SMALL SUV BIG ON VALUE

The range is now complete with high-end offering

Unlikely to cause as much excitement as a full set of those ridiculous miniatures from the supermarket, the compact Nissan Qashqai line-up is complete.

Packed with the latest safety kit and as well as high-end Nappa leather-covered seats, the Ti grade starts from $37,990 plus on-roads.

For those hunting for value, there is currently a deal of $38,990 drive-away for 2018 plat models. That represents a saving of $1500.

There are some good deals on lower spec models, including the ST-L for $31,990 drive-away and the base ST at $27,990 drive-away...but for those that can stretch, it’s the Ti which has all the best goodies.

VALUE

Nothing is left on the options list, and for the $9000 jump over the base ST model you get the special leather 3D quilted seats with electric adjustment for the front two chairs, keyless entry with push-button start, seven-inch colour touchscreen with satnav and digital radio, panoramic sunroof, as well as dual-zone aircon.

The Qashqai was updated in December when Nissan introduced more sound-deadening materials and improved use of soft-touch materials.

Stop-gap N-Tec models are still being phased out and while they are equipped similarly, the Ti adds the better seats, radar cruise control and functionality that can steer the car if it starts to wandering outside the lane without indication.

Servicing intervals are every 10,000km or annual, with the average price over 12 visits $315.

The warranty is three years or 100,000km, with roadside assist for the same period.

An extended warranty deal is available for another three years as long as it hasn’t covered more than 150,000km.

DRIVING

Across the range is the standard four-cylinder petrol engine and unfortunately the Ti doesn’t gain any additional zip.

That doesn’t mean it’s a slowcoach. The continuously variable transmission works well in tandem with the engine (often those transmissions can sound whinier than Phil Gould) but it lacks some punch for those who like more urgency under their right foot.

With a firm ride it borders on sporty, although it mostly feels adequate in most departments — doing its intended job as a family hauler well.

Looking the part, the Qashqai has European appeal, especially impressive with the blue external colour scheme and the 19-inch diamond cut alloys. Other colour options are various shades of grey, red, black and white.

Boot space is impressive by compact SUV standards and good enough for a couple of large suitcases. Drop the rear seats and the 430-litre space expands to just shy of 1600.

SAFETY

Only available on this Ti model, the radar cruise control function can maintain the Qashqai’s position behind vehicles at three pre-set distances that can be set by the driver.

It also comes with autonomous emergency braking which can apply the brakes to avoid or lessen an oncoming accident, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera view, blind spot warning, automatic high beam and rear cross traffic alert.

Available from Armstrong Nissan, 78 Neil Street, Toowoomba.