How do the current and upcoming Nissan Qashqai’s measure up?
The latest version of the Nissan Qashqai is currently available in six yummy trim levels, two engine types and two transmission options. But Nissan aficionados are well aware that the 3rd generation has been released internationally. While we have no confirmation on when, or even if, we will get the new Qashqai, we thought it would be fun to compare the two generations. Proviso: car models tend to be tailored to the country in which they will be sold, so it’s not quite an apples vs apples thing here.
You still see a lot of first-generation Qashqai’s around, and the difference between that and the last facelift of the 2nd gen is quite marked. So how does the current model compare to the new one? For the sake of brevity, we will refer to G2 and G3.
Outside
G2 is quite angular, with prominent wheel arches, big wheels and roof rails to give the full SUV look and feel. The V-shaped grille and LED daytime running lights put it right up there with other new cars. The G3 still has the V-grille, but it is bigger with more detail around the lights, the doors and bumpers and it comes with a two-tone roof.
Inside
Inside the difference between the G2 and G3 is rather more pronounced. While the G2 comes with plenty of luxury features and bits, it does feel slightly more utilitarian than the new gen. The first thing to grab you in the G3 is the high-mounted touchscreen with Apple/Android like the G2, and like the G2 still has actual buttons and controls for tactile features such as climate control.
The new one has more space inside, and a 479-507-litre boot compared to the G2’s 430-litre, so it is still a very practical car – just more so.
As with the G2, the G3 comes in a range of trim levels, ranging from very nice indeed to fully luxurious.
Safety
A big factor in South Africa, the G2 received Euro NCAP five stars on release in 2013, and over the years Nissan has added extra safety like six airbags and improved cornering stability. The G3 has not been tested by Euro NCAP, but the international models come with blind-spot monitoring, tiredness alert, cross-traffic assist and autonomous emergency braking.
Buy Or Wait?
The G3 is a newer car and looks it too, but it is not here yet and we don’t know when or for how much. The current G2 is here and you can compare trim levels and price. And with the immense popularity of pre-owned Qashqais in SA, you cannot really lose out either way.
