Bumper 40-page issue INSIDE Celebrating 26 YEARS of service to the Car Buyer VOL. 26.
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NO. 6 – 2021
ALL-NEW NISSAN QASHQAI – READY FOR THE FUTURE –
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issan has reinvented the family crossover/SUV segment that it created in 2007 with the launch of the all-new Qashqai, which has been electrified to help families make the switch to hybrid and electric driving. The new 12V hybrid system on the new Qashqai is a more affordable technology, providing torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop, storing energy to power the vehicle’s electrical equipment and to lower fuel consumption.
Although unmistakably Qashqai in its styling, the third generation is more muscular, sharp and modern. The new Qashqai looks more solid and substantial too, despite growing by only 35mm in length and 32mm in width. It continues to give drivers a commanding sense
of their environment with improved visibility, while a longer wheelbase has created more room for occupants. Additionally, luggage capacity has increased to 504-litres, representing a 74-litre increase over the previous generation. A clever boot floor arrangement
By DECLAN GLYNN www.motoringmatters.ie means plenty of storage and load height options to boost flexibility, too. MILD HYBRID TECH Nissan has dropped diesel engines from the line-up, so the bulk of the range is filled by an evolution of the previous generation Qashqai’s 1.3-litre DIG-T turbo petrol unit with mild hybrid technology. This 12V system adds 22kg in weight, but cuts Co2 output by up to 4g/km. The new Qashqai’s petrol engine is available with two
outputs – 138bhp and 156bhp – when fitted with a six-speed manual or Xtronic (automatic) transmission respectively. The manual gearbox offers a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling than ever, while the newgeneration Xtronic transmission offers better fuel economy and acceleration. Coming our way in 2022 will be a 187bhp electric hybrid model too, providing families with even greater choice. This model uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and includes a proper 145kW electric
motor, but the engine doesn’t even drive the wheels in this car – it just charges the battery to keep the electric motor going. FOUR GRADES The new Qashqai is available in a choice of four grades, and many of its innovative safety and infotainment features are standard across the range. The entry grade XE model is available from €30,500. The SV grade is priced from €33,200, the SV Premium Grade from €37,395 and the top of the range SVE Xtronic grade from €44,600. The front of the new Qashqai gets an updated interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, flanked by slim LED headlights which cut a C-shaped slash into the bumper, while a new rear design features distinctive light clusters, a stylish tailgate, and a redesigned bumper for added visual drama. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches – the latter of which is one inch larger than what was offered on the second-generation Qashqai. IInside, a new horizontal layout sees the infotainment screen positioned on top of the dash, with the vents and physical air-conditioning controls moved below. The infotainment system now uses a nine-inch touchscreen with a much sharper resolution than before, with online services including Google Street View and fuel price information available. Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are offered too. While the previous Qashqai’s traditional analogue dials and lowresolution, slow infotainment Continued on page 2
New CUPRA Formentor to the fore – PAGE 6 – —•—
Ford GT pays homeage to its origins – PAGE 10 – —•—
10 ways to reduce car insurance – PAGE 28 – —•—
FAQs on Buying a Used Car or Vehicle – PAGE 36 –