Nissan Qashqai+2
Called Qashqai+2, the new model is seen by Nissan as the first Crossover for busy, active families and with the imminent arrival of the second generation Murano, helps to extend Nissan’s Crossover offering to three distinctive models. Sales in Europe will begin in October.
Nissan Qashqai+2 customers will be looking for a car which has the space, convenience and utility of a traditional MPV, but who want a more attractive, sophisticated design. Nissan’s research shows that customers of the existing QASHQAI are clearly attracted to it by its design - three-quarters are new to Nissan - and this is a pattern that will continue with Nissan Qashqai+2. Those customers are not attracted to the existing people carriers with three rows. And at the same time, Nissan’s research shows that an increasing number of customers in this area of the market are not interested in ‘family’ SUVs, with a third row of seats. They are perceived as too big and too boxy for their needs.
It is against this background that Nissan’s European Product Planning team identified a pool of potential customers who are looking for a stylish yet practical family car. Nissan Qashqai+2 continues the Crossover theme so successfully pioneered by QASHQAI, by sitting in between two well established segments of the market and drawing customers who aren’t quite satisfied by either of those traditional options.
The results of early Nissan Qashqai+2 customer clinics showed that potential customers perceived it as being more family orientated, offering more independence, being ideal for going on family holidays and offering more fun than traditional choices.
They also recognised its increased practicality, space and versatility, as well as being more attractive and elegant than its alternatives.
Where QASHQAI generally attracts buyers who have no kids or just one kid, or whose kids have already left the nest, Nissan Qashqai+2 will offer the rational advantages of a practical family car, with elements such as stylish design, premium interior quality and an engaging driving experience to satisfy the more emotional side of the buying equation.
Like the multi award-winning original, Nissan Qashqai+2 has been designed and engineered in Europe and will be built at Nissan’s highly productive plant in Sunderland, in the UK.
In January this year, the plant - which produced a record 353,000 vehicles in 2007 - transferred production of QASHQAI models built for export to Japan to the company’s Kyushu plant in Japan to free extra production capacity for Europe. Furthermore, in June a third shift will be added to meet demand for surging sales.
“The arrival of Nissan Qashqai+2 will broaden the appeal of the range still further, so the third shift at Sunderland is absolutely vital if we are to keep up with the high demand for the model,” says, Simon Thomas..
Nissan Qashqai+2 shares clear family design DNA with the original, but is subtly different from virtually every angle. Created by designers at Nissan Design Europe in London’s Paddington, the new model is essentially identical to QASHQAI from the A-Pillar forward… but everything else behind has been changed.
With a wheelbase extended by 135 mm - taking it to 2,765 mm - the overall length of Nissan Qashqai+2 has risen to 4,526 mm, an increase of 211 mm over the five-seat version.
To ensure there’s ample headroom in the third set of seats, the roofline has been lengthened and reprofiled at the rear of the vehicle, adding 38 mm to the overall height and taking it to 1,643 mm. Headroom in the front and middle row of seats has increased by 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, while knee room in the middle row has improved by 23 mm.
At the same time, both front and rear doors have been restyled: the window frames of the front door are squarer in line with the reprofiled roofline, while the rear pair are completely new - longer and also with squarer window frames.
Other styling changes include larger side windows at the rear of the vehicle to provide a light and airy environment for occupants of the third row of seats. Further differentiation between five and seven-seat versions is provided by a new tailgate with a deeper rear window and revised bumper profile at the rear and a sleek new grille, exclusive to Nissan Qashqai+2, at the front.
Another exterior feature found as standard on Qashqai+2 is a huge panoramic glass roof to give the same light, airy feeling that is so popular with customers on the existing QASHQAI . The fixed roof is 140 mm longer than the equivalent sunroof offered on QASHQAI and has a one-touch electric operated sunshade.
Additionally, Nissan Qashqai+2 has roof rails as standard adding a premium feel to its silhouette, while darkened privacy glass for all windows behind the front doors is standard on all versions.
Styling aside, the nature of the new model means much of the engineering and development work has been concentrated on the rear of the car where the aim has been to make it as flexible, practical and convenient as possible for passengers.
Lengthening the rear doors has improved ingress to the passenger compartment while access to the rearmost pair of seats is further eased by revisions to the middle bench. As well as having a folding backrest, the bench now slides fore and aft to provide walk-in access to the back row.
As well as moving through a total of 100 mm, the middle bench seat now has a three way folding operation on a 40/20/40 split for added modularity.. The five-seat version splits on a 60/40 basis. The backrest also reclines and has no fewer than nine adjustment positions over a range from 10 deg to 25 deg of inclination.
The centre ‘20′ portion doubles as a seat or a generously wide multi-function armrest. When used as an armrest, as well as providing a greater feeling of spaciousness for those in the third row, the seat back incorporates two cupholders and a lidded storage box large enough to hold personal music players, games consoles and CDs. It also has an integrated power outlet. When upright, the box becomes a storage recess for those in the rearmost seats.
