Nissan thinks of a Qashqai with coupé design

The newly launched second generation of the Nissan Qashqai opens up new possibilities for the Japanese brand to exploit its range in other ways. Before the end of last November, we learned that it is studying the creation of a Nismo version of this crossover, just as with the Juke, which fits in with Nissan’s intention to offer its high-performance division’s badge on almost all of its models.

Another novelty for this Qashqai that the manufacturer is seriously considering is a coupé body style. This was confirmed by the director of product planning and strategy for Nissan’s European division, Marco Fioravanti, during the model’s presentation in Madrid. According to him, the idea is to take advantage of the niche opened by the Range Rover Evoque and thus increase the Qashqai’s share in Europe.

If it finally goes into production, this body style would make up for the elimination of the Qashqai+2, which will be replaced by the new X-Trail. Given current market trends, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea and would allow Nissan to sell almost every type of crossover and SUV available today. Likewise, a Nismo version of the Qashqai coupé could take on the future Range Rover Sport RS, just as the Juke Nismo will against its equivalent Evoque.

Fioravanti also confirmed other information about the Qashqai that my colleague Fernando commented on in 2013: this generation will not have any version with an electric motor. Nissan prefers to keep focusing on current engines, which are already frugal enough.

Source | Automotive News

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverNissan Qashqai19 versions · from 32,200 €