Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Exterior Design
Page 3: Interior Design
Page 4: Chassis/Engine (I)
Page 5: Chassis/Engine (II)
Page 6: Features
Page 7: Market
Page 8: History
Engine/Chassis
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Two- and four-wheel drive versions
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Strut front suspension, multi-link rear
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Two diesel, two petrol engines
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Manual, automatic and CVT options
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Latest generation ESP
QASHQAI is the first European vehicle to be built on the Nissan/Renault Alliance ?????????????????????????????????C?????????????????????????????????????? Platform, and follows the successful introduction in Japan of the Nissan Lafesta.
For QASHQAI, a wheelbase length of 2630mm provides the best possible interior space within an overall compact body as well as ensuring strong ride and handling dynamics.
Sub-frame isolation
The front suspension features a sub-frame mounted strut-type system with combined coil-over-strut assemblies and a forward lower link. The sub-frame has compliant rubber mounts to isolate road noise and vibration from the platform, improving both general refinement and ride comfort. A front anti-roll bar is attached directly to the strut assembly for more effective control of body roll under cornering, while high performance Sachs shock absorbers are fitted to maintain serene road-manners.
Multi-link rear suspension
Fully independent multi-link rear suspension has been used for precise handling and high-speed stability. Attached to the vehicle via a rigid rear subframe to keep unwanted noise and vibrations to a minimum, the compact assembly features an aluminium rear upper link to reduce weight: the saving is in the region of 4kg. In addition, the rear shock absorbers are tilted to ensure minimal intrusion into the trunk area as Nissan?????????????????????????????????????? research has shown that intrusion into the trunk from suspension components is a common complaint from customers.
Rebound springs reduce body roll to give a greater feeling of security behind the wheel while ride comfort is enhanced by the adoption of friction control dampers. Fine tuning of the ride and handling has been carried out by engineers from Nissan Europe??????????????????????????????????????s technical centres in the UK and at Barcelona in Spain.
Detailed analysis of the forces passing through the suspension allowed engineers to precisely tune the platform and subframe to ensure handling precision and ride comfort are maximised.
Depending on the version, QASHQAI is equipped with 16 inch steel or alloy wheels shod with 215/65R16 tyres or 17 inch broad spoke alloys with unusual ball shaped bolt surrounds. The 17 inch wheel has 215/60R 17 tyres.
Electric power steering
Handling and manoeuvrability are aided by the adoption of electric power steering (EPS). This state-of-the-art system offers greater assistance at lower speeds with more steering feel provided as speeds rise.
The system checks speed inputs every 40 milliseconds and is speed sensitive to 0.01 km/h. It is tuned specifically for European tastes to give a strong self-centering action at lower engine speeds for easier town driving and greater feel at higher speeds.
Top braking performance
There??????????????????????????????????????s invariably a wide gap in braking performance between an SUV and a conventional car with the 4x4??????????????????????????????????????s higher centre of gravity translating into less controllability in an emergency as well as longer stopping distances.
However, despite sitting higher than a rival hatchback, QASHQAI??????????????????????????????????????s braking performance is far superior to that of a typical 4x4 thanks to its lower centre of gravity and the most advanced braking and traction control systems currently available.
Discs brakes all round with standard anti-lock (ABS) are boosted by Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Brake Assist maintains maximum deceleration during an emergency stop while EBD constantly alters the front rear balance to achieve optimum brake performance, automatically compensating for differing load conditions.
