting set-up. Obviously, nothing's really changed with regard to the back seat and the boot. The rear seat can take two adults comfortably, but three would be a squash. The hatch reveals a wide and deep aperture, and the lip's sensibly low. Nissan redesigned the suspension of this MK3 Qashqai, giving a useful loadspace capacity of up to 504-litres with all seats in place, enough to take up to seven carry-on cases. It's worth pointing out though, that this figure falls as you ascend the range - the 'N-Connecta' and 'Tekna' versions many customers choose have only 479-litres and this top 'Tekna+' trim, hobbled by the need to accommodate an upgraded BOSE audio system, sees that figure fall to just 455-litres.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £30,000, which makes it look like they've risen quite a bit, but that's only because Nissan is no longer offering the poverty-spec entry-level 'Visia' version. The range now starts with 'Acenta Premium' trim, then, as before, rises through 'N-Connecta' and 'N Design' to 'Tekna' and on to 'Tekna+'. With a decent spec and the e-POWER engine, you're probably going to be paying in the £35,000-£40,000 bracket for this enhanced Qashqai - which takes this model line quite a way from its affordable roots. To be fair, you do get quite a lot more technology for your money with this improved version of the third generation model. Take the included Nissan Connect app, which can now be had with features like live tracking of the car's location if it's stolen; and to prevent that from happening in the first place, it'll alert you if the car hasn't been locked. Upper-spec models also now get an improved version of Nissan's 'Around View Monitor' system; it now has a clever 3D function which allows the driver to monitor the car from eight different angles - the front, the rear, the sides and the corners, as well as from the top down. As before, Xtronic auto models can be equipped with Nissan's 'ProPILOT' driver assistance technology. The system is able to accelerate and brake the vehicle within a single-lane on a highway, plus this set-up takes care of steering duties and can adapt to things like changing speed limits. 'ProPILOT' can communicate with the Qashqai's blind-spot radars to help intervene with a steering input correction to help prevent a lane-change manoeuvre if there is a vehicle in the blind-spot zone.

Cost of Ownership

We've remarked before that mild hybrid technology promises more than it ultimately delivers in terms of fuel frugality and CO2 benefits - and so it still is here. The figures produced by this third generation Qashqai's mild hybrid 12V 1.3-litre DIG-T petrol units are reasonable, but not exceptional - and certainly not as good as you'd get from the kind of proper Hybrid unit you could have in, say, a rival Vauxhall Grandland or Peugeot 3008. In WLTP terms, think 44.8mpg on the combined cycle and 141g/km of CO2 for both front-driven versions of the mild hybrid engine. It's 40.9mpg and 155g/km for the 4WD auto version. The mild hybrid system adds just 22kg to the overall vehicle mass. When decelerating, energy is recovered through regeneration and stored in the lithium-ion battery for use in acceleration or when the car is using its stop/start system. Qashqai customers for whom efficiency is everything will be drawn to the e-POWER full-Hybrid model, which is of the self-charging (ie. Non-Plug-in) variety and manages up to 54.3mpg and 117g/km. This electrified unit differs from those of other Prius-like full-Hybrid powerplants in that the petrol engine is unconnected to the driven wheels and is instead used exclusively to power the electric motor. Nissan reckons this set-up can deliver better fuel economy and enhanced emissions, while also providing the instant acceleration of a pure electric car. The Qashqai e-POWER, like Nissan's LEAF full-EV, also offers an 'e-Pedal' which can be used for both acceleration and deceleration. Plus this model can drive for small distances (under two miles) with the engine off. Insurance groups are in the 12-26 bracket.

Summary

This improved version of the third generation Qashqai feels like a new model - and in many ways it is. It's not just the reinvigorated looks. The media hub of the car, its centre screen, now offers infotainment at a completely different level, so this Nissan will integrate into your family life so much better. True, the cabin quality still isn't a match for premium brand rivals. But you're not (quite) paying premium brand prices. And the sharp handling will please, plus there's as much practicality as you really need. In short, the class leader has just upped its game. The changes made here are more than you'd expect from a facelift, but everything you'd expect from a segment champion.

