Focus: Nissan Qashqai svelata da Paul Willcox

Among the stars which shined at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, we want now to talk about the remarkable Nissan Qashqai, easier to drive and to appreciate than to pronounce. Infomotori.co.uk interviewed Paul Wilcox, Nissan Europe’s Strategy & Marketing vice presiden. What we asked him at first was how to pronounce it correctly. “Cash-kai”, he answered. It is curious to notice that “Qashquai” is not a bizarre name, but the real name of an Iranian nomadic tribe, known for its valuable carpets, and for its adventures, which filled many tales of popular literature. Therefore, this is an exotic name with ancient origins, which join culture and adventure, and so which perfectly represents the aim of this multipurpose car. How can Nissan Qashqai be classified? Nissan Qashqai is a “crossover”, as it represents a mix between a simple car and a 4×4. As far as design is concerned, The top half looks dynamic as a sedan, with a cutting-edge silhouette and quite a sports side, which reminds us a Murano’s compact rear. On the contrary the lower portion is solid and strong like a all-terrain vehicle. Therefore, is it a concorrent to Toyota Rav4? There’s no doubt Toyota Rav4 represents its strongest competitor, but we are even sure we will face this challenge without problems. Indeed, we only should remember the high number of visitors which came to visit Nissan stand at the Paris Motor Show, to realize that Nissan hit the mark once again. You gave great attention to Qashqai’s exterior, but the interior is carefully refined too, like superior class automobiles. Every control in the cab is oriented to the driver, that is parted from the other passengers. Sporty instrumentation and huge modern dashboard give a dynamic look to Qashqai’s interior. Although the aggressive look of the interior there are enough room and comfort for five passengers… every travel can be affronted with relaxing atmosphere. What about measures? Sizes put Qashqai between C segment and an all-terrain vehicle (that will come later): wheelbase 2630mm, length 4310mm, height 1610mm and width 1780mm. It’s about 100mm longer than a hatchback, but 150mm shorter than a SUV. It’s also 100-150mm taller than a hatchback but up to 130mm lower than a SUV. Really nice room! What about engines? Only petrol units and weak diesel ones? Qashqai will be aviable with four motors, two petrol and two diesel. Petrol ones are a 1.6-litre by 115bhp and 160nm of maximum torque and 2.0-litre by 140bhp and 200nm. Power steps for diesel engines are106bhp and 240nm for the 1.5-litre and 150bhp and 320nm of maximum torque for the 2.0-litre. Alliance with Renault is good for diesel engines? That shure! And not only for Qashqai! Your aim seems to be that of offering the best on every aspect, is it Mr Willcox? Of course European car drivers want the best on every aspect: a dynamic design, top performances and a comfortable and equipped interior. Qashqai satisfies each demand…by the way it is going to be the top product in the European commerce, and thanks to it Nissan’s values will be reinforced: bravery on ideas, best quality, and innovation. How many units do you think will be sold? We expect to sell more than 100.000 units a year on average across Europe. The 80% of those customers are expected to buy a Nissan for the first time. Before Qashqai, they drove a premium C-segment car, a compact 4×4 or even a D-segment car. a And what about prices? It is still too early to talk about prices. Anyway what is certain is that they will be competitive and they will surprise Nissan Qashqai’s supporters.