Built on an all-new platform, the Qashqai went on sale in February 2007, and Nissan targeted more than 100,000 sales per year. Nissan said the car, named after the nomadic Qashqai tribe in Iran, would cater to those buyers who want a more dynamic design, but are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a sport utility vehicle.
The top half of Qashqai has a sleek, dynamic form with a distinctive shoulder line which rises at the rear a design cue similar to that of the Nissan Murano. The lower portion resembles an SUV due to large, pronounced wheel arches and a slightly elevated ground clearance.
The Qashqai uses the same platform as the X-Trail (the vehicle upon which the Qashqai is based), but is not as functional or as off-road capable as the latter. Nissan regards the Qashqai as a rival to such cars as the Toyota RAV-4 and the Honda CR-V.
The Qashqai is equipped with an AWD/4WD system and in 2007 received a five star Euro NCAP safety rating — the best ever adult occupant score.
Four engine choices are available: a 114 PS (84 kW; 112 bhp) 1.6 L or a 141 PS (104 kW; 139 bhp) 2.0 L petrol, while the 106 PS (78 kW; 105 bhp) 1.5 L and 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) 2.0 L provide the diesel offerings.