Nissan Qashqai (2021) On Sale In June

Nissan Ireland has confirmed that the new Nissan Qashqai is expected to arrive in Irish dealer showrooms this June. The car that created the crossover segment back in 2007 will return in summer 2021 with an all-new third generation Nissan Qashqai, featuring electrification for the first time and a host of other technology features.

The Qashqai has been an amazing success in Ireland since it launched here, with over 50,000 already on the road and a further 20,000-30,000 estimated to have been imported here in the car’s 14 year history. Nissan has sold over 3 million units of the car in Europe since its launch 13 years ago.

The all-new Qashqai is a key part of the company’s strategy to achieve 50% electrified sales in Europe by 2024.

What’s new for the Nissan Qashqai in 2021?

The new Nissan Qashqai has all-new styling that takes some cues from last year’s striking new Nissan Juke compact crossover. The third generation Qashqai is unmistakably more muscular, sharp and modern. On the exterior, the Qashqai’s enhanced body stance is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and 20-inch alloy wheels introduced to Qashqai for the first time. From a preview event held in Kildare, we can confirm that the new Qashqai now has an even stronger and more stylish presence than ever before.

A longer wheelbase has created more room for passengers inside the vehicle and overall luggage capacity has increased by over 50 litres from the previous generation. A powered hands-free tailgate will also be available. Refinements to the ergonomic design of the doorways means that it is also easier to step in and out of the car, and the rear doors now open to 90 degrees, allowing easier access.

The new Qashqai also offers an advanced infotainment system with a broad portfolio of connected devices including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, a dedicated app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle.

There’s also an innovative new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision. Home-to-Car features are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices.

New engine technology for Qashqai

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai will go on sale in Ireland this summer with a 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrol engine, available with manual or automatic gearboxes. An innovative ‘e-POWER’ hybrid is expected here from early 2022 and uses technology from the company’s 100% electric Nissan LEAF.

The 12V mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [Xtronic only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km). It’s combined with the 1.3 DiG-T petrol engine that was introduced to the Qashqai range in 2018.

The 1.3- litre petrol motor will be offered with two power outputs – 138 hp and 156 hp – with either a 6-speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic gearbox (156 hp only).

On manual versions, Nissan says the gearbox has been enhanced for a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling. The new generation Xtronic transmission offers better fuel economy and acceleration feel thanks to improvements including a twin oil pump system with new electrical oil pump.

2WD is available on both 138 hp and 156 hp versions, whilst 4WD will only be available on 156 hp Xtronic models. A new 4WD control system and driving selection mode is more intuitive and intelligent, adapting itself to external conditions with five driving modes – Standard, ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. In case of any wheel slip, the time which the 4WD system acts has been reduced by a factor of five to around 0.2 seconds.

Anything else?

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER uses the petrol engine to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a category-leading variable compression ratio 154 hp petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140 kW electric motor of similar size and power output to that found in Nissan’s electric vehicles.

The e-POWER installation is said to have been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai in order to meet the demands of European consumers and their daily drive. The 1.5 litre petrol engine has a final power output of 140 kW (187 hp).

Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from the entirely new ‘one-pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal. Drivers can start, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

“The new Nissan Qashqai combines the best of Nissan’s pioneering crossover and EV expertise. It allows new and existing Qashqai drivers to experience hybrid and electric driving without range or charging concerns in an unmistakably stylish crossover that continues to deliver everything they would expect from a family car,” said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.

The 2021 Nissan Qashqai is available to order now and customers are being offered a special launch version – Premiere Edition – which will offer an extended palette of two-tone colour options and advanced technology convenience features.

New Qashqai will be built in the Japanese brand’s Sunderland, UK manufacturing facility.