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      Nissan Qashqai unveiled; Indian launch expected for 2014

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      Recently strong rumours had surfaced that Nissan might be offering a new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in India as its incumbent X-Trail model has not performed well, as per the expectations. Now reports have propped up that the Japan based car maker would be introducing Qashqai model in the country by 2014. However, it is still unclear as to when Qashqai will arrive in India but industry experts are predicting a second half launch for the SUV.

      Nissan Qashqai unveiled; Indian launch expected for 2014
      Nissan Qashqai unveiled; Indian launch expected for 2014
       

      According to trade analysts, the company might bring Qashqai in India through the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route. Reportedly, Nissan would launch a 7-seater Qashqai in the Indian auto market. It must be noted that Nissan will be introducing a next-generation version of Qashqai in the country. The new upcoming Qashqai is set to launch globally by the first of 2014 and interestingly, will be offered in India during the second half of the same year. At interiors, Nissan might be upgrading them by adding more features to car, besides from giving premium leather upholstery. The new Qashqai is expected to be marginally bigger than the incumbent model, but is presumed to offer better driving dynamics and superlative engine performance.

      In terms of engine configurations, Qashqai would be available in both petrol and diesel fuel options for global markets. The next generation Qashqai would be offered with four turbocharged engines out of which the 2.0-litre diesel might make its way in India. While for other low-specification engine, industry experts are saying that Nissan might refrain them from offering as these engine are already powering Terrano. So with identical powertrain options, the purpose of launching Qashqai gets defeated. Also to mention, the upcoming model of Nissan is available in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive options in global markets while for India, experts are saying that the company might initially offer the 2-wheel drive version.

      According to reports, the next-generation Qashqai looks similar to X-Trail as both the cars are designed on the Common Module Family (CMF) platform. The car gets a pointed front fascia, which is well complemented by the familiar running LED lamps given by Nissan on most of its international models. Other than it, the clamshell-style bonnet, swooping creases and a rounded rear portion of Qashqai gives an unique appearance to the SUV.

      Speaking on the design, Chief Creative Officer for Nissan, Shiro Nakamura was quoted as saying, “The new Qashqai is more sporty, more emotional and with more quality. It’s sportier and more agile looking than the X-Trail, which is more functional and roomy. The Qashqai is like a four-door coupe.” While on the hand, Darryl Scriven, the lead designer of the car said “We were tempted to do radical again but more sensible to do what we have done. We have a huge customer base and have a responsibility to them - if we did radical we had leave other brands to collect the successful elements we leave behind and our customers.”

      it must be noted that the upcoming SUV of Nissan has been doing good business in major markets and is available in five to seven seater options. Talking about rivalry of the upcoming Nissan Qashqai, it would compete against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Honda CR-V, which are dominating the respective segment from quite a long time.

      Nissan | Nissan Qashqai | Qashqai