Photo: CarPix
The Nissan Qashqai is about a year old, so our spy photographers were surprised to see it being tested once again on the sunny roads of Spain. Typically, this happens when a mid-life facelift is unveiled, but that's not what we see here.
We think this is a prototype for the US-spec Nissan Qashqai that's supposed to be launched in 2016. America has warmed up to smaller vehicles, and they're sure to like this crossover because it's better looking and more practical than a VW Golf.
A US-spec model is a good way to explain why the bumper seems more aggressive. Many companies tweak the design in this manner to appeal to the younger customers. You guys might have also noticed the camouflage over the headlights. It indicates the orange elements typical for North American models are being conceived underneath.
There is one engine available on the European Qash' that would sell in America, and that's the 1.6 DIG-T with 163 horsepower. In America, a similar engine is available with more power on the Juke. However, the Japanese automaker could also use a simpler atmospheric 2-liter to save money.
There's also a small chance that this is the fabled Qashqai Nismo. But the company recently denied ever developing such a machine, so we're not keeping our fingers crossed yet, especially with that tiny exhaust pipe.
Not only is the crossover very popular in Europe, but it's also Nissan's bestseller. America is unknowingly experiencing this vehicle already, as the Rogue is just a bigger model built using the same platform.
Almost every modern feature can be installed, from surround-view cameras to LED headlights and active safety systems. However, Nissan USA likely wants a $20,000 car to compete with the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Scion iM.
A US-spec model is a good way to explain why the bumper seems more aggressive. Many companies tweak the design in this manner to appeal to the younger customers. You guys might have also noticed the camouflage over the headlights. It indicates the orange elements typical for North American models are being conceived underneath.
There is one engine available on the European Qash' that would sell in America, and that's the 1.6 DIG-T with 163 horsepower. In America, a similar engine is available with more power on the Juke. However, the Japanese automaker could also use a simpler atmospheric 2-liter to save money.
There's also a small chance that this is the fabled Qashqai Nismo. But the company recently denied ever developing such a machine, so we're not keeping our fingers crossed yet, especially with that tiny exhaust pipe.
Not only is the crossover very popular in Europe, but it's also Nissan's bestseller. America is unknowingly experiencing this vehicle already, as the Rogue is just a bigger model built using the same platform.
Almost every modern feature can be installed, from surround-view cameras to LED headlights and active safety systems. However, Nissan USA likely wants a $20,000 car to compete with the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Scion iM.
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