Nissan has unveiled the 2025 facelift for its popular small SUV, the Qashqai, signalling a mid-life upgrade that encompasses both styling and technological advancements. Here is what the comprehensive update comprises!
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Starting with the exterior, Nissan has crafted a bold and distinctive look for the new Qashqai. The grille has undergone a noticeable transformation, departing from the previous V-Motion design in favour of a more geometric aesthetic, complemented by comma-shaped LED daytime running lights. Nissan adds that the new grille design is inspired by ancient Japanese armour scales, the repetitive pattern on the grille adds a touch of heritage. Higher-grade models boast a body-colour ‘chin strap’ detail encircling the bumper, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The adaptive LED headlights have been redesigned to be even smaller, promising improved visibility in low-light conditions.
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Moving to the rear, while the shape of the lights remains consistent, the internal composition has been revamped. Four individual red lighting elements now echo the grille’s comma shape, creating a distinctive visual motif. The bumper has also been reshaped, with higher-grade versions sporting either gloss black or body-coloured finishes. Additionally, new alloy wheel designs, including 18″, 19″ and 20″ options, add a touch of elegance to the Qashqai’s profile. Three new colours—pearl white, pearl black, and Deep Ocean—expand the customization options for consumers.
Stepping inside, the Qashqai offers a well-equipped cabin. Alcantara covers various surfaces, including the dashboard, door inserts, armrests, and centre storage console lid, lending a luxurious touch. A patterned centre console and upper dashboard, along with premium seat trim options featuring quilted leather or synthetic leather with burnt umber inserts, elevate the interior ambience.
In terms of technology, the facelifted Qashqai introduces significant safety upgrades, including a new bird’s eye surround-view camera system. This feature provides drivers with eight different external camera viewpoints, enhancing visibility and aiding manoeuvrability in various driving scenarios. Furthermore, the Qashqai becomes Nissan’s first model in Europe to integrate Google built-in services into its 12.3-inch infotainment system. This includes a voice assistant, allowing drivers to control vehicle functions such as ventilation, heated seats, and navigation with simple voice commands.
Lastly, let’s talk about power figures. The outgoing Qashqai is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 110 kW and 250 N.m of torque to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The Qashqai e-Power hybrid variant combines a 140 kW electric motor driving the front wheels with a 116 kW turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine acting as an onboard generator for the 2.3 kWh lithium-ion battery. These powertrains offer a blend of performance and efficiency, catering to diverse driving preferences.
Nissan SA is yet to confirm if the updated model will arrive in Mzansi, but considering the current lineup serves in its SUV portfolio, it will likely arrive in the near future. As a reminder, the three lineup strong model range comprises the Visia at R568 200 and goes all the way up to the Acenta Plus at R670 600 – all models employ the 1.3-litre turbocharged powertrain.
