Small SUVs are taking over the world, and the Nissan Qashqai is one of the biggest players
selling more than 5 million globally. In Australia, though,
it's never quite stolen our hearts and is comprehensively outsold by both the Hyundai Kona
and even the more expensive X-Trail in the Nissan range. But we think that's
set to change with a bigger, bolder, more stylish third generation Nissan Qashqai,
a car that leaves no stone unturned to gain a competitive edge over its rivals.
Roughly the same size as the small SUV it replaces,
the new Qashqai is around 35 millimetres longer, 10 millimetres taller, 32 millimetres wider,
but has a wheel base that has been stretched by around 20 millimetres for extra space.
To save weight and increase stiffness, the body uses more high-strength steel in its construction
and the doors, bumpers and bonnet are pressed in aluminium
with a hatchback made of composite plastic that in total cast 60 kilos off the body in weight.
Under the bonnet, I can't tell you exactly what we'll be getting in Australia because the
details have yet to be finalised, but we think that we're probably gonna get a development of
this car's 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo, but without its 12 volt mild hybrid technology.
Later on, Australians will be offered the Qashqai with Nissan's e-Power series hybrid powertrain.
Inside the Qashqai, the family friendly, small SUV,
well, it has a cabin that's barely recognisable over the model it replaces
from its fit, finish and some of the tactile quality of some of the materials it uses, it
really does narrow the gap between it and some of its German opposition.
There's also plenty of sensible, clever, and thoughtful touches throughout from rear
doors that open almost 90 degrees to the large clever boot that can be partitioned
and customised. There's also plenty of space with loads more leg and shoulder room
and decent headroom even with a standard panoramic roof. There are some failings,
though. There's a lack of use for sliding or removable rear seats the Skoda Karoq offers.
Deduct more points for some of the in-car technology. While it looks good when it's not on,
when it is, it kinda looks like [chuckle] it's a bit dated. It looks like it's ready for an update,
but that said, there is a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
and there's a nifty 15 watt wireless phone charger.
So far, so very good, and it's pleasing to hear for the new generation of Qashqai,
Nissan promises class best dynamics, evident of the new multi-link rear suspension.
But the independent rear suspension is only available with the larger 20-inch wheel option
and the all-wheel-drive models that we're not getting in Australia.
Sticking with the suspension, the new platform is said to not only save weight but boost rigidity
by up to 41%. The suspension is also mounted in a more optimal points in the architecture.
That all bodes well for a better drive. And you know what? It does feel more evolving,
more agile and precise, and there's loads and loads of grip on these 20-inch alloy wheels.
So Nissan has narrowed the gap between it and rivals like the Mazda MX-30,
but that said, the ride. We have worries about the ride because on these 20-inch wheels,
it does get a little bit busy over some small bumps and can crash over big bumps,
so I think we'll have to try before we buy when it lands in Australia.
It's worth mentioning the latest generation of Xtronic CVT is a huge
improvement and is smoother and feels less artificial, until you really work it hard.
There's a really strange jerkiness with this transmission when you just come to a halt.
But we think that might have something to do with the mild hybrid tech that cuts the engine,
so it might not even affect the models we get in Australia.
Set to arrive in Australia in 2022, there's still no word on how much the all new Qashqai will cost,
but we're tipping the base ST model to still weigh in at around a $30,000 mark. As it stands,
even without their fancy electrified base engine,
the new Nissan Qashqai has really everything it needs to challenge its rivals
and beat them, not only on paper, but for the first time, maybe even in the sales charts, too.