The current Nissan Qashqai crossover has been the subject of various materials several times: a review, an introduction to the update, participation in a comparison guide. However, again and again, we find something to add to our own story - just like its name. After all, the hero of today's article is the Nissan Qashqai N-Design: this is a new version that appeared recently during the model's update. What does this car offer? Let's take a look in the format of the main questions and answers.
What is the new version of the Nissan Qashqai N-Design and how to recognize it?
Very simply, you need to pay attention to the lower part of the front bumper and the lower door trims: if they are made in the body color, then it is definitely a Nissan Qashqai N-Design. In addition, the car is easily recognizable by its original 20-inch wheels: six black spokes, which are completed by a multi-line extension.
Or here's another distinction: the Nissan Qashqai N-Design crossover always has two-tone body paint, black mirrors and black gloss bumper inserts. Still not enough differences? Then take a closer look at the grille - it is completely devoid of silver-chrome elements, offering black gloss again. So, wait: has the Nissan Qashqai, a paragon of practicality, suddenly become a "fashionista" in its class?
The general body shape of the Nissan QashqaiN-Design has not changed compared to other versions of the car; as well as its dimensions: length - 4.425 meters; width - 1.85 meters; height - 1.625 meters; wheelbase - 2.665 meters; ground clearance is stated at 175 mm. However, the car Nissan Qashqai N-Design is almost devoid of shiny chrome parts and differs significantly in details: notable are the 20-inch wheels, bumpers in body color and with black gloss inserts, lower door linings also in body color. Moreover, the body itself is made in two colors: the main part of the body in Deep Ocean color ( this is a new color for Nissan Qashqai in general, without reference to the N-Design version ) plus black roof pillars and the roof of the car.
How does the Nissan Qashqai N-Design version differ inside?
Again: changes are only at the level of details - but how much they affect the overall perception of the car interior! The front panel is literally covered with soft and pleasant to the touch Alcantara (oh, don't ask about cleaning...), which we have already seen on the updated Nissan Qashqai. But what the N-Design version has added is new decorative inserts in the front passenger area and on the center console: an interesting pattern and light gray color, the textured material feels good to the touch. And this version of the Nissan Qashqai N-Design is distinguished by its original seats - they have a combined finish (eco-leather and Alcantara) and are decorated with Qashqai inscriptions on the backrests. All of this goes well with a pair of modern 12.3-inch displays: the cabin looks both technologically advanced and expensive. And only the climate control unit breaks the idyll - it periodically creaks slightly when the buttons are pressed. Could this be the price to pay for the convenience of physical control in the age of sensors?
Following these thoughts, you can move to the rear of the cabin, where the changes are still present, but no longer produce such a powerful additional wow effect. Could it be because the Nissan Qashqai is very thoughtful and practical from the start? For example, the tailgate opens almost perpendicular to the body and provides excellent access to the excellent sofa: it is placed at the optimum height, so that your legs are at a comfortable angle; the backrest is immediately fixed at a good angle; there is enough space for your legs, overhead, and in width. For additional convenience, there is an armrest and ventilation deflectors. You could wish for more (for example, a heated rear seat, which is present in some competitors); however, if you do not go to extremes, the Nissan Qashqai crossover provides everything you need for passenger comfort.
The interior is familiar in general, but differs in details: the front panel decor, combined seat trim, a lot of Alcantara - yes, the Nissan Qashqai N-Design crossover can look like a real top model! Moreover, this impression is created by the smallest nuances; after all, speaking in general, the space in front and behind is usual, as well as the possibility of adjusting the seats or the convenience of using the 479-liter trunk. For example, on the right we can see a deep niche and a storage compartment, but on the left there is a battery protrusion, which clearly indicates the electrified powertrain e-POWER under the hood.
Speaking of which, is the Nissan Qashqai N-Design version different in terms of technology?
No, it is not different. We still have the CMF-C platform and the load-bearing body, fully independent suspensions at the front and rear, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, mild hybrid gasoline engines or the electrified e-POWER powertrain under the hood, as in the case of this particular test vehicle. Everything is familiar - and so is the driving experience. If one word were to describe the character of the Nissan Qashqai with e-POWER, it would be "lightness": lightness during acceleration, lightness in cornering, lightness in overcoming bumps.
As for accelerations, everything is tied to the electrified e-POWER system - that is, the movement is always driven by an electric motor, while the gasoline engine is used to drive a generator and generate energy. That's why the Nissan Qashqai crossover with the e-POWER system is so reminiscent of an electric car: smooth and continuous acceleration; at first you don't understand the dynamics, but the speedometer numbers actually change very quickly; there is an additional B-mode of increased recovery (I like it) and the possibility of "one-pedal" e-Pedal control with braking when the accelerator pedal is released (and this is not good). All that remains is to talk about the absence of noise thanks to the electric drive. But the truth is that there is noise: the gasoline engine is started quite often to drive the electric generator, and it is clearly audible in the cabin. But otherwise, the Nissan Qashqai is a fairly quiet car. And that is why I would like to improve the sound insulation of the engine compartment to finally get maximum silence in the cabin.
