The crossover that set the trend for this segment of the automotive industry continues to improve itself and hold on to any diminishing advantage it might have as competitors gain ground on it.
Instead of building the low SUV, Nissan experimented with the tall hatch, which resulted in more space and desirability for families preferring a smaller profile and greater functionality. It’s a gamble that’s paid off. Since its launch in 2007, the Qashqai has grown its reach, launching in Singapore with its second generation in 2014.
The third issue of the Qashqai turns in some sharper design cues and a look that aims to elevate it from the mundane; reflecting its growing confidence in its existence and relevance.
It’s easy on the eye despite its outward size. The new version is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase. Despite that, through clever use of materials, it comes in 60kg lighter and enjoys more than 40% structural rigidity.
But it’s still tight for legroom on the inside, for the rear passengers, but otherwise comfortable enough.
With a 1.3-litre mild hybrid turbocharged engine loaded on, the latest version presents a smooth ride. The previous version had a smaller engine and the strain could be felt when accelerating. Not so in the current version, which, relatively quietly and smoothly, gets you from standstill to 100kmh in a leisurely 9.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 199kmh. The performance, besides being smoother, is sharper as well, allowing for more engaging handling.
The three driving modes offer some differences, but generally, you’ll be adequately serviced in Normal mode. You may endure some lethargy in overtaking, but if you hold your nerve, it’ll get the job done. You could also use the paddle shifts to get into better gear for overtaking.
Looks To Match
The V front design helps to focus the attention on the grille and its badge. The Qashqai name is now etched onto the front fender, just to dispel any doubts about what you’re looking at. The rear has also been given some aesthetic treatment, with slimmer lights and metallic inserts in the bumper to break the monotony of the plastic.
There are two versions of the Qashqai on the market. The Prestige reviewed here is the top of the line at *$179,800, with the Premium coming in $13,000 cheaper and poorer by a fair bit in terms of equipment.
The Prestige sits on 19” wheels, and has front and rear LED turn indicators and a power tailgate for handsfree opening. Inside, you have a panoramic glass roof, which means you’ll have to hold the button for a while as the headliner rolls back to reveal it. A 10-speaker BOSE audio system livens up the sound in the cabin, and built-in TomTom navigation provides instructions and warnings.
In the Prestige, the driver sits comfortably on Nappa leather, with an electric motor to get you into your ideal position.
There is the usual array of displays: From a large 10.8” head-up display to a 12.3” digital instrument cluster and a 9” NissanConnect infotainment display (8” for the Premium model) that sticks out in the middle of the dashboard. It’s also equipped with a wireless charging tray and offers wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and wired Android Auto (wired for the Premium).
Additional driver safety features on the Prestige include blind spot warning on the wing mirrors, intelligent cruise control to keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead and rear cross traffic alert which is handy when backing out of a space. The dark blue interior trim is also an option for the higher-end Prestige.
The Prestige variant has an independent multi-link rear suspension, whereas the Premium model has a torsion beam suspension. The former may present some performance benefits when the car is being pushed hard.
Overall, the Qashqai offers a good value-for-money proposition, if that term even applies to our over-priced motoring industry.
Tech Specs Nissan Qashqai 1.3T M-Hybrid Prestige
Displacement: 1,332cc
Engine: DOHC 4-cylinder inline 16-valve turbocharged mild hybrid
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Max output: 116kW
Max torque: 270Nm
0-100kmh: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 199kmh
Fuel consumption: 5.5L/100m
CO2: 125g/km
Gross weight: 1,380kg
Fuel tank: 55L
Length: 4,425mm
Width: 1,835mm
Height: 1,625mm
VES band: A2
Price: *$179,800 (Prestige) $166,800 (Premium)
*Confirm price with dealer