Nissan dropped the covers from the third-gen 2021 Qashqai crossover, which should arrive in North America as the Rogue Sport.
The compact crossover is one of the best-selling cars for the Japanese automaker, with three million units already sold in Europe. The all-new 2021 Qashqai comes with more aggressive styling and new electrified powertrains.
Much Sportier Appearance
Notably, the third-generation Qashqai has received an entirely different styling. Now, the front fascia features a larger V-motion chrome front grille, slim LED matrix headlamps, and boomerang-shaped signature daytime running lights.
Furthermore, the 2021 Qashqai is 35mm longer, 25 mm higher, and 32mm wider, giving it a bold on-road presence. The vehicle’s wheelbase is also 20mm longer, highlighted by larger 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Besides, the company offers 16 color variations, including 11 body colors and five two-tone combinations.
The Cabin is Roomier and Employs Hi-Tech Features
Meanwhile, the interior features a larger 9-inch NissanConnect infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Nissan also included a 12.3-inch display instead of analog instruments, showing multiple information such as navigation, traffic, entertainment, and more. The driver can control the features through a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel.
Moreover, there is also an option for a 10.8-inch head-up display which is the biggest in the segment. Other interior tweaks include Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice command support, remote control of horn, lights, and door locking via NissanConnect Services smartphone app, in-car Wi-Fi with up to seven device connectivity, front and rear USB charging ports, and more.
It’s not all about technology, though. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the 2021 Qashqai provides more space for the rear passengers. Notably, the knee room has increased by 28mm, thus being one of the largest in its class. The minor increase in the SUV’s height has also raised the front and rear headroom by 15mm.
Besides, Nissan has also improved the front, side, and rear visibility by repositioning the door mirrors, making the front pillars thinner, and creating a wider windscreen opening angle. Families will also be happy to learn that the rear doors open to 90-degrees, providing easier entry and exit and better access to babies and toddlers. Cargo capacity is up by 50-litres thanks to the revised rear suspension, which lowers the cargo floor by 20mm.
The 2021 Qashqai Features Only Electrified Powertrains
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai also received big upgrades under the bonnet. The base model packs a mild-hybrid 1.3-liter DiG-T turbocharged petrol engine with 138hp and 177lb-ft(240nm) of torque. This engine is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive.
Nissan also offers a more powerful version of the same engine, producing 156hp and 192lb-ft(260nm) of torque. The higher-end engine is available with a 6-speed manual and an Xtronix CVT, and an all-wheel-drive system.
However, the highlight of the 2021 Qashqai range is the new e-Power hybrid drivetrain. Unlike competing hybrids, Nissan uses the 1.5-liter petrol engine only to charge the 187hp electric motor. Therefore, the petrol engine acts as a generator and doesn’t power the wheels directly. Nissan also employed its e-Pedal technology, which provides one-pedal driving.
The new Qashqai will arrive at dealerships in Europe this year. Stay tuned for pricing details in the future and updates on the 2022 Rogue Sport.
Gallery
