Introduced in 2007 on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail and Renault Kadjar, the Nissan Qashqai has taken the mini SUV->ke145 segment by storm with more than two million units sold as of 2016. A second generation arrived in 2013 with a better-looking exterior design, increased interior space, and upgraded engines, strengthening the Qashqai->ke1889 as a dominant force on the compact crossover->ke288 market. With a significant update planned to arrive in 2017, Nissan->ke62 has unveiled a Qashqai-based concept that previews the upcoming production model at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Showcased alongside the X-Trail Premium, an SUV built for the "premium adventurist thinking of mountain adventures in the Alps or the Pyrenees," the Qashqai Premium concept has been designed for the "premium urbanite." The crossover is aimed at drivers who dream of a weekend "absorbing the cultural highlights of a European destination city such as Geneva, Paris or Rome" and stands out by means of a premium appointed interior and a front fascia that's significantly more aggressive than the standard model.

The Qashqai Premium concept was created by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in London, and Nissan claims it has allowed the creativity of its design team to shine through this project. The brand didn't say whether the Qashqai Premium will become a range-topping trim in the future, but the concept is equipped with the Piloted Drive 1.0 autonomous technology that will be introduced on production models starting 2017.

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan Qashqai Premium concept.

2016 Nissan Qashqai Premium Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Nissan Qashqai Premium Concept
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Exterior

The Qashqai Premium concept received quite a few extra features compared to the standard crossover. The vehicle is finished in an interesting black paint that's not glossy, but not matte either -- it looks like a satin paint that's glossier than usual - and highlighted by golden copper-colored details. The striking hue can be seen on inserts in the lower front apron, the headlamps, and the side skirts, but the roof rails and wheels are finished in the special paint as well.

Nissan also used quite a lot of carbon-fiber to further enhance the mini SUV. The lower front grille surround, the cladding on the wheel arches and the upper section of the side skirts are made from this lightweight material. Special paints and materials aside, the Qashqai also sports a more aggressive body kit. The lower bumper is shaped differently than the standard crossover, lacks the plastic grille, and features two slim openings on each side. Below, Nissan crafted what appears to be a three-layer splitter. The upper piece is carbon-fiber, the middle is painted golden, while the lower layer is body-colored. In addition to the sportier bumper, the front fascia also received a slightly thicker "V-motion" grille that looks the part with the whole package.

Rounding off the concept is a set of 20-inch, machined wheels crafted in a twin-five-spoke design with golden accents. It's worth noting that you can't get rims this large on the standard model, which features 19-inch rollers on its options list.

Interior

The concept's interior is also fancier than usual, featuring soft and quilted white Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin also received golden weave carbon-fiber, black satin chrome, and liquid gloss black on the steering wheel and gear shifter. Needless to say, the Qashqai Premium concept's interior comes with features we have yet to see in a Qashqai and proves that this budget crossover could easily become a more premium proposition. Hopefully Nissan will bring an exciting new level of personalization in this segment by turning the Premium concept into a range-topping trim level.

Drivetrain

Nissan had nothing to say about the concept’s drivetrain, meaning that the crossover could hide any of the Qashqai’s standard engines under the hood. However, given the sporty front fascia and the premium appearance, the concept could use the Qashqai’s most powerful unit, the 1.6-liter, DIG-T, four-cylinder rated at 163 PS (161 horsepower) and 240 Nm (177 pound-feet) of torque. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes 9.1 seconds with this four-pot, while top speed is estimated at 113 mph.

Of course, considering the Nismo-like exterior package, the concept could also feature a beefed-up version of the engine, most likely the one offered in the Nissan Juke Nismo. The performance-oriented crossover benefits from 200 PS (197 horsepower) and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) of torque, which are sent to the wheels through either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The concept could be equipped with an all-wheel drive system as well.

What we do know for a fact is that the concept is equipped with Piloted Drive 1.0, a feature that "allows cars to drive autonomously and safely in a single lane in heavy traffic conditions on highways." In other words, Piloted Drive turns the Qashqai into a semi-autonomous vehicle, a technology several automakers have adopted recently. Nissan didn't have much to say about the new feature, but confirmed that the Qashqai will be the first vehicle in Europe to receive Piloted Drive in 2017.

Conclusion

The Premium concept is by far the most exciting Qashqai built to date. The mini SUV could use a more premium interior for demanding customers and a more aggressive front fascia is a welcomed addition given that the Qashqai has yet to receive the Nismo treatment. A more powerful drivetrain would round out things quite nicely. Hopefully this is a preview of things to come and this update will make it into dealerships as a special-edition model or even a performance-oriented version of Nissan's popular hauler.