The third row of seats is ingeniously practical. Designed for children or as occasional seats for small adults up to about 1.6m tall, the angle of the backrest has seven adjustment settings and can, of course, be folded completely flat to increase luggage space. The seats split on a 50/50 basis and each can folded away simply by pulling on a single strap: there is no need to remove head restraints first.
The addition of a third row of seats allows families the option of transforming their Nissan Qashqai+2 into a spacious family car into the “kids bus”, for those busy days out playing sport or weekends away which can be a logistical nightmare for parents, worried about the family, kids and their friends, as well as all their baggage will fit.
When folded away, there’s a large flat loading area left behind which provides almost 500 litres of potential luggage capacity, an increase of 90 litres over QASHQAI. The new rear door and revised interior panels mean the loading height has been reduced by 13 mm to 770 mm while, at 1186 mm, the opening width is a remarkable 224 mm wider.
Unlike many seven-seat vehicles, Nissan Qashqai+2 has a full depth roller-blind style tonneau cover. With the rearmost sets folded it can be used conventionally but if the third set of seats are to be occupied, it can be removed and stowed in a special compartment under the boot floor. Like the extra pair of seats, therefore, the tonneau can remain in the vehicle at all times.
The lid of the underfloor stowage area, meanwhile, can also double as a cargo divider so fragile shopping - eggs or bottles for example - can be safely loaded where it won’t be damaged by heavier items. The load area is set off by a stylish stainless steel kick plate which offers protection to the leading edge of the boot floor when loading heavy items.
Mechanically, Nissan Qashqai+2 follows the lead set by the original model. That means a stretched version of Nissan’s C-platform featuring strut-type front suspension with combined coil-over-strut assemblies and a forward lower link. The suspension assembly is mounted on a subframe which is attached to the body via compliant rubber bushes to isolate road noise and vibration from the platform, improving both 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.
A 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.
The extra length and equipment found in Nissan Qashqai+2 has raised the overall weight of the vehicle by approximately 100kgs. Suspension settings have been revised to take account of the extra weight, while steering assistance - all QASHQAI models use electric power steering - has also been retuned.
Two versions of the chassis are available, offering the choice of front-wheel drive or sophisticated ALL-MODE four-wheel drive.
Developed by Nissan, the ALL-MODE system - which is available on 2.0-litre diesel and petrol models - allows secure and relaxed driving with advanced electronics taking care of all traction needs, ensuring that Nissan Qashqai+2 has grip at all times no matter how severe the conditions. Unlike some other automatic four-wheel drive systems, ALL-MODE uses advanced electronics rather than hydraulic pumps to ensure drive is transferred between wheels and axles the instant the need arises.
Under normal conditions, Nissan Qashqai+2 operates in front-wheel drive which reduces energy losses and saves on fuel. The instant wheel slippage is detected however, a centre clutch in the rear final drive is electronically activated and drive is correctly apportioned between front and rear axles.
The system has three modes, selected via a switch on the centre console. In two-wheel drive mode, the system is permanently set in front-wheel drive, ideal for fine weather on-road use. When the Lock setting is pushed, however, the system switches to permanent four-wheel drive mode with drive split 57:43 front to rear.
The most practical mode, however, is ’select-and-forget’ Auto, in which the system is left to its own devices. Sensors linking the engine’s ECU with the four-wheel drive and ABS controller constantly monitor wheel slippage and automatically send signals to the electromagnetic centre clutch mounted just ahead of the rear axle to apportion torque correctly.
Left in Auto, the system will automatically compensate for unexpected slippery conditions on-road, such as wet leaves in autumn, early morning winter ice or loose gravel at any time of the year.
ALL-MODE is inextricably linked to Bosch’s eighth generation Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Using sensors linked to the brakes, steering, wheels and the body itself, ESP constantly monitors the way the car is being driven.
In its customer research, Nissan found clearly that existing QASHQAI owners who have opted for the ALL-MODE versions enjoy the feeling of confidence and security that the discreet, unobtrusive all-wheel drive system gives them when driving in marginal conditions.
Given its family orientation, customers will appreciate the availability of ALL-MODE on Nissan Qashqai+2 thanks to the reassurance it will offer in almost all road conditions that the driver and occupants are likely to find themselves in.
From the steering angle and wheel speeds, ESP calculates what manoeuvres the driver intends to perform and from signals from the yaw-rate and lateral acceleration sensors ESP recognises whether the vehicle might skid off course. In an emergency ESP reacts swiftly, and by selectively applying the brakes at each wheel ESP ’steers’ the vehicle in the desired direction.
