It has been 2.5 years because the debut of the present third technology of the Nissan Qashqai however the automaker is already engaged on a facelifted model. A prototype of the SUV was spied testing on public roads with its bodywork partly lined in a camouflage wrap.

Visible updates will most definitely be centered on the entrance finish, the place the controversial headlights of the outgoing mannequin appear to undertake a extra standard look. Different modifications embrace the bigger intakes on the sculpted bumper and the revised V-motion grille with the Nissan emblem positioned decrease than earlier than.

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Predictably, the profile appears to be carried over though Nissan has camouflaged the plastic cladding across the wheel arches and on the aspect sills. On the again, the SUV will doubtless acquire a redesigned rear apron and new LED graphics for the taillights.

The prototype additionally got here with a lined inside, hinting at extra updates. The present Qashqai is already accessible with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen in high-spec trims alongside an non-obligatory 10.8-inch heads-up show. It’s not clear if the facelifted mannequin will include a revised format or function upgraded software program with restricted modifications on the trim and fabric choices.

Powertrain choices may very well be carried over from the present vary. In spite of everything, the e-Energy variant debuted in 2022, making it one of many newer self-charging hybrids in the marketplace. It contains a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 156 hp (115 kW / 158 PS) that works as a generator charging the battery and an electrical motor with 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) that strikes the entrance wheels. Different choices within the electrified-only European vary embrace a mild-hybrid 1.3-liter DiG-T engine that’s accessible with both 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS) or 157 hp (117 kW / 159 PS).

The facelifted Qashqai might arrive as early as 2024, though a 2025 debut can be extra in step with the life expectancy of most Nissan fashions. The SUV will doubtless stay accessible in Europe and Australia, because the US equal Rogue Sport has been dropped from the vary. Rivals embrace the mechanically-related Renault Austral, in addition to the Peugeot 3008, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, and extra.

In keeping with earlier experiences, Nissan is engaged on totally electrical variants of the Juke, Qashqai, and X-Path that are anticipated to hit the market between 2025 and 2027. These are rumored to journey on EV-dedicated architectures so there will probably be unrelated to the present ICE-powered generations which can doubtless stay on sale alongside their EV successors for a couple of years.

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