Buoyed by the positive sales of the current range topping Qashqai Tekna (not available locally), Nissan is looking at introducing a more premium, sportier-looking version of the compact crossover.
According to Autocar magazine, the model is expected to be based on the Qashqai Premium Concept that was unveiled in Geneva earlier this year and Nissan hope to lure buyers that would be looking at entry-level versions of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, as well as the upcoming Volvo XC40.
“The concept was designed to be feasible for production. Now we are working and adapting the authentic materials, like carbon-fiber, Nappa leather and special paint, for a production feature“, said the study’s design manager, Darryl Scriven.
Nissan had also showed a similar X-Trail concept in Geneva, so it is possible that the mid-size SUV may get the same ‘Premium’ treatment as well.