Nissan has revealed the first images and specifications of its all-new Qashqai ahead of the car’s launch early next year. The third-generation Qashqai is due to be unveiled in spring 2021, bringing refreshed styling, a new platform and the option of a range-extender petrol/electric drivetrain. Credited with being the car that launched the C-SUV segment, the Sunderland-built Qashqai has sold more than three million units in Europe since its introduction and is regularly among the five best-selling cars in the UK. The new model aims to continue that success by offering an updated version of the existing car’s winning formula. Images of camouflaged prototypes suggest the new model won’t stray too far from the existing car’s styling, although there are hints of a sharper features, similar to the recently relaunched Juke. (Photo: Nissan) Nissan says that the next-gen Qashqai will retain the current car’s proportions but thanks to its new CMF-C platform will be lighter and stronger than before. The car makes more use of lightweight materials, ultra high strength steel and advanced construction techniques to reduce weight while improving rigidity by more than 40 per cent. The new platform also brings a new suspension arrangement which, Nissan says, allows for improved ride comfort and body control. McPherson struts at the front are joined by torsion bar setup in two-wheel-drive models and a more advanced multilink arrangement in four-wheel-drive models, which Nissan says offers best-in-class ride and handling. The new Qashqai will be offered with two drivetrains at launch. A 1.3-litre turbo petrol will be offered in two - yet-to-be-confirmed - power outputs, with 12V mild hybrid technology as standard. Alongside that will sit Nissan’s e-Power range extender electrified system. This also features a petrol engine but in the Qashqai e-Power this will not drive the wheels. Instead it will act as a generator to charge the large battery pack which will then power an electric motor to drive the wheels. Nissan says the advantage of the e-Power system is to offer an EV-like driving experience without any range anxiety. Among new technology set to feature on the Qashqai are adaptive LED headlights which alter the shape of the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers while maintaining full-beam illumination in other areas of the road. The Qashqai will also debut the latest version of the Pro Pilot driver assistance system with Navi-link. As well as offering traffic jam assist via adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping, the new system will respond to road signs and use the car’s navigation system to alter the speed according to the local limits or upcoming features such as curves in the road. New flank protection and all-round moving object detection systems also aim to reduce the chance of accidents in areas such as car parks. Gianluca de Ficchy, chairman of Nissan in Europe commented: “The new Qashqai is going to change what customers can expect from a family car. Comfort, refinement and technology will be from higher categories of car, while the driving experience will satisfy drivers and passengers alike. With Nissan’s bold e-Power technology, we feel that customers will fall in love with the feeling of an electric powertrain, without the range concerns.” (Photo: Nissan)