Nissan is fully prepared to take one more step ahead towards its journey of success in Indian market. It is because of the launch of one of the best model of Nissan namely Qashqai. This Qashqai SUV has already made its debut in international car market in 2007 and has sold more than 2 million units since then. As this SUV is ready with modification now, the company is planning to introduce it in India too coz the SUV concept is being appreciated on a large scale by the Indian people. It is expected to hit the market in January 2014.
It is D segment SUV which can be known as a perfect crossover and expected to have a price range between 21-25 lakhs, it is just a tentative price though.
Engine details:
It will offer both the engine options i.e. petrol as well as diesel, having two variants availability in each. While the petrol version is equip with 1.2 liter (DIG-T) providing 113.4bhp of max power & 190Nm of peak torque and 1.6 liter (DIG-T) offering 148bhp & 240Nm, its diesel version has 1.5 liter dCi providing 108.5bhp and 1.6 liter dCi churning out max power of 128.2bhp. The engine is mated with same 6-speed manual like its predecessor and also a newly developed Xtronic transmission is going to present in this as an option. It will come with both 2wd (two wheel drive) and 4wd (four wheel drive).
Space and Color:
It has seating capacity for seven passengers now while the earlier version had just five. Dimension wise, it is 49mm longer than the outgoing model and expected to be 4315mmin length, 1780mm in width and 1615mm in height along with the amazing wheelbase of 2630mm.
It would offer 8-9 color options including Magnetic Red, Flame Red and Cayman Blue.
Interior, Exterior & Safety features:
It looks very slim now because it has been partially lower and wider than its predecessor, this new measurement is giving its exterior a glistening glimpse. Also the clamshell-style bonnet is complimenting its aggressive, elegant and sporty look. It has an attractive exterior having redefined fog lamps, parking-sensors, defogger at rear etc.
This new Qashqai is embellished with all the necessary safety features which include ABS (Antilock Braking System) along with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) system, cruise control, keyless entry, lumbar support for driver, automatic rain sensing wipers, 6 air bags etc. At inside, the electronic power steering having control buttons on it, front and rear power windows, CD player with 8 speakers, cup holders, active headrests at front, climatic controlled Air Conditioner, seat belts at rear, panoramic sunroof etc are those luxuriant features which catch the attention towards this trendy SUV.
Road handling:
It is rumored that Nissan Qashqai India is equip with sound braking system to ensure the extra comfort and safety of the car and passengers. It would have ventilated disc brakes and McPherson Strut suspension at front & disc brakes and Multi-link suspension at rear which turn to be more compassionate and rigid to give a balance and comfortable riding. Its higher ground clearance and broad wheel base provides an appropriate road handling.
Car Zoom’s take:
Nissan Qashqai has already given a good response in the international car market and by this step of launching this car in India too; Nissan is establishing its strong roots here by doing this continuously new launches one-after-one. Its competitors in India will be Toyota Innova, Mahindra XUV etc. Qashqai’s sister Terrano is said to be its competitor too, and when Terrano is in the competitive list then how can we forget the all famous Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport.
Needless to say that it’s going to be a tough fight but because of Qashqai’s more seating capacity than Terrano, Duster and EcoSport, and availability of more luxury features than all the other cars in its segment could help this brand new SUV to be on top. However, we will have to wait for its launch first.
