Nissan Qashqai Testing Underway: Why It Makes Sense For India

• Nissan Qashqai has been spotted testing on Indian roads. 

• It’s a sporty-looking SUV equipped with premium features. 

• Available with a strong-hybrid powertrain and ADAS functions overseas.

• To be brought in as a completely built-up unit post evaluation, priced from around Rs 30 lakh onwards.

A few weeks back in October, Nissan had unveiled a band of three SUVs from its global portfolio – the compact-sized Juke, mid-size Qashqai and X-Trail. While the full-size X-trail has been confirmed for an India launch, the Qashqai is being evaluated. 

It seems that the Qashqai’s testing has already begun; the SUV has been spotted on Indian roads for the first time: 

The Qashqai is a rival to the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross and Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s expected to be brought in as completely built-up units (CBU), so it will be pricey, but it has a chance to make up for that with its features and capabilities. 

Overseas, in markets such as Europe, the Nissan Qashqai makes for a powerful, efficient and safe family SUV with its features and powertrains. It looks sporty and modern with its C-shaped LED headlights and sleek, swept-back proportions. 

Inside, it gets a minimalist dashboard layout with all the essentials in place and then some. The features list includes a digital driver’s display, 12.3-inch floating touchscreen, large 10.8-inch heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats with massaging and a powered tailgate. It even gets a full suite of driver assistance and active safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and front-collision avoidance. 

In the UK, the Qashqai’s standard engine is a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid tuned for 140PS or 158PS, depending on the variant. In addition, there’s a 1.5-litre, strong-hybrid powertrain with a 190PS output. The hybrid variant was the one that was showcased here. 

It remains to be seen which of the above features will make it to the India-spec Qashqai. The strong-hybrid is expected, but with a global model being imported to India, there is a downside, as discussed next.

Fully-built imported vehicles carry a steep price tag and can be more expensive than their competitors. We expect the Nissan Qashqai to cost upwards of Rs 30 lakh. But its rival, the Jeep Compass, carries a much less expensive base price of Rs 19.29 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). 

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However, the Qashqai might still have a dog in the fight, as its other rivals, such as the Hyundai Tucson and Citroen C5 Aircross, are priced at up to Rs 34.54 lakh and Rs 36.67 lakh, respectively.