That is the Nissan’s Qashqai’s 1.6 CVT.
Nissan has aimed somewhat higher when it comes to interior quality, with a fuss-free layout and premium quality materials. New to the model is a Drive-Assist Display with high-definition graphics and an adaptable ambient lighting system to create that perfect mood at night.
Well, I sort of played with the ambient lights especially when in company of one of my latest ‘conquests’…as the new exterior design allowed space- though it doesn’t stray too far from the original’s blueprint, it looks decidedly more modern and it’s certainly easy on the eye.
As we tested the automatic Qashqai or pronounced –Kash Kai-features brand new seats, designed using advanced medical scanning, and as before there’s space for five – its new Xtrail sibling will offer room for seven.
Leg, head and shoulder room have been improved, while the boot capacity grows by 20 litres to 430 litres.
On the ‘techno’ front, Nissan is offering its Around View Monitor as an option on all but the base model. This gizmo uses four cameras to effectively create a ‘helicopter view’ of the vehicle displayed through a seven-inch LCD display – which also comes as part of the optional Techno Pack.
The diesel option comes in the form of a 1.6 CVT with 96kW on tap at 4000rpm and a wholesome 320Nm from 1750. You can have it as a front-wheel drive with CVT transmission or as an all-wheel drive and Bloemfontein (place of roses) can attest to that, as we made our route to cover Chiefs vs Celtic’s in the first semi-final of the MTN8 Cup.
“The ultimate driving experience – this is how we describe the new Nissan Qashqai,” once commented General Manager of Marketing and Planning at Nissan South Africa, Konstantin von Vieregge.
“The new model represents a new lifestyle choice for people who value their driving as part of their everyday experience, and aim to make their time behind the wheel more than just a chore. The new Nissan Qashqai ultimately personifies our ‘Innovation that Excites’ ethos.”
As, I angrily responded to questions posed by my niece and irritating friends, the range kicks off with the packing standard features like six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, hill start assistance, five-inch Drive-Assist Display, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and air conditioning and 1.2T Visia.
Also fitted are LED headlights and keyless entry and start. Fortunately, this time I made sure the key was handy or pocketed ‘cos it is so tiny.
Yes, this is the same segment as the latest Corsa Mokka. Internationally though, has sold over 2million a good gesture for Qashqai.
Qashqai comes standard in a five-year/90 000km service plan and six-year/150 000km warranty.
Go and get yours its’ worth the drive.
The 1.6 dCi Acenta CVT retails for R282 500 to R382 500
Verdict:
Performance: 1-10 (7)
Diesel: 1-10 (8)
