The Japanese automaker introduces Europe to the mid-cycle refresh of the third generation of the original compact crossover SUV - and it's a looker, for sure, even though not everything it shows is entirely original.
America may not see the return of the Nissan Rogue Sport because the all-new Kicks is now occupying its slot with the much larger (71 mm/2.8 in. longer, 41 mm/1.6 inch wider, and 20 mm/0.8 inch taller, with around 50 mm or two inches added to the wheelbase) second generation that also gets a beefier 2.0-liter gasoline engine. That way, the all-new Kicks will easily compete with the Honda HR-V.
However, over on the Old Continent, Nissan will continue to offer the Qashqai compact crossover SUV, with the third generation of the model credited for sparking the CUV madness in Europe now preparing to welcome the mid-cycle facelift. It's a deep one – even though it's not necessarily the most original.
So, to get to the elephant in the room first, if you look at the newly refreshed 2024 Hyundai Tucson and the facelifted 2024 Nissan Qashqai, you won't mistake one for the other but might also notice how they share a clever design trait – some of the lighting elements combine with the radiator grille and seem part of the same styling ethos.
Now, back to Nissan – the Japanese automaker loves its credits as the pioneer of the ultra-competitive compact crossover SUV sector and knows the European market is in constant flux, so they're bringing out the 2024 Qashqai (already in production at the Nissan Sunderland Plant in the UK) with "a comprehensive aesthetic refresh, as well as significant technology updates."
The styling upgrades include a completely new radiator grille inspired by the "patterns of ancient Japanese armor scales," and its triangular, shield-like shape is continued in the upper portion with the all-new headlight assembly. Nissan's explanations about the patterns are quite extensive or even exhausting, so take a look at the press release below if you want to get lost in detail.
"The new face of Qashqai has a more technical appearance, with more texture and eye-catching detailing. We were inspired by traditional Japanese battle costumes which combines craftsmanship with muscularity," says Matthew Weaver, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe.
Anyway, the profile appears unchanged, save for a new gloss black detail finish on higher grades and new 18-, 19-, and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheel designs. Three new colors join the existing hues: Pearl White, Pearl Black, and Deep Ocean, and five shades (Pearl White, Deep Ocean, Fuji Red, Magnetic Blue, and Ceramic Grey) can be mixed with a black roof for a distinctive two-tone appearance.
At the rear, the shape of the lights remains the same, but they feature a redesigned internal composition. Additionally, Nissan also announces the introduction of a new N-Design trim version featuring a body-colored exterior, bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels, black leather with quilting and Alcantara inserts, and a 'Qashqai' wordmark on the headrests.
Speaking of the cockpit, Nissan speaks of an "elevated interior ambiance thanks to new materials and trim," adds a 3D function to the Around View Monitor, features upgraded and more advanced driver assistance systems, and pits the updated Qashqai as its first European vehicle featuring the suite of Google built-in for the infotainment system. As before, the compact crossover SUV will be available including with e-Power, the electric powertrain with a turbo three-cylinder gas engine acting as a generator for the 188-hp electric motor or the small 1.8-kWh battery pack.
"The updated Qashqai has benefitted from a comprehensive series of technological updates. From the next generation of around view monitor, which will prove useful for our customers every day, to the introduction of Google's built-in, which makes the Qashqai part of our customers' digital life seamlessly. At the heart of Nissan's commitment to innovation is an intuitive user experience and true convenience. The updated Qashqai epitomizes those priorities," said David Moss, Senior Vice President of Region (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) Research & Development.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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