The third generation of the Nissan Qashqai is getting an update with its mid-cycle facelift, primarily featuring design changes. The project was led by Nissan’s design center in London, with support from the main center in Japan. This collaboration has resulted in a touch of the Orient in the design, particularly in the new front grille inspired by ancient Japanese samurai armor, made up of dozens of glossy black three-dimensional elements.
The work on the grille has given a new interpretation to Nissan’s classic V-Motion design, also featuring a series of satin chrome details right below the headlights. These headlights have also been significantly revised: the main light clusters are now integrated into the grille, creating a unified element, while above them are the slim LED position lights, now a trademark of the model.
The rear lights, however, remain unchanged, though the internal light composition has been updated with four individual super red-toned elements. Inside the cabin, there are minor updates aimed at improving user experience, thanks to the debut of the full suite of Google services, allowing various car functions to be controlled via voice commands.
The range is also expanding with the introduction of the new N-Design trim, recognizable by body-colored exterior moldings and Alcantara interior upholstery. Additionally, three new exterior colors are available: Pearl White, Pearl Black (replacing the previous black option), and Deep Ocean (which shifts from dark blue to aqua green depending on the light).
There are no technical changes, with the mild-hybrid variants and the top-of-the-line e-Power remaining in the lineup. The latter can move the car solely through the work of an electric motor, while the 1.5-liter petrol engine under the hood functions only as a generator. During our first drive on the roads of southern Portugal, this powertrain combination proved to be both performance-oriented and particularly fuel-efficient.
