The Nissan Qashqai was one of the first cars to be classified as a Crossover when it launched in 2006, and it started a South African love affair with the Qashqai range that is still ongoing now, in its third generation.
The third-generation model is arguably the best of the lot in the design, drivability, and tech departments. The front end looks futuristic, with iron-shaped daytime running lights and a prominent grille. The rear lights have also been redesigned with the 'Qashqai' name positioned in the centre of the boot lid.
Power, performance, and on-road capabilities
The range only comprises of a single turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm (the Visia in manual trim makes 96kW and 240Nm), mated to either a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. For the local market, all Qashqai models are front-wheel-driven. If you want an AWD, you should wait longer for the upcoming X-Trail. I do think that a 1.3-litre engine (even with a turbo) won't have enough pulling power for all four wheels.
On the fuel consumption front, Nissan claims a figure of 6.1-litres, but the best figure I could obtain in the seven days I had the model on test was around the 6.9-litre mark. It can comfortably seat five full-sized passengers and hold a decent amount of luggage in a boot with 430-litres of space available.
It must be said that CVTs aren't everyone's cup of tea for their 'droney' sound, but you feel and hear absolutely nothing from it, even on the highway where it tends to do so. The transmission can handle overtaking reasonably easily thanks to the torque the (bolt-on) turbocharger provides.
The SUV comes standard with some pretty cool features like six airbags, cruise control, ABS, EBD, hill-start assist, reverse camera, and responsive braking technology. The prestigious Euro NCAP 5-Stars safety rating also flanks the SUV. Other features include a Tyre Pressure Monitor, Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning.
Buyers can choose to coat their models in various solid colours: Ceramic Grey, Pearl White, Magnetic Blue, Black, Grey, Silver, Ink Blue, Burgundy, Fuji Sunset, Solid Red, and Solid White.
For those who choose the two-tone trim, the options are Two-Tone Ceramic Grey and Black Metallic Roof, Two-Tone Pearl White and Black Metallic Roof, Two-Tone Magnetic Blue and Black Metallic Roof, Two-Tone Black Metallic and Grey Roof and Two-Tone Fuji Sunset Red and Black Metallic Roof.
Rivals
Peugeot 3008 - priced from R589 900
Toyota C-HR - priced from R459 500
Volkswagen Tiguan - priced from R589 000
What are some of the trim differences?
The entry-level Visia trim comes standard with an eight-inch NissanConnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At the same time, the top model Acenta and the Acenta PLUS has a larger 12.3-inch infotainment unit. All models come with a seven-inch instrument cluster. The Visia has four speakers, the Acenta gets two more, and the top-spec Acenta PLUS features a ten-speaker BOSE sound system.
Spec and pricing
Visia - R568 200
Acenta Xtronic CVT - R639 300
Acenta Xtronic CVT (2-Tone) - R644 800
Acenta PLUS Xtronic CVT - R670 600
The model is sold with a three-year or 90 000km service plan, and a six-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty, including six-year or 150 000km roadside assistance.
Find your own Nissan or Qashqai model on Gumtree by clicking here.
Now that you've got the knowledge, it's time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don't forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
The third-generation model is arguably the best of the lot in the design, drivability, and tech departments. The front end looks futuristic, with iron-shaped daytime running lights and a prominent grille. The rear lights have also been redesigned with the 'Qashqai' name positioned in the centre of the boot lid.
Power, performance, and on-road capabilities
The range only comprises of a single turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm (the Visia in manual trim makes 96kW and 240Nm), mated to either a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. For the local market, all Qashqai models are front-wheel-driven. If you want an AWD, you should wait longer for the upcoming X-Trail. I do think that a 1.3-litre engine (even with a turbo) won't have enough pulling power for all four wheels.
On the fuel consumption front, Nissan claims a figure of 6.1-litres, but the best figure I could obtain in the seven days I had the model on test was around the 6.9-litre mark. It can comfortably seat five full-sized passengers and hold a decent amount of luggage in a boot with 430-litres of space available.
It must be said that CVTs aren't everyone's cup of tea for their 'droney' sound, but you feel and hear absolutely nothing from it, even on the highway where it tends to do so. The transmission can handle overtaking reasonably easily thanks to the torque the (bolt-on) turbocharger provides.
The SUV comes standard with some pretty cool features like six airbags, cruise control, ABS, EBD, hill-start assist, reverse camera, and responsive braking technology. The prestigious Euro NCAP 5-Stars safety rating also flanks the SUV. Other features include a Tyre Pressure Monitor, Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning.
Buyers can choose to coat their models in various solid colours: Ceramic Grey, Pearl White, Magnetic Blue, Black, Grey, Silver, Ink Blue, Burgundy, Fuji Sunset, Solid Red, and Solid White.
For those who choose the two-tone trim, the options are Two-Tone Ceramic Grey and Black Metallic Roof, Two-Tone Pearl White and Black Metallic Roof, Two-Tone Magnetic Blue and Black Metallic Roof, Two-Tone Black Metallic and Grey Roof and Two-Tone Fuji Sunset Red and Black Metallic Roof.
Rivals
Peugeot 3008 - priced from R589 900
Toyota C-HR - priced from R459 500
Volkswagen Tiguan - priced from R589 000
What are some of the trim differences?
The entry-level Visia trim comes standard with an eight-inch NissanConnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At the same time, the top model Acenta and the Acenta PLUS has a larger 12.3-inch infotainment unit. All models come with a seven-inch instrument cluster. The Visia has four speakers, the Acenta gets two more, and the top-spec Acenta PLUS features a ten-speaker BOSE sound system.
Spec and pricing
Visia - R568 200
Acenta Xtronic CVT - R639 300
Acenta Xtronic CVT (2-Tone) - R644 800
Acenta PLUS Xtronic CVT - R670 600
The model is sold with a three-year or 90 000km service plan, and a six-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty, including six-year or 150 000km roadside assistance.
Find your own Nissan or Qashqai model on Gumtree by clicking here.
Now that you've got the knowledge, it's time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don't forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
