The New Nissan Qashqai

BY SINAZO MKOKO

Impressive and top-tier quality

Impressive, spacious and top-tier. These are three words that came to my mind when I first laid my eyes on the all new Nissan Qashqai.

On 21 September, 2022, Nissan South Africa revealed its all-new Qashqai to the South African market and we were part of it. The latest set of wheels is available in three grades; the Qashqai 1.3T Visia MT, the Qashqai 1.3T Acenta (Xtronic) and the 1.3T Acenta Plus (Xtronic). Here we look at some of its best features.

SAFETY AND TECH

One can tell that Nissan has prioritised safety for its customers using the latest technological innovation. Drivers of this generation will enjoy their ride, knowing that the car can watch the road and keep passengers safe with its advanced safety technologies. Nissan SA stated: “One of the safety functions ensuring passenger safety, is through the onboard Predictive Front Collision Warning, which keeps an eye up to two vehicles ahead, and when the system detects a sudden deceleration ahead, it gives the driver an audible and visual warning to slow down.”

They added: “The all-new Qashqai also delivers on an intuitive and protective driving experience through the Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system – which is intended to address potential driver fatigue and inattention. If the system detects driving behaviour consistent with a drowsy driver, the system uses an audible chime sound and displays an amber coffee cup with a message reading, “Take a break?” in the vehicle’s information display.” This, for me, was a key takeaway. South Africa records a high rate of accidents every year and some of those caused by the distractions and drivers losing attention and the DAA will contribute to reducing such accidents.

TOP-TIER COMFORT

When it came to comfort, Nissan didn’t pull any punches. The new Nissan Qashqai is fitted with premium full Napa leather seats with quilted fronts for one cosy and restful experience.

There’s no way one wouldn’t be comfortable - especially when the seats of this vehicle have a massage function that will put you at ease as you’re driving! The drive was so smooth, I felt like we needed a longer drive or maybe a road trip outside of the province as we effortlessly cruised the twists and turns of Chapman’s Peak. Nissan said they are introducing a two-tone, premium interior to complete the overall premium experience of the third generation Qashqai. From a glance, this beauty comes in different colours with something for everyone including new two-tone colour combinations. It’s a sight for sore eyes. It might have taken two years to land in South Africa, but for those who have a long history with the brand, it was worth the wait.

PRICES

The starting price of the 1.3T Visia is R 568 200. The 1.3T Acenta Xtronic CVT is R 639 300, the 1.3T Acenta Xtronic CVT (2-Tone) is R 644 800 and, lastly, the 1.3T Acenta PLUS Xtronic CVT (2-Tone) starts at R 670 600.

1.3T VISIA

Fuel Type unleaded Petrol Engine displacement 1332 Number of cylinders 4 Maximum Torque 240@3500 Drivetrain 2WD Maximum Power 96@5500 Consumption Fuel Economy Estimate (l/100km)

1.3T ACENTA XTRONIC CVT

Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol

Engine displacement: 1332

Number of Cylinders: 4

Maximum Torque: 250@3750

Drivetrain: 2WD

Maximum Power: 110@5500

Consumption: Fuel Economy Estimate (l/100km) 6.1

1.3T ACENTA XTRONIC CVT (2-TONE)

Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol

Engine displacement:1332

Number of Cylinders: 4

Maximum Torque: 250@3750

Drivetrain: 2WD

Maximum Power: 110@5500

1.3T ACENTA PLUS XTRONIC CVT (2-TONE)

Engine type: Petrol Only

Engine displacement: 1332

Maximum Power: 110@5500

Maximum Torque: 250@3750

Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol

Transmission: XTRONIC CVT

Drivetrain: 2WD

Number of Cylinders: 4