With new headlamps, redesigned alloys and front grille, the New Nissan Qashqai is an SUV which is more sophisticated and dynamic than ever. A new headlamp design, featuring a striking LED Daytime Running Light signature, provides the new Qashqai with a smart and elegant look. Three new sets of alloy wheel designs – up to 19” in diameter – infuse the new Qashqai with its own distinctive character. Thanks to Nissan Intelligent Mobility, all occupants will feel more confident and connected than ever.
High Quality Materials;
Unique interior touches, ranging from the high quality materials and new instrument panel, to the new D-shaped steering wheel, add to the premium feel of Ireland’s best-selling SUV of all time. Levels of noise and vibration in the cabin of the Qashqai have been vastly improved, with much less sound from the road and engine making its way inside, particularly on the motorway. The overall shape is typical crossover, with a raised ride height, roof-rails and black plastic trim giving a familiar rugged off-roader look. The lasting comfort of the Qashqai’s new seats – with their new monoform design and high quality Nappa leather with soft 3D quilting finish – ensure that every journey is completed in luxurious surroundings.
Trim & Engine Options;
The Nissan Qashqai model line-up consists of five generously-equipped trim levels – XE, SE, SV, SV Premium, and range-topping SVE. Engine options in the new Qashqai include a new 1.3-litre petrol unit (DiG-T) with 140bhp (6-speed manual), or 160bhp (DCT automatic transmission), a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (dCi) engine producing 115bhp (manual or DCT), and a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel with 150bhp (manual or DCT). 2WD is standard across the range, with 4WD reserved for the larger turbo-diesel power plant. The DiG-T engine features a variety of technical enhancements over the outgoing units, many of which are finding their way into a Nissan for the first time. The upshot is that the 1.3-litre DiG-T engine marks a big improvement over the old 1.2-litre petrol unit. Not only does it produce 25bhp more, but there’s significantly more torque throughout almost the entire rev range, thereby allowing for safe overtaking and terific straight line performance.
Test Car;
My test car was a mid-spec Nissan Qashqai 1.3-litre petrol (140bhp) SV model with a 6-speed manual transmission, which was finished in fashionable grey metallic paintwork. Nissan’s terrific new 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine produces 240Nm of torque for swift acceleration, and can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 10.5-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 192km/h. This new engine was designed, and engineered, to boost driving pleasure while improving energy efficiency to meet rigorous new European norms. Fuel consumption as low as 5.7L/100km on a combined driving cycle is achieveable, while the car will tow a braked trailer of up to 1200kg. On the road, the new Nissan Qashqai behaves with poise and precision, with lots of grip from the tyres, and good balance. The petrol engine is extremely quiet, the ride quality is comfortable, and visibility is excellent, ensuring that the Qashqai is an enjoyable place in which to spend time. Cargo space in the Nissan Qashqai is impressive, with 430-litres available with the rear seats up, and up to 1,598-litres on offer with the rear seats folded flat. Also new for the latest round of updates is the infotainment system. It looks the same on the face of it, but the new processor is vastly more powerful than the old one, so loading times are significantly improved. The screen is much more responsive to touch too, allowing smartphone-style pinch and swiping motions to zoom in and out of map pages and scroll through menus.
Pricing & Warranty;
The Nissan Qashqai range is priced from just €27.700 (ex-works) and represents terrific value for money, while my mid-spec test car is priced from €29,600 (ex-works). All new Nissan passenger cars come with a 3-year/100,000km warranty, and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty too. The Nissan Qashqai is the world’s favourite SUV, and the latest incarnation of the iconic Qashqai is sure to stay that way for the forseeable future too.
Fact Box
1) Spacious, Stylish & Practical SUV
2) Cutting-Edge Technology
3) Petrol or Diesel Engines
4) Manual or DCT (Auto)
5) Priced From €27,700 (ex-works)
