The Nissan Qashqai is a legend in its own lifetime, as the first generation defined the sector. Popularity in both fleet and retail has since resulted in many awards – it was the UK’s best-selling car in 2022. The current third-generation Qashqai, launched in the UK back in 2021, has now received a facelift – mostly focusing on a new look.
The biggest change is at the front. The grille has grown to cover much of the fascia, and is made up of comma-shaped parts, finished in gloss black. The lights themselves are also new, distinctive, and are below the main light lens. There are five smaller comma shapes, matching the grille, which are daytime running lights – with the top part for the turning lights.
At the rear, the Qashqai also receives new rear light clusters, featuring four individual elements that follow the ‘comma’ shape at the front. These lights standout, as they almost seem to float in the light, and are coloured a distinctive shade of red – called ‘Super Red’, plus there’s a reprofiled rear bumper.
Additionally, the Qashqai gets new alloy wheel designs, colours, and a new N-Design equipment grade.
Interior refit
Inside, it’s all about adding a more premium feel. This means for the top models, such as our N-Design test car, extra Alcantara trim. Elsewhere, there are new patterned materials around the gear selector and between the upper and lower sections of the dashboard. The seat trim has been upgraded – which included partially quilted premium leather on our car. Do all these changes work? Yes, as this Nissan’s interior feels much more special than before.
The biggest and most important change to the interior of the car is the updated NissanConnect infotainment system, which now has Google built in. On top of Google Maps (which is a big improvement!), once signed into a driver’s personal account, Google can access their favourite locations and points of interest, with Google Assistant giving voice commands and hands-free access to other features on the go. Other welcome tech upgrades for the facelifted Qashqai revolve around an upgraded Around View Monitor system, which now has a 3D function, allowing the driver to see the car not only from above, but from eight other cameras around the body. There’s also a new feature called ‘Inside Hood View’, which allows the driver to see the position of the front wheels from just behind.
Drive and performance
There is a mild-hybrid version, but all the cars at the launch had the E-Power drivetrain. Nissan has sold an impressive 140,000 of them since September 2022. The way the E-Power system works means that the wheels are driven by an electric motor, with the variable compression 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine used to charge the 2.1kWh battery. Variable compression allows this engine to change the position of the pistons for economy or performance.
The battery, in turn, powers the front axle-mounted electric motor. Total power is 190hp, with a 0-62 acceleration time of 7.9 seconds – but it never felt that quick to us. It is generally impressively refined – the only noise being an audible hum from the electric motor. However, even the lightest tickle from the throttle is enough for the engine to join in, with its three-cylinder soundtrack.
Nissan claims the Qashqai offers a sporty driving experience, but we’d disagree. It’s a tidy handler, but at its best when not pushed. The driving modes are supposed to vary the driving experience, although there is little difference in reality. The Sport mode changes the steering weighting, makes the engine feel a little bit more eager and a lot more vocal.
The facelifted Qashqai has many welcome updates, which move it forward – but there are modern rivals that drive better and have a more practical interior.
Positive: Distinctive and more upmarket exterior look, quality feel to the interior, Google-based infotainment works well, easy and refined to drive
Negative: Good but unremarkable to drive, E-Power savings, rivals have
more interior flexibility
Standard equipment: 17in alloy wheels, 12.3in NissanConnect display, rear view camera, i-Key, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual auto air conditioning.
| Model | Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power N-Design |
| P11D | £39,355 |
| Residual value | 44% |
| Depreciation | £21,980 |
| Fuel | £7,027 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,995 |
| Cost per mile | 53.3p |
| Fuel consumption | 54.3mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 118/km (28%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £183/£367 |
| Luggage capacity | 504 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc + electric motor/190hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
