Made in Japan but named after an Iranian nomadic people, the Nissan Qashqai has proved its popularity in the motoring combo sector of SUVs, which combine family car and light commercial features. Since its inception in 2007, it has notched sales success of over two million units globally and over 20 000 in South Africa.
The latest Qashqai model, issued in 2014, is keeping the momentum going, thanks to the sleeker look of its second-generation design. The new Nissan Qashqai is of compact hatchback dimensions. With the practicality of a passenger car and the big driving position of an SUV, the Nissan Qashqai has matured into a vehicle which answers customer’s motoring needs. Moreover, the completely new Qashqai is longer, wider, lower and lighter. The vehicle also boasts state-of-the-art technology and increased efficiency in performance.
Engines
There are five models, three engines and two gearboxes to choose from. The engines include: 1.2-litre turbo petrol with 85 kW and 190 Nm
1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 81 kW and 260 Nm
1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 96 kW and 320 Nm.
Additional fact of curiosity is that the current Qashqais cars are built at the Nissan factory in Sunderland, England and not in Yokohama, Japan
Specification and features
Specification wise, the new Nissan Qashqai offers generous helpings of comfort features, even from the bottom of the range starts with the 1.2T Visia manual, which includes standard feature highlights like LED daytime running lights, electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Charcoal cloth trim, 16-inch wheels, a 5-inch full-colour HD Drive-Assist Display, remote central locking, a fully-compatible audio system with four speakers, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, two cup holders, four bottle holders and manual air conditioning. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are available as an option.
The new 1.2T Acenta and 1.5dCi Acenta models add even more features with the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with autoc lights and wipers, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, Graphite cloth trim, an electric anti-dazzle rear view mirror, six speakers, dual-zone climate control, driver and passenger seatback pockets, and an extra two cup holders.
Optional extras consist of two packs called the Design Pack and the Techno Pack. You can have either or, or a combination of the two. Design Pack consists of smart silver roof rails, privacy glass and 19-inch V-design alloy wheels, while the Techno Pack includes Around View Monitor, heated door mirrors and the new NissanConnect infotainment system.
Prices
QASHQAI 1.2T Visia R281 900
QASHQAI 1.2T Visia + 17″ Alloy R288 600
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta R310 100
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta Navi R326 800
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta + Style Pack R322 900
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta +Navi+ Style Pack R338 900
QASHQAI 1.5dCi Acenta R330 500
QASHQAI 1.5dCi Acenta + Navi R347 200
QASHQAI 1.5dCi Acenta + Style Pack R343 300
QASHQAI 1.5dCi Acenta + Navi + Style Pack R359 300
QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta CVT R382 500
QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta CVT + Navi R399 200
QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta CVT + Navi+ Leather seats R409 200
QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta AWD R383 800
QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta AWD + Navi R400 500
QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta AWD + Navi + Leather seats R410 500
All models carry Nissan’s new class-leading 6-year/ 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan which includes roadside assistance as standard. Pricing includes VAT.
Qashqai follows up with sleeker design
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