If all else fails, let the looks convince
Qashqai offers crossover usability, keen styling and good handling but it is a touch more expensive than most rivals, writes Phuti Mpyane
For years there used to be three good reasons for considering the Nissan Qashqai: usability, a comfy drive and affordable purchase and running costs. Now you can add gorgeous looks to the motives for putting it on your list as worthy addition to some truly good-looking crossover rivals introduced in SA of late, not limited to the new Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Haval H6 GT.
Beneath the new Qashqais ’ vivacious styling are changes in the finer details. The cabin is more digital now and built better with good driver ergonomics. I managed to find a pleasant and confident driving position thanks to a steering wheel with high enough rake, reach and cushy, and electric front seats.
It boasts generous passenger room on a 2,665mm wheelbase, and the 504l boot is large, though it lacks an electrically operated tailgate. The luxury and convenience items are right up there with the best.
Standard equipment in the range-topping Qashqai Acenta Plus include gear shift paddles, climate control, automatic lights, high beam assist, surround park assist, adaptive cruise control, and leather upholstery, while all Qashqai models get safety equipment comprising six airbags and a raft of accident mitigating systems.
The sportier design translates to a vibrancy on the roads. The 1.3 l turbocharged petrol motor develops 110kW and 250Nm mated to a CVT gearbox. Not exactly red-blooded figures, but enough grunt to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds and to a 209km/h top speed. In between those speeds the frontwheel drive Qashqai scores good points for rapid overtaking and dynamic driving.
A drive mode selector optimises gear ratios and throttle responses in reply to the chosen modes of Standard, Eco and Sport. The average consumption achieved was 8.4l/100km, a much higher figure than the 6.1ll100km/h claimed by Nissan. To be fair I’m partly to blame for this appetite. I drove enthusiastically in the Sport mode which creates later transmission shift points, and you can dive into corners with confidence.
The brakes and steering feel are also top-notch and it’s quite enjoyable to drive fast, but there’s a fly in the ointment.
The ride is lush on the smoothest of tarmac, but introduce speed humps or craggy surfaces in your path and the ride turns firm. The stiff ride may disappoint some, but helps with the fantastic cornering ability.
With the SUV/crossover sector growing larger all the time, prospective customers have their work cut out to settle on a model. The Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus, which costs R670,600 has some larger fiveseat alternatives to contend with including the Kia Sportage 1.6TGDi GT Line and the dieselpowered Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Elite. You can also get a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid for similar money, or a Renault Koleos with 4WD for less.
Compared to rivals the smaller Nissan Qashqai range is rather expensive, but it remains a fine addition to the multiple choices in the niche. The top-tier Acenta Plus model benefits from a high-end Bose sound system and heated Nappa leather-clad seats, but if these items aren’ ta priority the 1.3T Acenta model below saves you R30,000 on the asking price for undeniably a mesmerising crossover. I’d happily recommend it.