Nissan Qashqai: update brings 'Japanese armour' looks and major interior overhaul

The Nissan Qashqai is a popular car. So popular in fact that it’s currently the second-best-selling car in the UK. What it's clearly lacking however, is Samurai armour-influenced design. Much to our delight, Nissan has now packed the inordinately successful SUV with even more technology - including Google integration - and... Samurai armour-influenced design!

Nissan says part of the front end has been inspired by ‘ancient Japanese armour’, like the new gloss black grille which has been dropped, widened and filled with those funky armour-like scales. Tucked within those new headlights - looking like they've been slashed into the bodywork - are adaptive high beam modules, said to improve visibility in dim settings.

By comparison, the taillights have seen a much softer refresh, retaining the same general design but with a slight change in the cluster. The rear bumper is new, though, ditching the ‘double bubble’ look in favour of a more square-cut finish.

Naturally there are new wheels, including a choice of 18in to 20in diamond-cut items and a couple of extra body colours, including Fuji Red and Magnetic Blue.

The range-topping ‘Tekna+’ and all-new ‘N-Design’ trim levels gain Alcantara along the dashboard, door armrests and centre console. Swanky new quilted patterns adorn the leather seats, while ambient lighting is thrown in too. It’s looking like a pretty big step up from its predecessor already, and that’s before you get into the technology suite, which has seen a major upgrade by way of Google integration.

Yep, the Qashqai has become the first Nissan product in Europe to come with the all-controlling search engine built in and allows owners to sync their personal Google account with the car. Best to start formulating excuses for when your significant other discovers ‘last minute birthday gifts’ in the Qashqai’s Google search.

The safety systems have also seen a mild revamp. The emergency brake assist, for instance, has been recalibrated for quicker reaction times, while the lane keep assist is automatically triggered at 37mph. The aerial parking camera is now 3D and aided by other systems which helps drivers navigate tight areas, and 'Parking Spot Location Memory' which… should be pretty self-explanatory. 

There are the same three-cylinder hybrid powertrains as before, so you’ll still be able to choose from two mild-hybrid outputs (138bhp and 148bhp), in addition to a slightly fruitier 187bhp version with Nissan’s ‘E-Power’ full-hybrid system.

Pricing is yet to be announced for the new Nissan Qashqai, but the outgoing, non-Samurai'd car was priced between £27,000 and £42,000.