Nissan Qashqai+2 has other electronic control systems, including cornering brake control (CBC) and enhanced understeer control (EUC) in which the system applies the brakes to all four wheels to reduce excessive understeer. Hydraulic fade compensation (HFC) prevents brake fade after a period of heavy brake usage.
The braking system is essentially unchanged from QASHQAI, though the adoption of standard 17-inch alloy wheels on 2.0-litre versions has permitted the fitment of larger rear brakes.
Nissan Qashqai+2 offers a choice of two petrol and two diesel versions. The entry-level petrol is a lightweight all-aluminium unit displacing 1598cc, developing 115 PS (84 kW) and 160 Nm of torque. It has four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, multi-point port injection and vane-type continuous intake cam phasing.
Top of the petrol range is another all-aluminium 16-valve design, this one displacing 1997cc and developing 140 PS (103 kW) and 200 Nm of torque. Some 90 per cent of that torque is available from 2000rpm providing the accelerative ‘punch’ more usually expected in larger engines.
Almost as compact as the 1.6 engine, among its key design features is a notable reduction in internal friction. A mirror-like finishing technique is applied to the surfaces of the crankshaft pin journal and the cam lobe journal and to a new machining method that ensures truly circular bores is used: this procedure is common practice in the machining of bores of racing engines but is seldom used in volume production engines.
The entry-level diesel uses the most powerful version of Alliance partner Renault’s acclaimed 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine developing 106 PS (78 kW) and 240Nm of torque. A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is also fitted as standard. Praised for its fuel efficiency and low noise, it features a flexible flywheel to filter out the effects of acyclic movements. Specifically developed to comply with Euro 4 legislation the engine has a lowered compression ratio (16:1) and a variable geometry, multi-blade turbocharger.
The 2.0 dCi is equipped with a Bosch piezoelectric-controlled injection system to develop 150 PS (110 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. Piezoelectric technology gives fast, very precise control allowing a ‘five squirt’ injection cycle: two pre-squirts, one main squirt and two post-squirts.
The pre-squirts improve engine acoustics by minimizing the characteristic diesel clatter. The post-squirts sustain the main injection combustion, to burn off soot and thus bring down pollutant emissions before the exhaust gases have even left the combustion chamber.
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) produces a controlled temperature rise in the combustion chamber to reduce pollutant emission levels (NOx) and thus enhance the engine’s overall environment performance,. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is also equipped as standard with a DPF.
Transmission options include a five-speed manual (1.6-litre petrol), six-speed manual (2.0 petrol and both diesels), six-speed automatic (4WD 2.0 dCi) and, uniquely in its class, a highly efficient CVT transmission option on the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol offering a choice between ’stepless’ changes or a manual over-ride with six fixed ratios.
Following the lead set by QASHQAI, the new family version is available in three different trim and equipment versions - the now familiar Visia, Acenta and Tekna levels.
Depending on the version, standard equipment includes automatic lighting, automatic wipers, speed sensitive door locking, cruise control, privacy glass, electric windows, parking sensors, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and Nissan’s Intelligent Key. Manual or automatic air conditioning incorporates mild flow ventilation while to provide sufficient airflow for the rearmost passengers, a larger compressor is fitted.
Subtle interior mood lighting is availble, while all models benefit from ample storage opportunities, including an under seat drawer, large glovebox and door pockets. Also standard are the full-length panoramic glass roof and roof rails.
All audio systems - a single disc CD/radio, an in-dash six disc changer/radio or a full navigation system with in-dash six disc CD autochanger - incorporate Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone integration allowing remote operation of the phone and caller ID display. The audio system also has a standard auxillary input connection for Mp3 players and other external audio devices.
Nissan Qashqai+2 is equipped with six airbags (front, side and curtain), seat belt pretensioners in the front and active Volkswagen Passat CC
With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individual bucket seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in the Passat’s market segment. The Passat CC is an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream.
Direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines with 140 PS, 160 PS and 300 PS
At its launch in Europe, the 4.8 meter long Volkswagen will be offered with two direct-injection gasoline engines (TSI and V6) as well as a turbo-diesel (TDI). The gasoline engines output 118 kW / 160 PS and 220 kW / 300 PS; the turbo-diesel develops 103 kW / 140 PS and already satisfies the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in Fall 2009. At this power level, the Passat CC TDI consumes just 5.8 liters diesel and is 213 km/h fast. Among the most economical gasoline engines of its class, with average fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers is the 222 km/h fast Passat CC TSI. The Passat CC V6 4Motion is electronically limited to 250 km/h; its average fuel consumption is 10.1 liters. Standard equipment on the top V6 model: the new generation of 4Motion full-time all-wheel drive, as well as the new adaptive chassis control system and very efficient DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Premiere at Volkswagen: “Lane Assist” and “DCC adaptive chassis control”
Just as innovative as the powertrain technologies are the driver assistance systems of the Passat CC. Also being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen are the “Lane Assist” lane-keeping system and new “DCC adaptive chassis control”. Other high-end technologies include the “Park Assist” parking assistant and “ACC automatic distance control” with “Front Assist” for braking distance reduction.
