Currently reading: 2020 Nissan Qashqai: closest look yet at upcoming SUV
The third generation of Nissan's class-defining SUV is nearing completion ahead of launch later this year

Nissan is preparing to launch its new-generation Nissan Qashqai later this year, and now we've had our best look yet at a disguised prototype. 

The Japanese maker is now testing the model, previously seen in heavy camouflage from afar at a top-secret testing factility, on European roads and allowing spy photographers to get images showing much more detail of the car. 

The new shots reveal what looks like an evolutionary design approach for the big-selling family model, rather than a total rethink. The rear end in particular is a familiar profile to the current model. However, side on we can see bodywork profile changes, while a Juke-inspired nose features with a new iteration of the brand's V-motion grille. 

New nissan qashqai spyshot 5

The third generation of the hugely popular SUV is due to go on sale early next year, and it's set to continue being built at the Japanese firm’s plant in Sunderland.

With Nissan planning to trim much of its European model line as part of a cost-cutting restructuring, the new Qashqai will be of vital importance to the firm. It sold more than 230,000 examples of the model across Europe in 2018, and it was the fifth-best-selling car in the UK last year, despite its age and increasing competition in its class.

The new Qashqai will continue to use the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF platform, which is also used for the Renault Kadjar and the larger Nissan Nissan X-Trail.

While unconfirmed, it is expected that Nissan won’t offer any diesel engines for the new model, but will offer an expanded range of electrified powertrains, ranging from 48V mild-hybrid options to a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on that of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

It is unlikely that the new Qashqai will be offered in electric form, with Nissan currently developing a bespoke electric SUV on the Alliance’s new CMF-EV platform.

The interior of the car is also expected to be given a radical revamp, with an overhauled infotainment system and new dashboard design.

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Under the recent Alliance revamp, the three firms will move to a 'leader-follower' approach, with Nissan taking the lead on development of CMF-platform cars. There are also talks to switch production of the similar Kadjar to Sunderland.

The Qashqai is one of Nissan’s key global models and is offered in all of the firm’s key markets, although it's branded as the Rogue Sport in the US.

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Uncle Mellow 11 August 2020

What's wrong with the current Qashqai ?

1)  It isn't made in Japan.

2) It uses many Renault parts, and if you want Renault parts the Kadjar is much better-looking.

 

The Apprentice 11 June 2020

Needs to be a smidge bigger

Needs to be a smidge bigger this time, its a big gap between Qashqai and X-Trail. At one time it was like Goldilocks and the 3 bears for me, one was too small the other too big. Sadly no just right. The old model that came in two sizes was better, almost went for a +2 one just for the better boot capacity.

Kamelo 10 June 2020

Cashkai

Well, with all the consitently depressing news that has shaped our lives over the last few months, we can now take great comfort in the knowledge that, very soon folks, there is going to be...

...A NEW QASHQAI...

...Wayhay!!!

jason_recliner 11 June 2020

Kamelo wrote:

Kamelo wrote:

...A NEW QASHQAI...

...Wayhay!!!

Yep.  Nissan is probably my favourite mainstream manufacturer but I can't get interested, let alone excited, by this news.