Nissan has just launched the second-generation Qashqai, and following the worldwide success of its predecessor, Nissan has big ambitions for its new compact SUV.
“The ultimate driving experience – this is how we describe the new Nissan Qashqai,” comments 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.”
The new Qashqai has been designed from the ground up and is set to give new meaning to the term ‘compact crossover’. Its introduction was headlined by emphasis being placed on its design, luxury, quality, refinement and technology; things Nissan hope will bode well with South African buyers.
“The Qashqai has the space, power, comfort, versatility and practicality to suit the busy and adventurous lifestyles of South African buyers,” says Nissan South Africa Product Manager for Passenger and Crossover vehicles, Nancy Reddy.
Spoiled to a choice of five models supported by three engine variants and two trim lines, the new Nissan is also longer, wider, lower and lighter than the model it replaces, yet it retains the original Qashqai DNA that motorists have become accustomed to.
The Qashqai features the new face of Nissan as well as an edgy and striking body design. The bold new design is headed by a prominent new Nissan V-grille that’s supported by angular headlights and an aggressive front bumper. New LED daytime running lights come as standard across the range.
Inside, the Qashqai’s interior is bolstered by premium quality materials, aided by an ergonomically and fuss-free layout that’s been designed to provide long-term durability.
The new Qashqai will come with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. The sole petrol unit, a front-wheel drive 1,2-litre Turbo, produces 85 kW at 4 500 r/min and 190 N.m of torque at 2 000 r/min. Nissan claims that this engine will average 6,2 litres/100 km and 144 g/km of CO2 emissions on the combined cycle.
The first of the diesel engines is Nissan’s familiar 1,5-litre dCi, that produces 81 kW at 4 000 r/min and 260 N.m of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm. With a few altercations to the engine, Nissan claims that this engine now has reduced vibrations, as well as being quieter and lighter than before. Fuel consumptions is rated at 4,2 litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions only 109 g/km. This model is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels.
The 1,6-litre dCi powers the Xtronic CVT and AWD Acenta models in the range, sending power to the wheels through either Nissan’s Xtronic CVT or six-speed manual gearboxes. This diesel engine delivers 96 kW at 4 000 r/min and a very generous 320 N.m of torque from as low as 1 750 r/min. Paired to the CVT gearbox, the engine will return 4,9 litre/100 km and 129 g/km, whereas the manual AWD will return 5,3 litres/100 km and 139 g/km.
Both diesel engines require 50 ppm diesel or better and feature start/stop technology.
Keep an eye on CAR for a full driving impression of the new Qashqai.
Qashqai 1,2T Visia – R281 900
Qashqai 1,5 dCi Acenta – R330 500
Qashqai 1,6 dCi Acenta CVT – R382 500
Qashqai 1,6 dCi Acenta AWD – R383 800
– Charlen Raymond