Panorama vent sunroof extends from A-pillars to B-pillars
Furthermore, the Passat CC is putting on a whole display of fascinating fireworks with other innovative and detailed solutions. Newly developed, for example, is an electrically actuated Panorama vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 750 millimeters long and 1,120 millimeters wide. This means that it covers the entire front section up to the B pillars. In this case, the cross-beam above the windshield is also in black. The electrically powered “Panorama vent sunroof” can be pivoted upward by 40 millimeters.
Frameless doors, climate seats, new climate control system and new instruments
They include small details that have tremendous impact. Such as the unique guide system for the side windows in the frameless coupé doors, which do not offer any surfaces for the wind to catch hold. Extremely effective is the climate control feature for the car’s seats (active climate seat). Until now this comfort feature was reserved for the Phaeton luxury sedan. In summer months the active climate seat provides for noticeably improved comfort on long drives. Also new is the entire climate control system (”Climatronic”) of the Passat CC, whose visualization is now integrated in the display of the radio and navigation systems. There is also a new layout and design of the instruments with chrome bezels. Similar to the Phaeton, instrument markings and numbers are not backlit in blue, rather they glow in a white light. Sports car like: When the ignition is started the instrument pointers all briefly peg to their maximum positions.
New USB interface for iPod and Co.
Also newly developed is the “Media-In” multimedia socket. This USB interface can be used to integrate iPods and many other current MP3 and DVD players in the particular audio system installed on the Passat CC. The USB port is located in the glove box. Control is via the Passat CC’s radio or radio-navigation system. Title information is also shown in the display.
Tires of the Passat CC “repair themselves”
Another prime example of perfect attention to the smallest details is the “mobility tire” from Continental being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen; it is standard equipment in every Passat CC version. The German tire producer developed this technology, called ContiSeal, as a system that enables continued driving despite penetration by nails or screws: A protective layer on the interior surface of the tire tread area immediately seals holes caused by penetration of foreign objects. That way, no air can escape. The sealing process works for nearly any leaks caused by objects up to five millimeters in diameter. About 85 percent of typical flat tires can thereby be avoided.
Extensive standard equipment includes climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels
The Passat CC - which is intentionally offered in just one luxurious equipment variant - is positioned in the premium range of mid-class cars. Its extensive standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels (”Phoenix” type) with size 235 tires, chrome accents (interior and exterior), four ergonomic sport seats (individual seating system in rear), a new three-spoke leather steering wheel design, climate control, ESP electronic stabilization program and automatic headlamp switching.
Advance sales started in Western Europe; North America and Japan to follow in 2008
The core markets for the Passat CC are North America, Western Europe and Japan. This Volkswagen - built at the German plant in Emden - can already be ordered in most countries in Europe. Starting in the fourth quarter Volkswagen will also be introducing the Passat CC in the USA, Canada and Japan.
Overview of technological highlights on the Passat:
“Lane Assist”: This active lane keeping system on the Passat CC automatically counter-steers as soon as it detects that the Passat CC could leave its lane unintentionally; a genuine gain in convenience and safety. About 14 percent of all accidents involving injuries are caused by the vehicle leaving its driving lane. “Lane Assist” can make a contribution toward reducing this accident rate. By the way, if the driver sets the turn signal to intentionally change lanes, “Lane Assist” does not intervene.
“DCC adaptive chassis control”: The car’s new “adaptive chassis control” system by Volkswagen combines the sportiness of a coupé with the comfort of a top luxury sedan in one car. In parallel to tuning of the suspension’s damping characteristic, the power steering system is controlled too. “Adaptive chassis control” offers the three programs “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort”. Decisive here is the fact that the suspension system is constantly adapting to the roadway and driving situation and therefore continually improves comfort and dynamic properties.
“Park Assist”: Another high-end technology is the “Park Assist” parking assistance system. It automatically guides the Passat CC into a parking space at the push of a button. The driver no longer needs to steer in this case, but instead just accelerates and brakes.
“ACC automatic distance control”: When “ACC” is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range (0 to 210 km/h) input by the car driver beforehand. Thanks to “Front Assist”, the system can also prevent some cases of frontal collisions. In advance of certain situations, the system preventively puts the brakes in a preconditioned state, thereby functioning as a stopping distance reduction system (”AWV”). “Front Assist” also warns the driver of hazardous situations by visual and acoustic signals. Even more: If a minimum driving distance is not maintained, in extreme cases the system brakes the Passat CC to a stop (”follow-to-stop”). However, it does not relieve drivers of their responsibility and lets them intervene in the process at all times.
