by It’s no secret that Qashqai is one of the key models for Nissan. Since its debut in 2007, more than 5 million of these cars have been produced, and the crossover has become a kind of goldmine for the brand. Last year, the production of the new third-generation Nissan Qashqai began, and now the model has appeared in Ukraine.
To say that the 2022 Nissan Qashqai has changed would be an understatement. It has little in common with its predecessor. Let’s start with the design: it’s completely different – angular with a “floating” roof. The signature V-shaped grille has become wider, and boomerang-shaped headlights are now LED even in the base version. In our top Tekna+ variant, the optics are also matrix, plus 19-inch wheels and a two-tone paint job – something the previous Nissan Qashqai didn’t have. The car’s aerodynamics have been improved, but the side mirrors still get dirty too quickly in rain or snow.
The crossover is built on the new CMF-CD platform and is slightly larger than its predecessor – 4425 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2665 mm. It has become noticeably more spacious inside, especially noticeable in the rear row – more legroom, headroom, and a wider interior. The trunk is also larger – 504 liters.
The driver’s seat has also been completely updated. The top versions feature a virtual dashboard with adjustable graphics and a head-up display. The touchscreen has been increased to 9 inches, and the multimedia system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, wireless smartphone charging is now available.
The compact gear selector also attracts attention. There are fewer buttons on the central panel, but they are somewhat small. However, there are no USB ports here – they are located in the glove box (standard and USB-C). But rear passengers now also have their own USB sockets.
The front seats are comfortable and offer a wide range of adjustments. In the Tekna+ version, they are equipped with electric adjustment with memory, heating, and even massage, and the steering wheel is heated.
The upholstery materials have been improved. At the top, there’s quality leather (almost Nappa) and traditional Japanese-style wood inserts. Overall, the Nissan Qashqai 2022 package has been expanded. Even in the base version, it now includes keyless start, a light sensor, a parking sensor, adaptive cruise control, and a set of safety systems (automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, and recognition of traffic signs and driver fatigue).
In our case, there is also dual-zone climate control, a rain sensor, 360-degree cameras, Bose acoustics, a panoramic roof, and a power tailgate door.
The new Nissan Qashqai in Ukraine is equipped with a 1.3-liter petrol turbo engine from the start. This is a joint development of Nissan with Renault and Mercedes, and you can find it, for example, on the Renault Arkana and the second-generation Captur.
The four-cylinder engine develops 150 hp (there’s also a 130-hp variant), but its main advantage is 250 Nm of torque from 1600 rpm. It has significantly more torque than the 2.0-liter engine in the previous generation Nissan Qashqai, especially at low revs. Overall, the engine is livelier and the crossover accelerates better – 9.9 seconds to 100 km/h. Fuel consumption is reduced to 8 l/100 km in the city and 6.5 l/100 km on the highway.
The CVT performs better than its predecessor – responses have become quicker. The all-wheel-drive system is complemented by winter and off-road modes.
Furthermore, the handling of the 2022 Nissan Qashqai is more pleasant. The steering is sharper and more precise. The suspension has become slightly more resilient, though with 19-inch wheels, the ride is comfortable, and bumps are absorbed well. The crossover rolls less as a result. The engine isn’t too loud, though wind and road noise are present, but they’re less noticeable than in the previous generation model.
The new Nissan Qashqai in Ukraine starts from 724,180 hryvnias, while the top Tekna+ version with all-wheel drive costs 1,171,260 hryvnias. Yes, the crossover has become significantly more expensive, but it’s also better equipped. By the way, by the end of the year, the lineup is expected to be joined by the 190-hp hybrid Nissan Qashqai e-Power.
Nissan Qashqai 2022 Specifications:
- 4-cylinder petrol turbo engine, front transverse
- Displacement: 1332 cm3
- Power: 150 hp at 5500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 250 Nm at 1600-3750 rpm
- All-wheel drive
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Maximum speed: 198 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.9 s
- Fuel consumption city/highway: 8.0/6.5 l/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase: 4425/1835/1625/2665 mm
- Boot capacity: 504-1422 l
- Ground clearance: 170 mm
- Turning diameter: 11.1 m
