When the first-generation Nissan Qashqai was introduced locally in 2008, the pioneering crossover model immediately proved popular thanks to its slightly smaller size compared to its SUV competitors, coupled with good performance, relative spaciousness, and affordable pricing
Initially sourced from the Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, favourable exchange rates contributed to the Qashqai establishing itself as a money-spinner model for Nissan. However, by the time the second-generation model was introduced, the market was already muddled by more similar-sized SUVs and crossovers.
Production bases for the Qashqai were also diminishing, and with the Rand devaluating, sourcing from the United Kingdom became prohibitively expensive. Stock was then sourced from Japan, but with Sunderland as the only production base worldwide for the latest model, Nissan South Africa has no choice but to import them from here.
Under current exchange rates, this has significantly impacted the pricing…and this is the difficulty the new, recently released third-generation Qashqai faces here. There is no problem with the vehicle – like its predecessors, it is hugely competent – but at what cost?
In terms of styling, the newcomer retains the identity of Qashqai with its modern and sporty looks, and our Magnetic Blue flagship Acenta Plus Xtronic CVT test unit received many a compliment from onlookers during our time with it.
Externally, its design is now more muscular and sharper, with a larger V-Motion front grille, slim LED matrix headlamps, and new ‘boomerang’ daylight running lights at the front. The sharp lines continue down to the sculpted side profile, and the rear is sporty yet uncluttered.
Based on the Renault/Nissan Alliance CMF-C Platform, the new Qashqai comes equipped with an overabundance of features, and locally it is available in three grades – 1.3T Visia manual, 1.3T Acenta (Xtronic), and 1.3T Acenta Plus (Xtronic). These models received the more powerful engine unit, while the manual Vista model received the 96 kW/240 Nm version of the 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine.
PREMIUM INTERIOR
Inside, the latest flagship model has a much more upmarket feel than before. From the padded Napa leather seats and leather-covered steering wheel to the instrument panel and door panel cladding, premium soft-touch materials abound. Regarding refinement, the Qashqai is now at least on par with the VW Tiguan, and the grade of plastics used puts some fancier names to shame.
The Acenta Plus Xtronic comes comprehensively equipped with features such as heated electric front seats with massaging function, a 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, a 360º camera (making parking easy), and a Bose sound system but interestingly, no sunroof.
The Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite has a host of functions, including the semi-autonomous Pro-Pilot system with steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, predictive front collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind spot warning, moving object detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.
On the road, the interior feels cosy and well cloistered from external noise, and in flagship trim, the refined 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, with a useful 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque on tap, delivered a peppy performance, although sometimes it needed to be spurred on with a hefty stab of the right-foot pedal.
It is a competent performer and capable handler with precise steering, well-balanced cornering behaviour, good ride quality, and relaxed open-road manners. The Xtronic CVT did a good job feeding appropriate power to the front wheels. However, our average fuel consumption was 8.8 l/100 km compared to the claimed 6.1 l/100 km.
LAST WORD
From this, it should be clear the new Qashqai ticks all the right boxes and has moved upmarket, but at R670,600 (including a six-year/150,000 km warranty and three-year/90,000 km service plan), the top model is uncomfortably expensive when considering that it is pricier than the larger Toyota RAV4 2.5 GX-R AWD, Kia Sportage GT-Line Plus, and Haval H6. It also makes one wonder about pricing for the imminently expected X-Trail.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © NISSAN SOUTH AFRICA
