The global automotive landscape is now defined by a multitude of high-riding models, but the mainstay that redefined the rules of the game and gave birth to an entire segment is celebrating two decades of existence. Unveiled for the first time two decades ago at the Paris Motor Show, the Nissan Qashqai was not just a simple launch, but the spark that completely transformed the preferences of drivers everywhere, creating an entirely new category in the market: the compact crossover.
In the years leading up to the Qashqai's launch, the car market was rigidly divided between traditional hatchbacks and bulky, expensive SUVs. The Japanese manufacturer took a bold approach: combining the agility and low running costs of a compact car with the high driving position and versatility of an SUV.
The result exceeded all expectations. Demand exploded immediately after its debut, with 100,000 units sold in Europe being reached in just nine months, a feat that forced the Sunderland plant to introduce additional production shifts to cope with the flow of orders. Global popularity grew exponentially, with the model being sold in over 100 countries and winning over 110 international awards, including more than 20 prestigious "Car of the Year" titles.
Over the 20 years of continuous evolution, Qashqai has surpassed the impressive milestone of 4.1 million units sold on the European market, to which is added another 500,000 units delivered to other continents.
To mark this historic milestone, Nissan has chosen a creative and colorful approach. The manufacturer collaborated with a well-known digital artist to develop unique exterior graphics, such as a “sticker bomb”, that reflect the dynamic journey of the model. Furthermore, the interior of an anniversary model has been transformed into a real time capsule, being personalized with accessories specific to the mid-2000s: velour seat covers, a colorful steering wheel cover, CDs with pop music from that era and even a fully functional iPod, loaded with an authentic playlist from the original launch period. At the same time, the Japanese have also launched the Nissan Qashqai Heritage Collection, a complex digital archive dedicated to the evolution of the model.
On the Romanian market, the Nissan Qashqai model's trajectory faithfully reflects its success at European level. Since the first years of its debut, the Japanese crossover has conquered the Romanian public, quickly becoming the favorite of families and urban drivers who were looking for a perfect balance between space, comfort and a higher ground clearance, ideal for the rapidly developing infrastructure of the 2000s.
Over successive generations, Qashqai has consistently remained at the top of the preferences of new and used car buyers in Romania. The national dealer network reported massive sales, the model becoming a mainstay for the compact SUV segment on our roads. The recognized reliability, affordable maintenance costs and excellent resale value have transformed Qashqai into a benchmark in the domestic market, building an extremely loyal community of owners.
In its current form, the latest Nissan Qashqai takes the legacy of its predecessors to a whole new level, integrating bold exterior design, sustainable materials and state-of-the-art electrified powertrains, such as innovative e-POWER technology or Mild Hybrid systems.
● Price structure and basic equipment: On the Romanian market, the new Qashqai range starts at a recommended price of 30,990 euros (VAT included) for the entry-level Acenta equipment level. This variant already offers a generous package of safety and comfort for everyday use.
● Intermediate levels (N-Connecta and N-Design): The popular N-Connecta equipment, with a starting price of 34,000 euros, brings advanced features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital central screen with the built-in Google system and the Around View Monitor 3D perimeter video camera. For added sportiness and aesthetic customization, the N-Design line increases the price to 41,070 euros.
● Top of the range (Tekna and Tekna Plus): At the opposite end are the top-of-the-range Tekna (from 40,510 euros) and Tekna Plus (from 41,960 euros) equipment levels. The latter transforms the cabin into a premium-inspired one, including front seats with massage function, electrically adjustable lumbar support, quilted leather upholstery, panoramic glass roof and a high-fidelity BOSE audio system with 10 speakers.
Through the combination of history, innovation and a competitive price network compared to the technological level offered, Nissan Qashqai confirms its status as an undisputed leader even two decades after it redrawn the map of the automotive industry.