Nissan’s small Qashqui 2WD has been a favourite since its launch in 2014, the third best-selling small SUV, and has just received some updates – four areas of focus – a fresh new face, higher levels of quality, improved drive-ability and the addition of what Nissan call some new intelligent mobility safety technologies. In this latest series Nissan has dropped the low selling 1.6 turbo diesel engine – all three Qashqui grades ST, ST-L and a special edition N-Tec top grade now feature a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The entry manual ST kicks off at $26,490, 28,990 in CVT or continuously variable automatic. Both prices are $500 up on the outgoing model.
The new mid-spec ST-L auto grade sells for $32,990. Added safety comes with the addition of autonomous emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors and lane departure warning. Nice looking with a smart new interior a high point of the Qashqui is class-leading luggage space. The naturally aspirated 2-litre engine with 106kW of power and 200Nm of torque is no fire breather – I missed the preview drive but from all accounts its performance is lack lustre not helped by a somewhat lazy CVT automatic that’s slow to react. The front-drive Nissan Qashqui is great for a
small family however since its launch three years ago the competition has risen significantly. It has some nice points like an impressive interior and class leading luggage space but is let down by
average performance and ride quality. I’m David Berthon

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