New Nissan Qashqai and lack of diesel engine, what challenge?

After making the heyday of Nissan on the Moroccan market with 33,000 deliveries, the Japanese bestseller is back with an ever more sophisticated third generation. But a major problem: the final disappearance of diesel engines from the catalog.

World pioneer of crossovers and indisputable bestseller in its segment since its launch in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai also yields to the constraints of environmental protection and clean mobility.

After making the heyday of the Japanese brand on the Moroccan market with 33,000 deliveries, the Japanese bestseller is back with an ever more sophisticated third generation. Big downside: the final disappearance of diesel engines from the catalog. And for good reason, the Japanese giant, like the majority of global manufacturers, is moving towards greener mobility.

If internationally, the disappearance of diesel and the transition to electrified vehicles (hybrid or 100% electric) is done in a fairly fluid way, in Morocco, a diesel market with more than 90%, things are a little more complicated. The Moroccan consumer is not yet ready to follow this trend spontaneously, and resistance to petrol or electrified vehicles is still significant.

However, the officials of the Moroccan Company of Japanese Cars (SMVN), a subsidiary of the Auto Hall group, exclusive importer of Nissan vehicles on the national market, are very confident. “Diesel is behind us,” says Yassine Benmassi, CEO of SMVN. And to add: “We are determined to achieve positive results, which will develop gradually. The manufacturer is behind us and the vehicle has several advantages that can help us overcome both the global situation and the absence of diesel engines. We are sure that the Moroccan market will mutate more quickly than expected towards new modes of mobility”.

Like its best-selling status

Despite the “decisive” absence of the diesel engine, the new Qashqai displays several other major assets, in particular its very modern design. Indeed, this third generation is distinguished by its V-Motion grille, its LED headlights with fine and clean lines and its two-tone design offered for the first time.

The new vehicle offers a completely redesigned interior, new soft materials and redesigned ergonomics. The optimization of the cabin offers more legroom for rear passengers and more space between the backs of the front seats and the cushions of the rear seats.

Several changes have been made to the layout. The trunk capacity now stands at 504 liters (+74 litres) and the useful storage spaces have been improved. The trunk has been fitted with a 12V socket and a double lighting system. The boot control is fitted with the hands-free function (hands-free tailgate).

Rear passengers can easily charge any electronic equipment, thanks to the integration of a dual rear USB port (USB-A and USB-C)

With one of the widest displays in the C-SUV segment, the 12.3-inch Full TFT digital instrument cluster, first used in the Qashqai, takes the digital driving experience to the next level, with 13 information display options to suit every driver. We also note the presence of a 9-inch wide infotainment touchscreen, compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay. For its part, the high-end BOSE audio system with 10 speakers (8 speakers and 2 subwoofers) has been designed for a high-end musical experience.

The new Qashqai offers new Nissan Intelligent Mobility features.

Used for the first time in its class in the new Qashqai, the intelligent emergency warning located at the front of the vehicle, with predictive function, is able to detect up to three vehicles, alerting the driver if a vehicle suddenly brakes , thereby reducing the likelihood of a collision.

Also used for the first time in the new Qashqai, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist (with Steering Assist function) and High Beam Assist Intelligent High Beam Assist maximize driver safety. passengers.

Basic equipment (Acenta finish)

ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESP (Electronic Trajectory Correction), EPB (Electric Handbrake) & Automatic Hold (Auto Hold), 7 Front, side and curtain airbags, Automatically disconnectable passenger airbags, Seat belt 3-point front seat, height adjustable with pretensioner and force limiter, 3-point rear seat belts with inertia reels, Child safety on rear doors, Isofix child seat anchor points, Central door opening and closing with dual interior controls , Tire pressure monitoring system, Immobilizer, Headlight adjustment, Automatic headlights, LED front fog lights, LED rear fog lights, LED daytime running lights, Rain sensor , Emergency braking amplifier (Brake assist), Vehicle dynamic control (VDC),

Hill Start Assist (HSA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning System, Predictive Forward Collision Warning ( Predictive Front Collision Warning), Start & Stop system, 60/40 folding rear bench seat with flat floor, Height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Trunk lighting, Front & rear electric windows, Automatic climate control, Rear window defroster, Front cup holders and rear, Central locking and opening of remote doors, D-Mode (Eco, Normal, Sport driving mode control system), Hands-free Bluetooth system with steering wheel controls, Cruise control, Leather steering wheel, Cloth seats , Driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support, Electrically adjustable and electrically folding exterior mirrors, Keyless entry and start system (intelligent Key), LED headlights, -driver and passenger sun with vanity mirror, 17-inch aluminum rims, shark fin antenna, front central armrest, audio system, USB & type C connection, 12V socket in the boot, 6 speakers, rear radar and rear camera , Wireless induction charger, Combi-meter partial 7 inch TFT screen, 8 inch touch screen with Apple Carplay & Android Auto.

Technical characteristics