2010 Nissan Subcompact SUV/Crossover Teaser Sketch

Nissan has released a teaser sketch of its forthcoming subcompact SUV/Crossover/CUV (call it whatever you want) that will be built at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, starting in 2010. We can't be entirely sure, but from the looks of it, Nissan's new crossover will most probably be a three-door model

The all-new model that will follow in the footsteps of the Qashqai Crossover will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010. Production of the next-generation Micra supermini will be shifted to a new plant in Chennai, India that is being built by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. -Continued

The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The Prime Minister said, "Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I'm pleased to welcome Nissan's new investment in the UK. Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.”

"Sunderland's success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK's position as a strong player in the global car industry," he added.

Carlos Ghosn on his behalf said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”

Nissan Qashqai+2: 7-Seater, Long-Wheel-Base Version Revealed

Earlier today we revealed to you the initial details on Nissan’s newest variant of the Qashqai –also called Dualis in Japan, Australia and elsewhere, the seven-seater Qashqai+2. No thanks to an online leak, we now have the official images of the long-wheel-base version of Nissan’s compact crossover.

Set to make its global debut at the London Motor Show in July, the Qashqai+2 features an extended wheelbase by 135 mm or 5.3 in. – taking it to 2,765 mm or 109 in.– while its overall length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in, an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version.

Additionally, Nissan’s designers lengthened the roofline and re-profiled at the rear of the vehicle, adding 38 mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm or 64.7 in. Headroom in the front and middle row of seats has increased by 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm. -Continued after the jump

At the same time, both front and rear doors have been restyled while the rear pair are completely new – longer and also with squarer window frames. According to the Japanese carmaker, these changes allowed the addition of a third row of foldable seats that are designed to fit children or adults up to 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall. Probably more important is the fact that, when the third row of seats are folded away, the Qasqhai+2 boasts almost 500 litres of potential luggage capacity, an increase of 90 litres over ithe standard Qasqhai.

The extra length and equipment found in Qashqai+2 had its toll on the cars overall weight which has been raised by approximately 100 kg or 220 pounds. According to Nissan, suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight, while steering assistance has also been retuned.

In Europe, the Qashqai+2 will offer buyers a choice of two petrol (115Hp 1.6-litre 140 Hp 2.0-liter) and two diesel (106 Hp 1.5-liter and 150 Hp 2.0-liter) versions. While the two smaller engines will be solely available with front-wheel drive, the 2.0-litre diesel and petrol models will also be offered with Nissan’s ALL-MODE four-wheel drive system.

Finally, transmission options include a five-speed manual (1.6-litre petrol), six-speed manual (2.0 petrol and both diesels), six-speed automatic (4WD 2.0 dCi) and, a CVT transmission option on the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol.

2009 Nissan Qashqai+2: LWB 7-Seater Version to Be Launched Next Week

This Monday on April 7, 2008, Nissan will introduce a new variant of its highly successful Qasqhai crossover – also know in Japan, Australia and other markets as the Dualis. As its name indicates, the Qasqhai+2 “crosses over” to the minivan/MPV territory by offering and additional third row of seats that are designed for children or small adults up to about 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall.

Compared to the standard Qashqai (pic), the new variant of Nissan’s compact crossover will feature a wheelbase extended by 135 mm or 5.3 in. taking it to 2,765 mm or 108.9 in. Overall, the Qashqai+2’s length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in., an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version. Subsequently, the Qashqai+2 will also offer more luggage space compared to its 5-seater sibling, and in particular, almost 500 litres - an increase of 90 litres over the Qashqai. We’ll have full details and images on the Qasqhai on Monday. (Pic: Carscoop)

Nissan Launches Qashqai in China

Nissan announced the launch of the Qashqai in China where it will bear the name “Xiaoke”, which means “nomad” in Chinese. The compact crossover will be manufactured at the Huadu plant of Dongfeng Motor (DFL), Nissan's local partner in China which also manufactures the Livina Geniss, Livina, Sylphy, Tiida sedan and hatchback.

In order to meet Chinese customer needs, some modifications from the European Qashqai were made for this market. Among them are an interior color change from black to beige, modification of the sunroof design and the addition of a chrome strip on the side body panel. Power will come from a 2.0L engine delivering 137 PS and the Xiaoke will be available with either a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission and 2WD or 4WD.

Prices in China start at RMB 167,800 (USD: 23,600) for the 2.0L 2WD Manual Transmission, while the 2.0L 4WD CVT Premium Grade is priced at RMB 219,800 (USD: 30,100). Nissan projects sales of more than 3,000 units monthly in China.

