New Nissan Qashqai 2018 - UK best-selling SUV can now drive itself

The new range-topping Nissan Qashqai 2018 has gone on sale boasting ProPILOT technology onboard. 

ProPILOT is the company’s most refined and advanced driver assistance technology today and will allow certain self-driving capabilities. 

It is an option that can be added to the Tekna and Tekna + models powered by the dCi 130 diesel engine with Xtronic (Automatic) transmission.

Prices for the Qashqai equipped with ProPILOT stat at £31,275. 

A cheaper package called Drive Assist Pack, which costs £495, features most of the same tech as ProPILOT including Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist, the Drive Assist Pack.

The features that aren’t included in this package are the ability to come to a complete stop and then resume driving in traffic.

ProPILOT can assist the driver with steering acceleration and braking and it works on a single lane on highways. 

Nissan says the system is optimised for low-speed congestion and high-speed cruising.

These types of self-driving technology are said to be able to reduce fatigue and improve safety. 

Due to current laws that prohibit drivers completely taking their eyes off the road, the system is a ‘hands on, eyes on’ technology. 

Ryan Gains, general manager, crossovers, Nissan Europe, commented: “The addition of ProPILOT will underpin and strengthen the Qashqai’s position as Europe’s number one crossover.”

He added: “ProPILOT is the signature technology within the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision. 

“It clearly demonstrates our commitment to deliver a more confident, more exciting and more connected future for drivers.”

The Qashqai is the most successful model in Europe in Nissan’s 83-year history, with approximately 2.3 million sold since the original version was launched in 2007.

A special Pilot One Edition Qashqai has been developed that costs from £33,380. 

It is based on the Tekna+ grade but also comes with Storm White Pearlescent body colour, Premium Plum Nappa Leather Interior, Xtronic Sports Pedals, Chrome Exterior Styling Pack and ‘Pilot One Edition’ door entry guards and interior badging.

Nissan Qashqai range options:

Tekna - Drive Assist Pack - dCi 130 Manual 2WD - From £29,525

Tekna - Drive Assist Pack - dCi 130 Manual 4WD - From £31,225

Tekna - ProPILOT - dCi 130 Xtronic - From £31,275

Tekna+ - Drive Assist Pack - dCi 130 Manual 2WD - From £31,325

Tekna+ - Drive Assist Pack - dCi 130 Manual 4WD - From £33,025

Tekna+ - ProPILOT - dCi 130 Xtronic - From £33,075

Pilot One Edition SV - N/A (SV includes ProPILOT) - dCi 130 Xtronic -From £33,380