With over one million units sold since its debut in 2014, the Nissan Qashqai, which is sold as the Rogue Sport in the US, is the Japanese automaker's best-selling model, so expectations are high for the current model's replacement. Prototype testing of the new third-generation Qashqai is currently underway in Europe before sales begin in spring 2021. As we saw in previous prototype spy shots, the new Qashqai's new front fascia borrows cues from the new Nissan Juke. We also get a peek at the crossover's partially split headlights, daytime running lights, and a revised grille.

Nissan has also confirmed the new Qashqai will be the first model in Europe to use the CMF-C platform, which will bring some significant weight savings.

For the first time, the Qashqai's rear hatchback door is made of a composite material, which saves 5.7 pounds. The front and rear doors, front fenders and hood are also now made of aluminum, saving a total of 46 pounds over the outgoing Qashqai's body in white. Nissan claims the overall body in white is 132 pounds lighter and 41 percent stiffer than the previous model, resulting in improved ride comfort and a more refined, responsive driving experience.

The suspension has also been updated. Two-wheel-drive models equipped with wheel sizes up to 19 inches get a torsion beam rear suspension, while all-wheel-drive models and models with 20-inch wheels or larger get an advanced multi-link set-up offering "a best-in-segment balance between ride comfort and dynamic response."

Powering the new Qashqai will be a 1.3-liter gasoline engine with mild hybrid technology available with two power outputs, but technical specifications are being kept under wraps. In addition, the new Qashqai will be offered with an innovative "e-Power" system featuring a combustion engine acting as a range extender to charge the battery and an electric motor driving the wheels.

Nissan hasn't given us a look inside the new Qashqai, but the interior will be getting a radical revamp with a larger infotainment screen and a digital display replacing the current model's analog gauges. The new Qashqai will also launch with Nissan' next-generation ProPilot driver assist. Dubbed ProPilot with Navi-link, the system features advanced cruise control with stop and go functions, lane-keeping and blind-spot assists, and speed sign recognition.

Look out for the new Nissan Qashqai's world debut next spring. Its US Rogue Sport equivalent should debut sometime after that.