Nissan Qashqai : Success Leads to the Addition of Third Shift

With European sales in exceed of 130,000 models since the Qashqai’s debut in March 2007 and a customer order bank of 60,000 units, Nissan had no alternative but to proceed to the addition of a third shift in its Sunderland plant in the UK.

By December 2008, 800 additional manufacturing staff will be recruited. Of these, 400 will be permanent positions, with the remainder temporary contracts. Nissan hasn’t announced any specific numbers, but since the two shifts can produce approx 200,000 Qashqais per year, we’d say that the UK factory’s annual output will probably be in excess of 250,000 units.

Nissan Qashqai Hits 100,000 European Sales

Nissan’s compact crossover has proven a success in Europe as the 100,000th customer sale was completed during the last week of November. The Qashqai was launched in the European market in March and according to Nissan’s stats, the UK, Russia and Italy were its three largest markets, with sales at the end of November of 17,554, 15,376 and 10,746 units respectively since launch. -Continued

In order to meet demand for the car in Europe, Nissan increased production by 20% in June at its factory in Sunderland, England. And, from January, production of the Japanese version of the Qashqai will be transferred from Sunderland to Nissan’s factory in Kyushu, Japan, thus allowing extra production capacity for Europe. Sales of Dualis in Japan, as it is badged in that market, have also exceeded expectation, with total sales of over 18,000 since its introduction in May.

QASHQAI Facts and Figures:

• On average, 850 QASHQAIs are built a day at Sunderland
• Each QASHQAI receives 4608 spot-welds in construction, administered by 298 robots
• 920 different combinations of QASHQAI have been manufactured
• It takes 10.5 man hours to build a QASHQAI (including bumper mouldings and painting, and axle production)
• A QASHQAI contains approximately 2750 components (depending on specification)

Nissan Qashqai Diesel Travels More Than 867 Miles - 1.387 Km On One Fuel Tank

Seven test drivers from the Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Bedfordshire, UK took turns piloting a 1.5dCi Qashqai in order to see how far they could go with one single tank of fuel. The light-footed pilots managed to travel the entire length of the UK, from Land’s End on the southwest coast of England to John o’Groat’s on the northern tip of Scotland without stopping once to refuel. The seven drivers, who set off on 25 September, managed an average fuel consumption of 56.1 US MPG (4.2 l/100 km) on the 867 mile or 1,387 km run.

What’s even more amazing is the fact that there were still another seven liters of fuel left in the tank when they crossed the finish line at the next day (Sep. 26) which was enough to cover an extra 110 miles (176 km). That means that the diesel-powered Qashqai could have traveled a total of 977 miles or 1.563 km on one single tank of fuel!

Nissan To Expand Qashqai / Dualis Production In Japan

The unexpected success of Nissan’s compact crossover in Europe -58,051 units since the Qashqai’s market launch in February ’07, has led the Japanese firm to the decision to add new capacity at its Kyushu plant in Japan to meet increased local demand and free up more capacity at its Sunderland plant in the UK for European sales. The Qashqai was launched in Japan as the Dualis in May ’07, and to date, it has sold 9,466 units in Nissan’s home market. According to the Japanese firm, production of the Dualis will begin in early 2008 at the Kyushu plant, with annual production expected to reach 24,000 units. We remind you that in June, Nissan announced a further £2.4 million (580 million yen) investment into the Sunderland plant to increase Qashqai production.

Nissan Qashqai LWB 7Seater Scoop

If it weren’t for Car Magazine’s scoop pictures, we’d seriously doubt Nissan’s intentions to build a long-wheelbase Qashqai (+200 mm) with an extra two “baby” seats in the rear. You could say of course, since Nissan’s French counterpart, Renault did it with the Scenic – Grande Scenic MPV models, why not. Car says that the LWB Qashqai will be primed to take on the Mitsubishi Outlander and its Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 spin-offs. We say, if that’s Nissan prime objective, why not do it with the 2008 X-Trail? Doesn’t that sound more logic? Our opinion is, either Nissan’s using the LWB Qashqai as a test mule for an all-new model (maybe an MPV?) either this version will be sold solely to specific Asian markets. -Continued below

Source: Car Magazine , Via: Autoblog.it

Technorati: Nissan+Qashqai, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Nissan Qashqai "Urban Skateboarding" TV-Ad

While not as radical as the Qashqai online skateboard commercials, but definitely more politically correct, Nissan takes upon urban-skateboarding once again to show off its compact crossover. By the way, is it me or is Nissan’s new TV Add suspiciously reminiscent of Jeep’s Compass Urban Playground ad? Yay for creativity!