Body Glass

Rear privacy glass

One touch passenger window

Rain sensing wipers

Splash free rain sensing wipers

Auto rear wiper when reversing

One touch front and rear electric windows with remote opening and closing

Super UV and infrared cut glass

Brakes

Hill start assist

Autonomous emergency braking

ABS with EBD and brake assist

Electric handbrake with auto hold function

Vehicle dynamic control

Intelligent rear automatic braking

Intelligent blind spot intervention

intelligent front emergency braking

Communication

Wireless charging pad

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

2 front USB-C ports

2 rear USB-C ports

In-car WIFI hotspot

Driver Aids

Electric speed sensitive power steering

Lane departure warning system

Front and rear parking sensors

Intelligent Cruise control (ICC)

Rear cross traffic alert

Intelligent speed assist

Blind spot warning

Intelligent lane intervention

Intelligent driver alert system

Traffic jam pilot

Traffic sign recognition with legal speed adjustment

Intelligent forward collision warning

Drive modes (sport, normal, eco, snow, off-road)

Maximum speed limiter

Driver drowsiness and attention warning

Event data recorder

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

Drive assist custom mode

Reversing detection

360 degree Intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection

Nissan connect services 2.0 (Google Automotive System)

Google virtual personal assistance

Nissan connect navigation with google maps

Propilot assist with Navi-Link

Driver Convenience

Engine start/stop button

Idle stop/start system

Driver Information

Trip computer

Outside temperature sensor

Emergency and breakdown call

Remote control services - door locks, lights, horn and car locator

Full Digital 12.3" TFT Digital Combimeter

Emergency lane keep assist

Nissan connect 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system

Driving Mirrors

Body colour mirror caps

Auto dimming frameless rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED turn indicator

Electric auto folding door mirrors

Entertainment

6 speakers

Bluetooth audio streaming

AM/FM audio system with DAB

Exterior Body Features

Rear roof spoiler

Bodyside mouldings

Silver roof rails

Body coloured door handles

Shark fin antenna

Partially body coloured bumpers

Chrome side window finisher

Rear styling plate

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

High beam assist

LED rear lights

Intelligent auto headlights

Three blink turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic climate control with pollen filter

Interior Features

Cloth upholstery

Front cupholders

Chrome interior door handles

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Steering wheel gearshift paddles

Multifunction steering wheel

Front centre console and armrest

Rear door bottle holders

Luggage board system

12v power socket in dashboard and luggage

Front door with bottle holders

Smooth leather steering wheel

Fixed Glass roof with electric sunshade

Rear seat armrest with 2 cupholders

Interior Lights

Luggage space lighting

RGB ambient light (Full area coverage)

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Child locks on rear doors

Driver, passenger and 2nd row rear seat belt reminder

Curtain and front side, far side airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Seats

Passenger seat back pocket

Height adjustable front headrests

Driver seat back pocket

3 rear headrests

Height adjustable passenger seat

Height adjustable driver seat

60/40 split folding rear seat bench

Two rear isofix child seat anchorage points with top tether

Electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Engine immobiliser

Thatcham alarm

Remote central door locking with deadlocking

Intelligent key with walk away lock and approach unlock functions

Transmission

Limited slip differential

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" Diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 163

Noise Level dB(A): 65

Particles: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 195

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 132

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 155

Engine and Drive Train

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Engine Code: HR13

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72.2

CC: 1332

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 81.4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 40.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.9

General

Badge Power: 158

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 21E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Series: N-Connecta Glass Rf

Coin Description: DiG-T MH 158

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Top Speed: 123

Engine Power - BHP: 158

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.9

Engine Power - KW: 116

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - NM: 270

Engine Torque - MKG: 27.5

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 199

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Wheel Style: DIAMOND CUT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2665

Width: 1835

Length: 4425

Width (including mirrors): 2084

Height: 1625

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1502

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2040

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 538

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 479

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1422

Max. Roof Load: 75

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Pearlescent paint

Additional special metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Blade silver

Metallic - Gun metallic

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Black

Pearl - White

Pearl - Fuji sunset red

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Magnetic blue

Special metallic - Ceramic grey

Special metallic - Ocean deep

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Black with melange fabric inserts