[Nissan Qashqai News]

For the very first time, Nissan’s facelifted 2017 Qashqai was spotted testing in Spain. What we’re seeing is a pre-production mule in what may be the model’s range-topping trim.

What gave it away as Nissan’s Audi Q3 rival is the set of distinctive wheels. Even thought the mule’s rims are camouflaged we can still see its resemblance to the 19-inch Tekna-inspired wheels that were on the Qashqai premium concept shown at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Autocar is expecting to see a Tekna+ badge to go with those wheels.

Aside from a set of swanky wheels, the facelifted Qashqai will be equipped Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving technology. Already featured in the Serena, ProPilot was designed for single lane highway use and it will control the vehicle’s accelerator, brakes and steering to match real time traffic. According to Nissan, the brand is set to launch an updated ProPilot that will “enable automatic lane changes on highways”.

But we probably won’t see this in the new Qashqai and it’ll likely appear in Japanese models first. When it finally does make its way into the Qashqai, the feature will probably be an option in the higher trims only as those models will be equipped with the needed front camera.

We can expect to see it debut at the upcoming 2017 Geneva motor show.

 

[Specv]

That "block" in front of the grill looks like that's what they'll be using for the radar system for the semi-autonomous technology as we've seen that designed used with many manufacturers for their ICC and what not.

 

[Dualis]

Where the autocar water mark is? Isn't that just where the license plate is supposed to go? I assume the ProPilot is pretty well hidden.

 

[Specv]

No no, above that. There's a block in the middle of the grill there. It's kind of hard to see on this F-Pace but they put the emblem on top of it

 

[NissanDriver]

So it turns out someone created a rendering of what they think the facelift will include and so far i'm liking it. Very realistic and very much in line with what Nissan has going on elsewhere in their vehicle line up:

 

[Specv]

Now that looks like a premium trim. They used that gold trim in all of the places they should have, and none of the places they shouldn't. I'm sure all of that would be faux carbon if they ended up bringing it out exactly like this (of course they won't) but even those seats could work perfectly. They brought the gold inside very subtly around the shift surround and the speaker grill it seems as well.

I approve.

 

[NissanDriver]

It's just too bad we won't be seeing any of that happening with any regular trim because as with most Nissan models if they do anything special it will be on a Nismo edition, a smart move.

But how many of you here would actually go out and get this done yourself? Not all that hard to do it yourself or even to hire a shop to carry out the job.
Plus in the end it won't cost much at all. Easy way to build on what Nissan already established.

 

[Specv]

It really won't cost that much overall. The seats would probably cost the most come to think about it because of the stitching.

Even if they do come with the Nismo edition, we won't have an interior like that unfortunately and that's what really sticks out to me.

 

[VeeQ]

That interior looks like something that belongs in an Infiniti opposed to a Nissan. The stitching, gold accents, etc.

 

[Specv]

Infiniti just patented an interior dot quilting thing that looks just amazing. Luxury at it's prime. So something like what we see above would be great for Nissan and the step up (below) for Infiniti.

 

[Dualis]

The price alone to upholster the interior with diamond leather is just not worth it unless you know someone who can do a good job and for an affordable price. I do like the gold on black color theme and that should be easy to do with some plasti dip, but anything on the interior to make it feel more luxurious won't be cheap.

 

[Specv]

Yeah, that's what I was saying earlier. You can definitely do cheaper alternatives to make it "look" much more premium, but to get it to feel premium, that'll cost a pretty penny.

 

[NissanDriver]

Easiest and cheapest way to do something is adding trim or wrap in certain areas to outline and highlight specific parts. You just have to be very particular about it, not everyone can get it right. Just look at enough examples from car makers and that should set you straight.

 

[VeeQ]

Another big thing now is interior ambient lighting. Like utilizing a product such as "ElWire" and running it around a certain crevice that's uniform throughout the front dash area and even the doors if it could flow properly.

 

[Dualis]

LED interior wiring is harder as you're trying to put something behind the dash panels so it peeks out through the gaps. But footwell lighting is easier to hide and wire.

 

[Specv]

It is difficult, but if there's a will, there's a way lol. Sometimes it does require some modifications in order to route things easier and more clean but, it's all up to your knowledge and skill level and how far you're really willing to go.

 

[VeeQ]

A few youtube videos and you'll be fine. Worst thing I can see is having to drill little holes to run wires though but nothing beyond that.