Via: Motorpasion

Technorati: Nissan+Qashqai, Ad, Commercial, TV, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007,

ESSEN Show: Nissan Qashqai by COBRA N+

Over at Europe’s SEMA equivalent, the Essen Motor Show in Germany, COBRA N+ premiered a series of accessories for the Nissan Qashqai, even though the latter hasn’t gone on sale yet.

The exterior bodykit includes chromed bumper add-ons, side chrome styling and what a “chromy” coincidence, a …chromed COBRA N+ stainless steel bumper grille and two -what did you expect... chromed tailpipes. The COBRA N+ program also includes custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations in 17- and 18-inch diameter. The largest possible version is the COBRA N+ CN12 wheel in size 8Jx18. In the interior the COBRA N+ product lineup adds individual highlights with aluminum foot pedals, various versions of shift knobs and stainless-steel sill plates with illuminated COBRA N+ logo. Via: Jalopnik

Related Links: Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Note MPV COBRA N+

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Nissan Qashqai Cargames Videos put Tony Hawk to shame

Nissan found a kick ass way to promote its 2007 Qashqai crossover through an extreme sports concept in a series of radical videos. Cars are portrayed flying up full and half pipe skate ramps showing us some neat tricks and a better look at what a passenger had for lunch... although we could have done with out that part!

Nissan attempts to convey the message that like skateboarding and other extreme sports, driving a Qashqai is a lifestyle, not a luxury activity.

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2007 Nissan Qashqai - US may see it in the near future

Yesterday, Nissan presented its all new compact crossover the Qashqai which will attempt to capture the imagination of 100.000 European buyers annually. According to Nissan, the Qashqai's clientele will spring from a variety of segments, including premium C-Segment cars like the VW Golf & Audi, lower D-Segment models such as the Toyota Avensis & the Ford Mondeo and of course, compact SUV's like the Hyundai Tuscon and the Suzuki SX4.

Although Nissan's attempt to lure buyers from a variety of standardized categories is somewhat new in Europe, this is a common practice for car makers in the US. See an example: the B-Segment supermini Honda Fit (Jazz in Europe) is considered to be an alternative to the C-Segment Nissan Versa (Tiida).

Having thus in mind, it makes absolute sense for Nissan to bring the Qashqai in the USA. Nissan know's this but there is a one very big obstacle: the Qashqai is manufactured solely in Britain, where 1 pound equals to $1.88 (September 7 exchange rate).

So does that mean that the Qashqai won't see the US shores? Well according to a top Nissan official I spoke to, if you're asking whether the Qashqai will be imported to the US from Britain, the answer is no. But, if the question is, will Nissan's USA line-up see a Qashqai based model, then the answer is "watch the space, you might see something very interesting in the near future".

Given the fact that the Qashqai is based on the Renault Megane II derived, Versa platform, then the Dodge Caliber may very well find a worthy emulator sooner than it thinks.

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Exclusive Paris Sneak Peak: 2007 Nissan Qashqai Production model Teaser Video

Get a first sneak peak at Nissan's 2007 Qashqai production model that will be officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. According to the teaser video, Nissan will release the preliminary photos and specs on September 6th.

Based on the homonymous concept which was revealed at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai is a compact crossover that combines characteristics from various categories (C-segment hatchback models like the VW Golf /Rabbit, SUV's and MPV's). If that doesn't sound like a perfect match for the Dodge Caliber I wonder what does.

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Nissan Qashqai Picture Leak

The first totally uncovered image of Nissan's upcoming Qashqai submerged into to the net, a month before its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show.

Based on the homonymous concept which was revealed in the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai will try to grab the attention of European buyers who find C-segment models like the VW Golf and Opel Astra a tad compromising and boring. According to Nissan, the Qashqai will combine characteristics from C-segment hatchback, SUV and MPV models (sounds very familiar to the Dodge Caliber concept, doesn't it ?).

Although the production version seems to stay very close to the concept iin terms of design, it is not sure yet if 4wheel drive will be standard on all versions of the Qashqai.

Practically, the Qashqai, which is named after a southern Iranian nomadic tribe, will take on the role of the Almera & Primera in Nissan's European line-up. This is the second model in Nissan range that tries to lure buyers from different categories. The first one was the mini-MPV, Note which aims at buyers who want a B-segment sized car (Fiat Punto, Renault Clio etc) with C-segment interior space (Peugeot 307, Opel Astra etc).

In other words, Nissan has accepted its defeat in mainstream segments in Europe, focusing now on more niche -and less competitive, categories. After seeing what happened to companies like Fiat, who can blame them ?

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