Before we go any further, how about a brief overview of the Nissan Qashqai? The Qashqai sits above the Nissan Juke light SUV and below the mid-size alternative X-Trail. Prices start at just under $34,000 for the base ST variant, but there are four specs to choose from in all, finishing at the $47,390 (before ORCs) Qashqai Ti.
What both have in common is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 110kW/250Nm through the front wheels. Additionally, it only comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The continuously variable transmission is relatively quiet under load and delivers smooth acceleration up to posted speed limits.
Inside the cabin, there's a smart new infotainment screen with new Nissan software that looks sleek and is dead easy to use. The rest of the dash array is appealing and functional too. Old-school air-conditioning controls are much appreciated at a time when some rivals are opting for infotainment-based 'soft' controls.
Although it has risen in price by a substantial margin over its predecessor (it's between $3300 and $8300 more expensive than before), the 2023 Nissan Qashqai comes well equipped even from the entry-level variant. Highlight features include adaptive cruise control, a digital instrument cluster display, smartphone mirroring for the infotainment system, and front and rear parking sensors as standard.
Servicing costs are capped at $1467 over three years, while Nissan warrants the car for five years (unlimited kilometers).
Our launch testing in late 2022 highlighted a surprisingly spacious cabin that includes impressive wide-opening rear doors, a sizeable boot capacity and a smooth powertrain.
The Nissan Qashqai's performance in slalom and emergency swerve testing wasn't the best in class. The vehicle felt top-heavy and its electronic stability-control system intervened aggressively.
