The Facelifted Nissan Qashqai Actually Looks Kind Of Cool

The Nissan Qashqai is absolutely everywhere. If you’re in the UK, look out of your window now, and there’s a decent chance you can see one – you just probably don’t notice them, so ubiquitous and, let’s be frank, bland that they are.

You might be about to start noticing them a lot more though, as Nissan’s just unveiled the facelifted third-gen Qashqai, and it looks… well, quite interesting actually.

The obvious changes come at the front, where the Qashqai’s face has been completely remodelled into something angular and striking, with slender daytime running lights now topping a pair of pointy main headlight units, which themselves flow into a bold new grille.

Changes are less drastic at the back, where the rear lights stay the same shape, but get a new lighting arrangement within. Topping off the changes are some new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, and a couple of new colours, including Deep Ocean. Nissan suggests that the latter might “spark conversation among passers-by” such as “Is that Qashqai blue or maybe green?” We’re not sure Nissan’s ever heard people having a real conversation.

The interior materials have also been given an update, including Alcantara on the dash for top N-Design and Tekna+ trims. Upper grades get some new ambient lighting, too.

Naturally, there’s a smattering of new tech, the Qashqai now getting eight external camera views for help with low-speed manoeuvring. It’s the first European-market Nissan to get a built-in Google Assistant, which can be used to control various interior functions, and it also features Amazon Alexa, which drivers can use to control their home from the car. Not sure why.

Powertrains remain the same: a mild-hybrid, 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder making either 138 or 155bhp, and a full-hybrid, 1.5-litre three-cylinder setup producing a peak of 187bhp (rather than juggling petrol and electric, this system uses the petrol engine solely to generate electricity to drive the wheels).

Pricing is unconfirmed, but expect the facelifted Qashqai to arrive within the next few months and make a quiet residential street near you look slightly more interesting.