Nissan has launched its advanced ProPILOT drive-assistance technology on the full Qashqai line-up. The award-winning system is now available on all automatic (DCT or CVT petrol and diesel) variants of the UK’s best-selling crossover.
ProPILOT is an advanced driver assistance system. Used during single-lane driving on the highway, the technology helps maintain the car’s lane position and distance from the vehicle in front, making highway and traffic driving easier, less stressful and more relaxing.
On Qashqai N-Connecta grades, ProPILOT is a £595 option – the same price as on the Nissan LEAF. The system is standard on both Tekna and Tekna+ grades. On Tekna+ models, ProPILOT is included within a Sport Option Pack that adds front and rear body colour painted bumpers; side silver finisher and 19-inch ‘wind design’ alloy wheels.
ProPILOT is only available on automatic versions of Qashqai – with either DCT or CVT transmissions. For Manual gearbox models, a Drive Assist Packis available for the same cost as ProPILOT – a £595 option for N-Connecta models and standard fit for Tekna/Tekna+.
Featuring Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist, the Drive Assist Pack is capable of most ProPILOT features except the ability to come to a complete stop and then resume driving in traffic.
Qashqai models with ProPILOT are now available to order from £28,040, with Drive Assist Pack versions from £25,490.
Kalyana Sivagnanam, managing director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. said; “The Nissan Qashqai has always been a leader in terms of innovative design and technologies that enhance the ownership experience. Our advanced ProPILOT drive assistance adds a greater level of confidence, control and enjoyment to the UK’s best-selling crossover.”
Since its introduction on the Nissan Serena in Japan in 2016, more than 350,000 Nissan vehicles have been equipped with ProPILOT driver assistance technology, making Nissan the global leader in semi-autonomous drive technology amongst mainstream brands.
ProPILOT (known as ProPILOT Assist in the U.S.) is available on several Nissan models around the world including the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, and best-selling Qashqai, Serena, Altima and Rogue.
ProPILOT is currently available on the LEAF and Qashqai in the UK with the X-Trail due to receive the technology later in 2019.
ProPILOT explained:
ProPILOT enhances a driver’s control by assisting with steering, acceleration and braking. It works in a single lane on highways, and is optimised for low-speed congestion and high-speed cruising.
By liberating drivers from some of the more mundane elements of motoring, ProPILOT helps to reduce fatigue and stress, whilst improving safety and enhancing control and confidence.
Simple and intuitive to use, ProPILOT is activated by the driver using the ProPILOT button on the right spoke of the Qashqai’s steering wheel. Pressing the adjacent SET button maintains current speed and a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
The Qashqai will slow to a complete stop if traffic conditions require. It moves off automatically if the car is stationary for approximately three seconds or less. If longer, drivers just press the RESUME button or lightly tap the accelerator.
ProPILOT’s status is always displayed in the combimeter between the two dials in the instrument cluster. Visual warnings are supported by audible alerts.
The technology works based on traffic and road conditions data supplied by a camera mounted in the Qashqai’s windscreen and a radar behind the Nissan badge in the front grille.
While ProPILOT is Nissan’s first step on the journey towards autonomous driving, on the Qashqai it is a ‘hands on, eyes on’ technology. The driver remains in control and responsible for the vehicle at all times.
