New 2017 Nissan Qashqai smartens up with facelift

The new 2017 Nissan Qashqai has smartened up – in terms of looks and technology – for its mid-life facelift.

The biggest changes comprise the option of Nissan’s ‘ProPilot’ autonomous system, a new top-spec trim dubbed Tekna+ and significantly refreshed looks – particularly at the front. Nissan also says the facelifted Mk2 Qashqai benefits from upgraded steering and suspension, as well as thicker rear windows for a quieter driving experience.

New Nissan Qashqai: design

Due to go on sale this summer, the 2017 Qashqai features a completely redesigned front end, with a new bumper, bonnet and headlights. Nissan has also made a greater differentiation between standard halogen and optional LED headlights, while the 2017 Qashqai will feature extended versions of its ‘boomerang’ LED running lights.

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New alloy-wheel designs will be available for 2017, as will new paint colours – namely Vivid Blue (seen here) and Chestnut Bronze. Extended boomerang-style lights at the rear round off the aesthetic changes.

Interior improvements and Tekna+ trim

Nissan promises the 2017 Qashqai will have true “premium appeal”, so it has improved the quality and design of much of the car’s interior materials. The infotainment system now has a DAB radio and sat nav as standard, as well as a new user interface. The steering wheel, meanwhile, has been redesigned and now features matte chrome inserts.

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A new trim, dubbed Tekna+, usurps Tekna as the most luxurious model in the Qashqai line-up, and brings quilted Napa leather seats to the car, while a new seven-speaker Bose stereo is added to the options list.

Autonomous self-driving systems

Nissan is rolling out its ProPilot autonomous system with the 2017 Qashqai, and this will be the first taste UK buyers will get of it – although it has previously been available in Japan.

The ProPilot system will allow Qashqai drivers to enjoy a semi-autonomous experience, particularly on the motorway and in stop-start traffic, with the new Qashqai steering, accelerating and braking itself based on the behaviour of other traffic and how you’ve configured it.

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Rear cross-traffic alert will also be made available to assist when reversing, while the Qashqai’s autonomous emergency braking system is now able to recognise and brake for pedestrians.

Nissan says the new Qashqai will be able to drive itself “in a single lane on highways”, but more sophisticated autonomous features – such as the ability to change lanes without steering input – look to be some way off for now.

Price & on-sale date

The new Nissan Qashqai goes on sale in July 2017, and we expect it to be priced from around £19,000.