Words Marco Rallo / Photos Andy Williams

An important update arrives for the third generation Nissan crossover. An undisputed sales champion from the very moment the first unit rolled off the assembly line in 2007. Many years have passed since then, and in the meantime the Japanese brand has done nothing but consolidate its leadership in what is, in all likelihood, the most important segment in terms of sales volumes. Not just in Europe. While its characteristics have remained unchanged at least from a purely dimensional standpoint and in terms of intended use, today’s Qashqai is a car that is fully mature in every respect.

The mid-life facelift is more than evident, something that is by no means a given among many of its competitors. It is in fact impossible not to notice the new trapezoidal front grille and the very slim headlight clusters that taper toward the edges, all in favor of a clean design language also seen on other models of the brand, giving it a strong road presence. Of course, the large optional 20-inch wheels contribute to this effect, as does the color combination of the red bodywork with gloss-black pillars that lead the eye toward a large, fully glass roof, an excellent solution for making the already comfortable cabin even brighter.

Every feature of the Qashqai is designed around what really matters in a car of this type: making everyday life easier. From a purely aesthetic point of view, Nissan’s crossover is incredibly fresh-looking and offers excellent space for five passengers, despite its overall dimensions still allowing for easy use in urban environments, even the most chaotic ones. Inside, we find an environment where hard plastics are kept to a minimum, allowing us to enjoy an Alcantara-trimmed dashboard, leather seats and a responsive and precise infotainment system, especially when it comes to Google Maps navigation. The central touchscreen measures 12.3 inches and is paired with the optional digital instrument cluster, which integrates all useful information and is further complemented by the head-up display.

As we’re testing it, only hybrid versions are available. These include two 1.3-liter Mild Hybrid units producing 140 or 158 horsepower (like the one here) and a single Full Hybrid option, available only with front-wheel drive but powered by a more lively 1.5-liter engine delivering 190 hp. Choosing the automatic transmission means taking home one of the key elements for completing the configuration and making every mile behind the wheel of the Qashqai as relaxing as one could wish. This is precisely because the car moves with precision, remains quiet (even when cold) and offers the option to manage engine revs via the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. These are never truly necessary, not even when using Sport mode (in addition to Standard and Eco), as the transmission performs flawlessly even when left entirely to its own devices.

We naturally have an excellent climate control system (dual-zone in our case), smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, heated seats and numerous ADAS systems, which unfortunately must be deactivated at every start-up. Aside from that, it is exactly the Qashqai we expected to find: the natural evolutionary continuation of the generations that came before it, yet always refined and worthy of being called the best crossover on the market. Prices start at just over €32,000 for the 140 hp version, €35,300 for the 158 hp variant and €37,900 for the most powerful model currently on the price list.

Never more than in this case — especially considering that this is a more than fair request — the money will be well spent on a product that manages to meet the needs of 90% of motorists and 100% of more traditional users. The fact that it is also an incredibly successful design only adds value to a car capable of winning everyone over with its reliability and surprising on-road precision. If I really had to point out a flaw, I could mention a braking system prone to fade, but I only noticed this on a couple of occasions and when driving in a manner that does not really suit a crossover, one that has no interest in engaging in discussions centered around speed and outright performance. The best Qashqai ever is the best crossover you can buy today. It really doesn’t get any clearer than that.