The third-generation Nissan Qashqai has been spotted undergoing hot weather testing in southern Europe.
While there’s a lot of camouflage on this prototype, it seems as though the Qashqai will once again share a lot of design DNA with the larger X-Trail.
The fourth-generation X-Trail, which was unveiled in June, has squarer detailing than the current model, and the Qashqai will probably follow suit.
Up front, it sports the company’s latest take on the V-motion grille. We can’t tell if the Qashqai will have a split-headlight setup like the latest X-Trail and Juke, but it will have plenty of LED elements.
At the rear the tail-lights stretch into the tailgate, and are slimmer than the set fitted to the current Qashqai.
From these photos it looks as though the new Qashqai will be around the same size as the current model, which is just a smidge under 4.4 metres long.
With the fourth-generation X-Trail barely growing and using the same wheelbase as the third-generation model, the Qashqai will likely go down a similar path.
Although we’ve yet to see the Qashqai’s interior up close, it should follow recent Nissans in featuring higher quality materials, a more modern design and, of course, a free-standing infotainment display mounted on the dashboard.
Rumours indicate the Qashqai will ditch diesel engines, at least in Europe, in favour of 48V mild hybrid and, possibly, plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
European consumer sentiment has shifted away from diesels in recent years, and automakers are gravitating towards electrified drivetrains in order to meet the EU’s strict emissions regulations, which include punitive fines for automakers exceeding their 95g/km fleet-wide CO2 target.
