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 CATALYST FOR
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The QASHQAI is same size as a Ford Focus yet smaller than a typical compact SUV, and promises
the driving comfort and fun of the former with the ability and practicality of the latter.
• Distinctive styling
Its distinctive styling is a marriage of the sleek shape of a passenger car with the strength
of a 4x4 to create something fresh and different in the new car market.
Named after a desert-dwelling nomadic tribe living near the Zagros mountains in South Western
Iran, QASHQAI (say it Kash-Kai) should be seen as an "Urban Nomad", says Design Director at
Nissan Design Europe, Stephane Schwarz.
Although initial design concepts started in Japan, most of QASHQAI's design and development
work has been undertaken in Europe, notably at Nissan Design Europe in London and at Nissan
Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield also in the UK. It will be built at Sunderland
in Nissan's award-winning plant in the North East of England.
QASHQAI's dynamic exterior is matched by a asymetric interior, providing a focused cockpit
environment for the driver and a relaxing space for the occupants. High seating positions
provide the sense of security normally found in an SUV, yet QASHQAI is a more dynamic
performer with the accelerative and handling capabilities of a hatchback.
• Four engines
QASHQAI offers a choice of two and four-wheel drive and no fewer than four engines, two
diesel and two petrol. The engine range starts with a 1.6-litre 115PS (84kW) petrol and 1.5
dCi diesel developing 106PS (78kW). A pair of petrol and diesel 2.0-litre engines develop
140PS (104kW) and 150PS (110kW) respectively.
Five and six-speed manual transmissions, six-speed automatic and an advanced CVT gearbox
are available.
• Interior
The carefully conceived interior is crammed with intelligent storage solutions for maximum
functionality and flexibility, while - as is to be expected from a Nissan - only features
that make a difference, rather than technology for technology's sake, can be found either
as standard or on the options list. These include a large panoramic glass roof, automatic
headlights and wipers, satellite navigation, reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity
for mobile phones.
Nissan's highly praised electronically controlled ALL MODE 4x4 system - as pioneered
in X-TRAIL - is available on 2.0-litre versions. Despite having greater ground clearance
than an ordinary hatchback, however, QASHQAI's four-wheel drive is there to provide greater
traction for safer driving and extra control in all weathers: QASHQAI has not been designed
as a go-anywhere 4x4.
• Safe and secure
Safety is a key strength of the vehicle, too. A rigid bodyshell providing maximum passive
safety is matched by a plethora of active safety features including the latest generation
ESP which includes brake torque control and engine torque control. The braking system is
similarly advanced and features hydraulic fade compensation (HFC) to provide the ultimate
stopping power at all times.
• Who will buy QASHQAI?
In the same way the car doesn't conform to the norm, so its customers
will tend to be individuals with their own agendas. They will be open-minded and progressive
with a passionate appetite for life. They are not among life's spectators.
Source: Nissan
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