Nissan’s new Qashqai facelift will see a major exterior design change and be unveiled on April 17, 2024.

Nissan Europe announced a minor change to the new Qashqai (Dualis) on April 17, 2024. The new Qashqai is currently being produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK and will soon arrive at European dealerships.

Nissan’s new Qashqai minor change exterior in Europe

The front grille has been completely updated, giving the car a more striking exterior. New headlights are sharper, conveying a sense of purpose and presence. They feature adaptive high-beam modules, complemented by smaller units that deliver a wider beam distribution, helping improve visibility in low light and fog. Daytime running lights surround the main headlight lenses and feature illuminated “Nissan” lettering on the outer edges. The upper daytime running light elements function as turn signals when activated and, for the first time, feature sequential turn signals.

The most obvious change at the front end is the disappearance of the V-shaped chrome grille and the strange tuning-fork-shaped headlight and DRL (Daytime Running Light) combination. Instead, a larger, better-looking mesh grille inspired by the chainmail armor worn by ancient Japanese soldiers is adopted, with hidden headlights and ultra-slim DRLs. The body size is 4,425mm long, 1,625mm high, and 1,835mm wide.

The rear tweaks are more subtle, but a new set of LED lights and a revised bumper with a more aggressive lower section are designed to give the Qashqai a sportier presence. Furthermore, the new N-Design grade gets colour-coded body trim and 20-inch wheels instead of the usual 18- or 19-inch wheels, further enhancing its appeal.

Nissan’s new Qashqai minor change interior in Europe

Like the X-Trail, the new infotainment system features a 12.3-inch display audio for improved quality. The new system  incorporates Google for the first time in Nissan’s history, adding ” Google Built-in . ” Unlike Android Auto, the new system’s Android-based navigation system can be used without connecting a smartphone. This means you can use Google Maps or other map apps by downloading them. It features wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, a wireless charging pad, and four USB-C ports. This latest Android-based infotainment system includes built-in Google Maps and Google Personal Assistant. The Around View Monitor camera system also now features a 3D function, allowing the driver to view the Qashqai from all exterior angles, including overhead.

The Around View Monitor (AVW) features an “invisible hood view” and “parking spot location memory” that stores frequently used parking spots and automatically parks there. The same technology is used to store the location of intersections with limited visibility, and an ultra-wide road feed is automatically displayed on the media screen without the driver having to activate it.

Nissan’s new Qashqai minor change specs in Europe

The electric engine lineup remains the same, with two engines available. The lineup includes the “e-POWER” model, which is extremely popular in Japan. Like the new “X-Trail,” the “VC Turbo” uses a dedicated power generation engine, making it an even more attractive model. The 1.5L 3-cylinder gasoline engine “VC Turbo” produces a maximum output of 156hp (115kW / 158PS), while the electric motor produces a maximum output of 188hp (140kW / 190PS), combined with an inverter and battery. The other is a 1.3L mild hybrid engine with a maximum output of 138hp (140PS).

It has not been introduced in Japan since the first generation “Qashqai”

The Qashqai (known as Dualis in Japan) was way ahead of its time. It is now known as a compact SUV that is popular in Japan as well. The first generation was released in Europe under the name QASHQAI, and is sold in North America, Taiwan, and South Korea as the Rogue, which shares the same platform. Meanwhile, it is sold as the Qashqai in South Africa, the Middle East, Singapore, China, New Zealand, and South America, and as the Dualis in Australia and Japan.

The first generation went on sale in Japan on May 23, 2007, but the lineup was consolidated with the full model change of the X-Trail on December 11, 2013, and production for the Japanese market ended. Since then, it has not been introduced to the public. When the first generation was released, SUVs were not as popular as they are today, and the Qashqai (known as the Dualis in Japan) did not attract much attention.

Nissan’s new Qashqai: Is now the time to launch a Japanese model?

The biggest appeal of the new Qashqai as a Japanese model is its body size: 4,425mm in length, 1,625mm in height, and 1,835mm in width, placing it between the X-Trail and Kicks currently in the Japanese lineup. It features the popular e-POWER model in Japan, and like the new X-Trail, the VC-Turbo employs a dedicated power generation engine, making it an even more attractive model. The 1.5L 3-cylinder VC-Turbo gasoline engine produces a maximum output of 156hp (115kW/158PS), while the electric motor produces a maximum output of 188hp (140kW/190PS), combined with an inverter and battery. It also comes equipped with the ProPilot (with Navi-Link function) safety driving assistance system. It also features all of the features found in Nissan’s most popular models in Japan.

With SUVs being so popular in Japan, other companies are expanding their lineups of mid-class SUVs, with Toyota adding the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross , Honda the ZR-V , and Mazda the CX-30 and MX -30 , so it would be well worth Nissan adding the Qashqai.