Nissan has introduced a new Nissan Qashqai – and it’s packed full of technology, some of which is only found in premium SUV models.
The new Qashqai has been completely re-designed, and follows the same design language as the recently-launched Nissan X-Trail and Pathfinder models, with a more-rounded look as well as an accent on lots of technology and comfort features.
It offers greater levels of premium comfort, innovative technologies and bold, attractive styling. It is on-sale in both petrol and diesel engine options, in three separate models.
The ST, ST-L and Ti comes with a 2-litre MR20DD naturally-aspirated, direct injection petrol engine, producing 106kW/200Nm, with overall fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
The TS is powered by a 1.6-litre R9M turbo-diesel engine, producing 96kW/320Nm.
Jointly developed with Alliance partner Renault, this light and compact engine has strong performance and exceptional economy, boasting fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100km.
All diesel-powered Qashqais feature Idle Stop/Start technology, which stops the engine when stationary to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
All variants have been awarded a 5- Star ANCAP safety rating, and this is made possible in part by Nissan Safety Shield, with multiple safety technologies and six standard airbags – dual front, dual side and dual curtain SRS airbags that extend to the second row to protect the driver and passengers in the event of front or side impact.
All models have the Xtronic CVT transmission which has been engineered to deliver a smoother, more natural driving experience.
Braked towing capacity is 1,200kg for petrol models, and 1,400kg for the diesel.
Underneath the all-new Qashqai’s sleek body is the Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed modular platform known as the CMF-C/D (Common Module Family), also used in the latest Nissan X-Trail.
It includes latest technologies such as Chassis Control, Active Trace Control and Active Ride Control, to improve ride and handling characteristics.
At the same time Active Engine Brake uses the Xtronic transmission to apply engine braking (like shifting to a lower gear in a traditional transmission) to deliver smoother deceleration and a more confident driving experience.
And the driver can select steering feedback sensitivity via the Advanced Driver Assist Display: Sport for more feedback and Normal for easier feeling.
The latest Qashqai is 47mm longer than its predecessor and fractionally lower and wider, and is available in eight colours: Ivory Pearl, Pearl Black, Truffle Bronze, Ink Blue, Sangria Red, Platinum and Gun Metallic.
Inside, the car’s numerous comfort, convenience and safety systems have been analysed and redesigned to give the driver easy access to all key controls. Thanks to an intuitive single interface, drivers are able to tailor the Qashqai’s functions to their needs.
Versatility is another area which has been optimized, and no area of the car’s interior was overlooked in the pursuit of increased flexibility and better practicality. The boot, for example, has a luggage capacity of 430 litres with the rear seats in position – an improvement of 20 litres over the previous model.
Load space flexibility has also been improved with a tailgate that now opens 230mm higher and includes a dual-floor system designed to provide a flexible and versatile load space.
Seats feature cloth trim in Qashqai ST, premium cloth trim in ST-L and TS and leather-accented trim in the Ti.
The Qashqai Ti in particular boasts an array of innovative and accessible technologies.
These include Around View Monitor, whichprovides a bird’s eye view on the colour seven-inch QVGA Display, using four cameras placed around the vehicle (front grille, rear tailgate and both side mirrors); Moving Object Detection, which provides visual and audible warnings when it detects an object moving both in front and behind the vehicle; Intelligent Park Assist, which offers both reverse parallel and bay parking assistance, using the four cameras on Nissan’s Around View Monitor system to assist the driver by steering the Qashqai into the parking spot as the driver controls the brake and throttle.
On top of this Driver Attention Support ensures the Qashqai “gets to know you” so that it can tell when the driver is getting drowsy. After learning your driving style, the system will monitor inputs, showing a dashboard alert if steering becomes erratic, indicating the driver should take a break.
Then there’s Lane Departure Warning, which detects if the car is starting to drift out of the lane, and Blind Spot Warning, which uses the rear view camera of the Around View Monitor system to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot.
Hill Start Assist (all grades) uses Vehicle Dynamic Control and braking systems to hold the vehicle for a short period when stationary on an incline.
All models get Bluetooth, cruise control, and a rearview camera, while the Ti adds satellite navigation, front heated seats, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof, roof rails and LED headlights with auto levelling.
Prices: ST 2.0 petrol $35,990, ST-L 2.0 petrol $39,990, Ti 2.0 petrol $43,990 and TS 1.6 diesel $42,990.