As for the ease of control and handling on uneven roads, everything is tied to the car's chassis. The independent suspension and well-chosen springs and shock absorbers ensure that bumps are handled with precision - there are no unnecessary vibrations or painful bumps, only a pleasant feeling of soft suspension. The car clearly responds to turns of the light steering wheel with medium sharpness (2.5 turns from stop to stop), and also withstands rather moderate body rolls in corners. In general, the Nissan Qashqai crossover does not provoke any dynamic drive, even with almost 200 horsepower; however, it is easy to get along with and allows you to relax on the road. It's a surprisingly pleasant car. And this statement applies not only to the N-Design version, but to many versions of the Nissan Qashqai that I have encountered during test drives and reviews.
TheNissan Qashqai crossover with an electrified e-POWER powertrain offers 140 kW or 190 hp and 330 Nm of torque, and promises 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.1-5.3 liters per 100 km in the combined phase WLTP. It is already known from experience (look at previous reviews) that the "hundred" is given in 8+ seconds, and fuel consumption in the city can vary between 4-8 liters, depending on the driving style and the selected driving mode. On average, you can count on 6 liters; and a similar figure is obtained on the highway. Speaking of driving modes: In addition to the several familiar D-MODE settings (sport, standard, eco), you can also add an electric-only driving mode, One-Pedal Driving e-Pedal and B- Energy Recovery Mode - all of which are reminiscent of electric car-style driving.
How much does the Nissan Qashqai N-Design cost? And how much does the Nissan Qashqai cost in general?
I would like to note that the Nissan Qashqai crossover is offered with gasoline MHEV-hybrid engines (140-158 hp) or an electrified e-POWER powertrain (190 hp), with a manual transmission or an automatic transmission in the form of a CVT variator, with front or all-wheel drive, in total in five configurations. In addition, at the beginning of 2025, you can see two price lists - cars produced in 2024 or cars produced in 2025.
Even the base version of the Nissan Qashqai Acenta already offers many safety systems, AVM all-round view with MOD moving object detection, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and front seats, FULL LED headlights, a 7-inch digital display on the dashboard, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, and more. The next version of the Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta adds a full-screen digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, silver roof rails, wireless charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats with eco-leather inserts, a power trunk lid, a projection display, and much more.
The Nissan Qashqai Tekna variant additionally offers matrix headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, eco-leather seats, power driver's seat adjustment and seat position memory, and more. Finally, the maximum equipment of the Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ adds premium leather seat trim, back massage function, BOSE audio, panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, two-tone body paint, and more.
Speaking specifically of the Nissan QashqaiN-Design, such a car costs UAH 1.5-1.83 million ($35-43 thousand) depending on the engine, drive type, and year of manufacture. Moreover, the Nissan Qashqai N-Design crossover immediately offers a 158-horsepower engine with an automatic and front or all-wheel drive, you can also choose a 190-horsepower e-POWER option; but this is only available with front-wheel drive. The equipment of the Nissan Qashqai N-Design roughly corresponds to the Tekna's level of equipment, plus it adds a few bonuses of its own: Alcantara seat trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic glass roof.
Generally speaking, the cost of Nissan Qashqai starts at UAH 1.11-1.2 million ($26-28 thousand) and ends at almost UAH 1.9 million ($44 thousand) - it all depends on the chosen engine, transmission, and equipment. Even the base version already has dual-zone climate control, numerous heated seats, lane-departure monitoring, and mirror blind-spot monitoring; starting with the mid-range version, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and wireless charging are added. As for the N-Design version, one might think that the new and rather expressive version would be worth a lot of money, but no: in the overall lineup of the model, the Nissan QashqaiN-Design version is at the top of the line. For example, the car offers luxurious combined seat trim; however, there is no back massage and no electric passenger seat adjustment (only the driver has this). Another example: the crossover Nissan QashqaiN-Design cannot offer BOSE audio , but it has a panoramic glass roof and a two-tone body. So it turns out that the version of theNissan QashqaiN-Design occupies an intermediate position between Tekna and Tekna+ in terms of equipment and price .
To summarize: should you buy or not?
Frankly speaking, the new version of N-Design is just another opportunity to draw attention to a car. But to what kind of car? In my opinion, it is a very good one: the current Nissan Qashqai offers very complete packages, the ability to choose the engine and drive type, it drives well, provides sufficient interior space, etc. This is a very "strong" car that has many advantages in the main points of interest, for which it is chosen by buyers. However, if you wanted to get all of this, but also add a "twist" and make the car more original, then now there is an answer for this request - with the name Nissan Qashqai N-Design.
