MOTORING NEWS - The Nissan Qashqai is the best-selling urban crossover in Europe - and now it is available in South Africa with significant premium enhancements.
Nissan describes it as the perfect partner to conquer the city and after a drive through the bustling Jozi traffic and some interesting highway sections around Pretoria, one can only agree.
The Qashqai was impressive, quiet and very responsive when quick decisions were necessary.
Apart from the advantages of a competent urban warrior, it was more than refined enough to slip into a parking slot next to a civilised Pretoria restaurant.
As a pioneer of the crossover segment, Nissan has a deep understanding of its customer needs - and it has to be noted that these are to demand the best of everything at an affordable overall price.
The vehicle seems to be getting this right - since the first Nissan Qashqai was launched in 2007, 3,3-million units have been sold globally.
The wide-ranging changes to the upgraded model are based on customer feedback and lessons learnt to establish new levels of comfort.
The "cityproof" Qashqai's improvements focus on the addition of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology, higher levels of interior quality, improved performance and a contemporary exterior design.
INTELLIGENT MOBILITY
Nissan has introduced its highly innovative technologies, known as Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM), to vehicles currently available in SA.
The Patrol and X-Trail, which were launched last year, have several NIM features and the new Qashqai also benefits from these technologies.
INTERIOR
Inside, the Qashqai is now more sophisticated thanks to stylish upgrades which are more driver-oriented. It all starts with a sporty new D-shaped steering wheel, which has a horizontal base for easy movement in and out of the Qashqai.
The four-way controllers on the steering are new and offer customers less need to take their eyes off the road.
The new Qashqai's cabin will help conquer the urban jungle and take control of the city.
Several clever storage solutions are found throughout the vehicle, with a 430-litre boot which increases to 680 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat.
Adapting to customer suggestions for excellent audio quality, the Nissan Qashqai now has an all-new seven-speaker BOSE Premium sound system with tweeters, woofers and a digital amplifier.
Customers who choose the comprehensively specced Tekna model will now enjoy concert-like, comforting listening experiences while blazing a trail through the city chaos.
REFINED DRIVE
The Qashqai's ride, handling and steering have been improved in line with customer feedback to offer sublime ride comfort and a calmer body motion.
The dampers have been retuned, the anti-roll bar stiffness has been increased to maintain handling performance and the NIM Active Ride Control System reduces body motion when encountering large bumps.
Improvements have been made throughout the new Qashqai to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels.
They include more sound insulation material, additional sealing and thicker rear door glass to improve rear passenger experience.
There is also less engine noise thanks to powertrain calibration improvements.
PRICING AND DETAILS
The new Nissan Qashqai maintains its five-star Euro Ncap safety rating. Prices inclusive of VAT are: 1,2 T Visia - R334 900; 1,2 T Visia plus alloys - R346 700; 1,2 T Acenta - R367 000; 1,2 T Acenta CVT - R381 000; 1,2 T Acenta Plus CVT - R394 000; 1,5 dCI Acenta - R394 000; 1,5 dCI Acenta Plus - R407 000 and top-of-the-range 1,5 dCI Tekna - R434 000.
The Qashqai is backed up by Nissan Assured and includes 24-hour roadside assistance.
It has a class-leading six year or 150 000km warranty, plus a comprehensive three year or 90 000km service plan.
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