Nothing stands still for long in the highly competitive crossover segment that Nissan pioneered with the original Qashqai.

In the three-and-a-bit years since the third-generation Qashqai was launched, it has sold more than 350,000 units in Europe and continues to set the standard for crossovers – the pioneer and still the benchmark. And to maintain its place in its segment, it has received a comprehensive aesthetic refresh, as well as significant technology updates.​

From bold changes to its exterior styling to comprehensive updates to the infotainment and connected services on-board, the philosophy behind the changes to Qashqai is to keep the essence of what consumers love about the car, enhance its strengths and add even more intuitive and convenient technology.​

Exterior updates refresh Qashqai’s look

The new Qashqai exudes a sharp and modern dynamism thanks to its refreshed design.

The front grille has been updated to create a more striking first impression. Inspired by the patterns of ancient Japanese armour scales, it now consists of dozens of high-gloss, three-dimensional, comma-shaped elements which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate.

To the sides of the central portion, “commas” form a triangular shape from the new headlights down to a point to the side of the numberplate and are finished in a ”satin chrome” hot foil stamp (on the top-grade version).

The flanks of the bumper are body-coloured and a strip of black in a high-gloss finish runs below the numberplate to the lower corners of the bumper. Underneath the cooling aperture, there is a thin body-coloured “chin strap” which gives a sense of definition to the front.

Below the main lens, the daytime running lights consist of five small lenses which are the same shape as the “commas” of the main grille.

The daytime running lights now encircle the main headlight lens, joining with the thin light above the headlight which is similar to the unit on the previous Qashqai, but now has an illuminated “Nissan” on its outboard edge.

The upper daytime running light element becomes the turn indicator when activated and, for the first time, features sequential turning lights (according to the grade).

At the rear, the shape of the lights remains unchanged but the composition of the lights within the unit has been redesigned. The red lighting elements now consist of four individual elements which echo the shape of the front grille ”commas”.

They appear to float in the lens housing and are now a distinctive shade of red, known as “super red”, and bring a sense of elevated precision.

The bumper has been reshaped and now features harmonised colour – either gloss black on the higher grade versions or body-coloured on the new N-Design grade.

Likewise, when viewed in profile, the updated Qashqai on the higher grades benefits from a new gloss black finish on the body beneath the doors and wheel arches.

A new 18” diamond cut alloy wheel is now standard on the mid-grade Qashqai. For the higher grades, there is a new 19” alloy and a new 20” diamond-cut alloy wheel design.

Updates to Qashqai’s visual geometry

Three new colours have been added to the Qashqai’s palette. Pearl White is new and features a cleaner, pure tint that appears to give a glow in certain lighting conditions. Pearl Black replaces the previous black option and has a richer black tint and has the effect of sharpening the definition of the Qashqai’s visual geometry.

Deep Ocean is an eye-catching shade. It appears to sit somewhere between dark blue and metallic teal depending on the prevailing light conditions. It’s sure to spark the conversation among passers-by whose eye has been caught: “is that Qashqai blue or maybe green?”.

Five of the Qashqai colours – Pearl White, Deep Ocean, Fuji Red, Magnetic Blue and Ceramic Grey – are available in two-tone, with a black roof for a more distinctive look.

New N-Design grade

A new addition to the Qashqai line-up is the N-Design grade. Conceived to appeal to Qashqai customers who’d like their version to be particularly bold, it features unique aesthetic touches. On the exterior, the lower body portion below the doors and the wheel arches are body-coloured on N-Design. There are also unique, all-new 20” alloy wheels which bring added on-road presence.

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Upgraded interior trim

Once potential or existing Qashqai customers have had their interest stirred by the refreshed exterior, that curiosity will be heightened once they immerse themselves in the revised interior.

For the upper grades (N-Design and Tekna+), there is a new application of Alcantara on the dashboard, door inserts, door armrests, centre storage console lid and even the knee pads to elevate the on-board ambience.

New patterned materials adorn the centre console around the gear selector and the decoration insert between the upper dashboard and glovebox, underlining the attention to detail which underpins Japanese craftsmanship.

Updated seat trims have been introduced across the upper three grades of Qashqai for an even more premium feel.

Another new dimension to the elevated life-on-board feeling is the addition of ambient lighting on the N-Connecta, N-Design grades and above. Advanced red/green/blue LEDs discreetly located to allow the driver (or passenger) to personalise the interior lighting according to their own mood. On the two top grades, the LEDs are also located in the rear so all occupants can enjoy the effect.

The ambient lighting settings can be controlled via the central infotainment screen.

“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. We’ve worked hard with our colleagues on the front and rear lighting, giving a technical and precise impression and which integrates seamlessly. Inside, the new materials and ambient lighting elevate the on-board experience even further. Overall, we’re convinced crossover-buyers will love the results,” said Matthew Weaver, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe.