Sometimes you drive a new vehicle and from the very start it just impresses.
Nissan’s new small Qashqai SUV did this for me recently. Sure, the new model
has been a long time coming but it’s been well worth the wait – a great allrounder
– in four models – the S, the ST, ST-L and the Ti – prices running from $33,890 to
$47,390. All models front drive only powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder
petrol engine linked to a CVT automatic. There’s 23 small SUV’s in the market and
some good ones at that but I will be very surprised if this new Nissan isn’t one of
the top sellers anytime soon, that is if supply can meet demand. Having said that
I’m driving the top spec Ti and of course that can also sway you opinion, the
more affordable variants lack features like a passenger seat height adjuster and
that’s a real annoyance. But the drive experience is the same with same
powertrain across all four grades and it’s a good one offering a nice blend of
power and torque with three available drive modes– I managed 7.9L/100 with
mainly around town motoring, but it does need 95 grade premium fuel. The new
generation CVT automatic excellent aided by manual paddle gear shifters.
Warranty: five-years/unlimited kilometre with service costs very sharply priced.

Download this podcast here