Top 10 differences in the new vs old Nissan Qashqai
Built in England and sold all over the world, the Nissan Qashqai has been a global success story and sells reasonably well in South Africa too. The range was face-lifted in January 2018 and here we look at the changes made in this extensive facelift.
Nissan’s Qashqai has been a leader in the Cross Over category ever since its global launch in 2007. The second-generation version was launched in South Africa in July 2014, and was a substantially revised car. Then in January 2018, a comprehensive facelift was announced.
The 2018 facelift included changes to the exterior, interior, and suspension.
The latest range
The latest range consists of 7 models. These are the 1.2T Visa, 1.2T Acenta, 1.2 T Acenta Auto, 1.2T Acenta Plus Auto, 1.5 dCi Acenta, 1.5 dCi Acenta Plus and the 1.5 dCi Tekna.
The 1.2T models use 1 197 cc turbocharged petrol four-cylinder producing 85 kW and 190 Nm of torque. The 1.5 dCi models use a 1 461 cc turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine producing 81 kW and 260 Nm of torque.
The diesels are only available in six-speed manual form. The petrol models come with a six-speed manual gearbox or with the so-called automatic gearbox, which is in fact a CVT (Constant Velocity Transmission). The Qashqai’s CVT gearbox has stepped change points to simulate gear ratio changes, thus avoiding too much of the drone-factor that typically afflicts cars fitted with CVT gearboxes.
Top 10 differences between the models launched in 2014 and 2018
- The appearance has been sharpened considerably by a new nose treatment, with a more dramatic V-pattern grille.
- The bonnet has been re-shaped on the post-January 2018 model.
- The rear bumper has also been re-styled.
- Newly-designed alloy wheels in either 17 or 19-inch diameter sizes are fitted.
- The steering wheel is new, with a so-called D-shaped rim, squared off at the bottom to provide easier access when climbing in.
- The key fob can now open or close the windows.
- There is a new “boomerang” daytime running light LED pattern on the models fitted with halogen headlamps.
- The suspension has been improved with re-tuned dampers.
- Extra sound-deadening has been added to the face-lifted model.
- The new Nissan Intelligent Mobility pack includes a raft of electronic safety features such as blind-spot warning, intelligent emergency braking, forward collision warning , cross traffic reversing alert and 360-degree surround view.
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