As a pioneering Nissan SUV, the Qashqai has enjoyed boundless success across its three generations in South Africa. Now more tech-focused than ever, the new Qashqai brings class-leading qualities and loads of style to the burgeoning crossover segment.
I vividly remember seeing the first-generation Nissan Qashqai at its local debut at the then-Johannesburg International Motor Show many years ago. Besides its quirky new-age shape, the name ‘Qashqai’ – derived from a semi-nomadic Iranian tribe – added a sense of anticipation and attitude to the newcomer. The Qashqai people are renowned for their brave warriors and beautiful textiles, prompting Nissan to select the name because the automaker believed drivers would embrace that nomadic, adventurous spirit.
The new, third-generation Qashqai, a veritable pioneer of the crossover market, officially made landfall in South Africa in September 2022, bringing more tech-heavy allure to the segment than ever, and evolving the identity of Qashqai with its modern and sporty style.
STYLE MEETS SAFETY
The new Qashqai bares a significantly more muscular and sharper, contemporary exterior design. From the prominent V-Motion front grille with chrome surrounds, slimline LED matrix headlamps and new ‘boomerang’ daylight running lights at the subtle yet evocative rear, the Qashqai is distinctive in its segment and presents as super stylish.
Based on the Nissan/Renault alliance’s CMF-C Platform, the newcomer is equipped with an oversupply of class-leading active safety features, including level-one autonomous driving aids in the form of Nissan ProPILOT, as well as Predictive Front Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist. ProPILOT introduces a combination of steering, acceleration and braking that can be operated in full-automatic mode, easing driver workload in heavy traffic and on long commutes. Using advanced image-processing technology, the system understands road and traffic situations and executes precise steering, enabling the vehicle to perform naturally and safely. Driver Attention Alert (DAA) completes the protective suite.
DOING THE GRADE WALK
Although Nissan was somewhat coy about committing to a firm release date for the Qashqai e-Power hybrid derivative that will make its way here in early 2023, the three models now available to Qashqai buyers – 1.3T Visia manual, 1.3T Acenta (Xtronic), and 1.3T Acenta+ (Xtronic) – offer a reasonable balance of options albeit at slightly elevated price points.
Inside, all three grades feature premium full Nappa leather seats with a quilted design, while the NissanConnect connected service brings the latest in audio technology, connectivity, and mobile integration.
The premium Acenta+ adds a massaging function to the heated front seats, a 12.3” infotainment screen, BOSE premium sound system, and a dual-tone interior design (not on Visia or Acenta models).
REFINED POWER
The key to understanding a new car’s unique personality during an initial drive is to experience the powertrain and transmission combination. The new Qashqai did not disappoint in this respect.
With a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine in all three Qashqai models, the car delivers 96 kW and 240 kW in the manual-only Visia model, and 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque in the Acenta and Acenta+ models that are paired to an Xtronic CVT transmission. Respectively, the three derivatives will burn through a claimed 6.4 l/100 km (Visia) and 6.1 l/100 km (Acenta and Acenta+) of fuel. Although sprinting is not high on the agenda for most SUVs, the Xtronic-equipped cars will run to 100 km/h in a brisk-ish 8.9 seconds, while the Visia comfortably strides to the same mark in 10.3 seconds.
The Qashqai e-Power hybrid expected next year will be powered by a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that continuously tops up a 2.1 kWh battery for a combined system output of 140 kW and 330 Nm and will form the basis of Nissan’s electrified plans in Mzansi.
LAST WORD
The new Qashqai signals Nissan’s successful re-entry into the competitive crossover market. Although pricing for the three models (Visia R568,200; Acenta R639,300; and Acenta+ R670,600) sparked some interesting comparative conversations among the launch attendees, there is no denying that the new car brings a level of quality and comfort that is hard to beat in the segment. It’s a class act that will do well for the Japanese brand.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © NISSAN SOUTH AFRICA
