THE new Nissan Qashqai now available in Ghana for sale at the various branches of Japan Motors Trading Company Limited in the country.
In 2007, Nissan launched the Nissan Qashqai model that became the crossover pioneer, found more than 2.0 million customers worldwide and was soon followed by scores of imitators.
Head of Marketing and Public Relations at Japan Motors Trading Company Limited Hilda Peasah explained:”Produced at the Nissan Sunderland plant in England, the new Qashqai arrives in Ghana with a four–model range supported by a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two trim lines.
Efficient, modern, trendy and energetic in its execution, the Nissan Qashqai is not just a reworked original with a renewed lease on life. The Nissan Qashqai also offers enhanced efficiency through an extensive mass reduction programme, resulting in 40kg weight loss on some models despite the extensive addition of new equipment”.
Nissan Qashqai is available with the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine which was seen in the first generation model as well. The power and torque was improved to 103kW (144hp) at 6000 rpm and 196Nm (20.4kg-m) at 4400 rpm with a 2.5% improvement in fuel economy. The 2.0-litre engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, 2WD as well as a XTRONIC CVT option in 2WD and AWD with ALL MODE 4×4-I, she stated.
Furthermore, XTRONIC CVT has been specifically enhanced for the new Nissan Qashqai by defying conventional CVT principles to create a more natural driving sensation with stepped changes to mimic conventional multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration. Under smoother acceleration the ratios are subtly adjusted for ultimate smoothness.
Mrs Peasah added: “Premium technology, second generation crossover design and enhanced dynamics all combine to form the backbone of the new Nissan Qashqai.
The striking Nissan Qashqai is longer than the current model and fractionally lower and wider, giving it a sleek, poised stance while maintaining the crossover style, compact dimensions and raised driving position. Distinctive features – including a clamshell-style bonnet – lend a premium appearance while retaining the Nissan Qashqai’s strong visual DNA”.
Inside, a dramatic rise in material and design quality adds significant interior appeal to the Nissan Qashqai package. Versatility also remains a core crossover attribute; Nissan’s engineers have devised innovative ways to make the Nissan Qashqai fit into drivers’ lives. Delivering greater occupant space and a larger luggage capacity. Nissan Qashqai ticks all the right boxes, she stated.
The best just got better
The first generation Nissan Qashqai’s effortless design and innovative approach was key to making it a global success. The all-new version sets a new benchmark for crossover design, featuring a striking new look with powerful curves, clean lines and intricate details, taking Nissan’s iconic crossover to the next level.
Keeping everything fresh, the bold new design is fronted by the prominent Nissan V-motion grille, supported by angular headlights and an aggressive front bumper with a deep air dam for a purposeful look. All models are also characterised by new boomerang LED welcome and follow me home lights which create a light signature that is unquestionably Nissan Qashqai. At the rear, a pert tail gate is flanked by strong wraparound tail light clusters with LED elements and a sophisticated bumper design which rounds off the SUV appeal.
Purposeful in its execution as much as it is striking to look at, design elements have also been employed to enhance aerodynamics, the Nissan Qashqai featuring a drag coefficient of just 0.33 – thanks to clever features like a flat underbelly and a roof spoiler with winglets.
Inside, Nissan’s designers have created a cabin which combines clarity, harmony and space. Thanks to its high shoulder line, occupants will feel protected, but combined with a high eye point the driver enjoys a better view of the road.
In creating Nissan Qashqai’s cabin, Nissan’s design and engineering teams wanted to put the driver at the heart of the action. The car’s numerous comfort, convenience and safety systems have been analysed and redesigned to give the driver easy access to all key controls. Thanks to the intuitive 5-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, drivers are able to perfectly tailor the Nissan Qashqai’s functions to their needs – from switching on three-flash indicators to adjusting the ambient lighting, a subtle orange mood light around the gearlever.
The Nissan Qashqai features all-new seats – using science to minimize driver fatigue.During the design stage, engineers used advanced medical scanning techniques and were inspired by NASA to analyse pressure and blood flow in the lower back of seated passengers. By redesigning elements and improving support in key areas, they were able to create a seat that offered even support. The highly advanced seat offers special support thanks to additional bolsters in the pelvis, lumbar and chest areas. The result is a seat that delivers long-distance comfort.
Nissan Qashqai is also a by-word for practicality and in the new version, availability of space is still an intrinsic feature. Spacious seating for five occupants with improved leg-, head- and shoulder room, is matched by improved door apertures for easier ingress and egress. The capacious 430 litre boot, fronted by a tailgate which now opens 150 mm higher than before, is 20 litres bigger than that of the first generation Nissan Qashqai. Cargo capacity is extendable to 1 585 litres with the rear seatbacks folded down in a 60:40 split – standard in all models.
African Eye News
