Nissan has decided to give us a glimpse at the cabin of the upcoming 2021 Nissan Qashqai, which will apparently set new standards in the segment in terms of refinement and connectivity.
It is said that there will be new Nappa leather seat design that takes 25 days to produce and more than 60 minutes to embroider, along with a new 3D diamond quilted design.
Adding a touch of luxury, a massage seat function with three program modes is introduced on range-topping versions for both front seats, with settings conveniently adjusted via the NissanConnect system.
Creating a reassuring and calming environment, new white ambient lighting is used throughout the cabin, with its uniformity giving a premium and harmonious impression.
The centre console layout has also been optimised through a collaboration between Nissan’s designers and engineers for both ergonomics and usability. Central to which is a smart new smaller gear selector for automatic versions.
On 4WD versions, a drive mode selector switch has been styled with a matt chrome ring and piano black finish, giving drivers a tactile portal to the various driving modes.
As far as infotainment is concerned, there will be In-Car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices, NissanConnect Services, a dedicated app to control and monitor the vehicle, a 9-inch NissanConnect display screen, Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay, and multiple user profiles with memory settings for navigation, music and system preferences.
Further complementing the list of features is the Bose Premium sound system with 10 speakers and a Bose Acoustimass bass box located in the boot.
A new high-definition, fully electronic 12.3 inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information, all controlled from a new tactile dial switch on the steering wheel.
A traditional “Kiriko” cut glass texture is also added to the TFT’s digital background – a nod to Nissan’s Japanese DNA.
An innovative new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) provides the biggest-in-segment image size. Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision, allowing drivers to maintain their focus on the road for more comfort and confidence at the wheel.
In a first for the Qashqai, a front storage console provides convenient 15w wireless charging for smartphones – among the most powerful in the segment – and accommodating even the largest dimensions of devices, including the recently-launched Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Connectivity extends to all occupants with the console box now offering front and rear USB charging connections with both USB-A and USB-C ports.
Further reflecting the model’s Japanese DNA, the information sounds of the new Qashqai, for example the seatbelt reminder and turn signals, were developed in collaboration with Japanese video game developer and publisher Bandai Namco. The sounds have even been developed to be more harmonious, with a melodic dual tone signature.
A powered hands-free tailgate makes accessing the boot effortless when hands are anything but free. Overall luggage capacity has increased by 74-litres from the previous generation model thanks in part to the cargo floor being lowered by 20mm as a consequence of the improved packaging of the rear suspension.
For easier loading in low light conditions, there’s now dual lighting in the luggage area providing better illumination. A 12v socket has also been installed in the rear for powering devices such as electric cool boxes for camping trips.
Even storage in the main cabin has been refined to enhance usability. The two front cup holders are spaced further apart, improving storage and making smaller cups easier to remove, and the door pockets can now hold up to 1.5-litre bottles, compared to just 500ml on the previous generation Qashqai.
Taken all together, from the array of easy-to-use smartphone-based app features, the comfort and convenience of massage seats and a heated steering wheel, the elevated fit, finish and materials, to the extra occupant and storage space, the new Qashqai will, again, extend what customers can expect from a medium-sized crossover.
