Words Carlo Brema / Photos Richard Montagner

The father of all crossovers reaches its third generation and for the occasion undergoes a deep update that rejuvenates not only the aesthetic side, but also the mechanical one. Available with a prevalence of light hybrid units, the so-called Mild Hybrids, we have two power steps with 140 and 158 horsepower, or the variant powered by a 190 hp 1.5-cc Full Hybrid, the latter with front-wheel drive only. That of our test sits exactly in the middle of the price list, however it ticks important options in order to embellish on board coexistence, such as all-wheel drive and Xtronic transmission, which is a continuously variable CVT capable of simulating 7 speeds, preferable compared to the manual gearbox if you’ll mainly drive in urban centers. 

At first glance, the differences are immediately noticeable, with a look characterized by more taut lines and sharper details, such as in the rear and above all the front light groups, which are, so to speak, broken up by a profile bearing the model name itself: Qashqai. The platform is all new and result of the Renault-Nissan partnership, which allows saving 60 kg on the scale, just for the chassis. Overall dimensions almost unchanged, with a gain of 3 centimeters in length that brings the Nissan crossover to 443 centimeters, 184 wide and 163 high. On board there is room for five people and 504 liters of luggage, also appreciating the considerable luminosity granted by the glass surfaces and by a rear window which does not excessively sacrifice visibility when maneuvering, however facilitated by the rear view cameras.

On board you can breathe a significant step forward, with a passenger compartment that is now more modern and uses softer materials, intelligently masking the more rigid plastics present mostly in the lower part of the dashboard. We have a 9″ display with a new infotainment system which, despite not featuring cutting-edge graphics, works well and is able to quickly connect up to 7 devices via Wi-Fi. In front of the driver there is a fully digital 12.3-inch configurable dashboard which is completed by the head-up display: in short, you get tons of screens, but fortunately the climate controls remain physical, certainly faster and safer to use, especially while moving.

It is truly perceived that the passenger compartment of the new Qashqai moves the bar upwards and does so with a simple design, the result of an indispensable practicality in a segment in which everything must be functional and close at hand. The engine is – as mentioned – a hybrid unit consisting of a 1.3-cc 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 12-Volt electric motor, which recharges itself while moving and takes care of supplying energy to the electrical system and alleviate the work of the combustion one. Furthermore, for a maximum of 20 seconds, it generates 6Nm of extra torque, which, although it doesn’t make the eyes pop out of their sockets, allows you to move with moderate agility, perhaps when overtaking, or clearing an intersection.

The CVT is surprisingly comfortable and being in this case combined with all-wheel drive, it allows you to overcome snow-covered stretches, even with tires that are not exactly suitable for the cold season. The sense of security offered by the Qashqai is always the same, but the perception that reigns on board is that of a car that has reached the pinnacle of its evolution and now represents much more than a simple crossover, ideal for an all-round coexistence. It is a pleasant car to drive and finished as befits a higher category, with a price starting at €27,030 for the more modest 140 horsepower variant and with front-wheel drive only. An example like the one of our test requires a more important figure and if to have 158 horsepower you have to consider spending at least €33,670, 4WD, CVT gearbox and the Tekna set-up come close to €40,000. A purchase which, as revealed by previous generations, effectively carries on the world of crossovers and is now also capable of offering an aesthetically pleasing environment in which to spend those driving moments which are not made to excite, but which represent the need to move in an everyday life now made better thanks to those who have once again rewritten the rules of the game.

NISSAN QASHQAI MHEV XTRONIC 4WD

Engine 4 cylinder Mild Hybrid, 1.332 cc Power 158 hp Torque 270 Nm

Traction All-Wheel-Drive Transmission 7-Speed CVT Automatic Gearbox Weight 1.532 kg

0-100 kph 9,9 sec Top Speed 199 kph Price from€39.680