The new Nissan Qashqai 1,3 Acenta Plus

The new Nissan Qashqai may look like it’s just been gifted with a  facelift, but underneath its familiar physique, it’s completely new and larger than its predecessor. 

Qashqai

Image: Nissan

The Nissan Qashqai has guaranteed its place in the automotive history books, as it was one of the vehicles that pioneered the Compact SUV/crossover segment. For this new iteration, Nissan has retained the guiding principles that have driven the concept, design and development of the two previous generations of Qashqai, elegant design, enhanced packaging and efficient powertrain, combined with elevated quality and a driving experience from a higher segment. Thanks to the new Alliance CMF-C platform, a showcase of advanced engineering, innovation and advanced technology, the new Nissan Qashqai is once again raising the bar in the crossover segment. The latest Qashqai-badge bearer is 48 mm longer, 29 mm wider, 35 mm taller, and the wheelbase is stretched by 19 mm. Even the ground clearance has improved to a respectable 194 mm. 

Qashqai

Image: Nissan

On the exterior, the Qashqai has an enhanced stance that is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and imposing 19-inch alloy wheels introduced to the Qashqai for the first time. Many would say the it has now reached the ideal size for a family vehicle. Not too difficult to park, with more than enough interior space and a large boot. There is so much space in the cabin, you would expect the exterior to be larger. For the driver the centre console is wide, there’s loads of room for your left foot and there’s plenty of electrical adjustment for the front seats. Soft-touch materials are employed, but there is one panel of dark faux wood that seems out of place among the otherwise well appointed interior .

Image: Nissan

Despite the extra 100 kg of mass, the added power over the previous model is exactly what was needed and the sprint time to 100 km/h has been improved by close to four seconds. This has been achieved at no expense of refinement. The 1,3-litre engine (shared with the Mercedes A200) is smoother and quieter than the outgoing 1,2-litre petrol. The CVT transmission is one of the most responsive we’ve encountered this side of a Subaru WRX and suits the relaxed and refined nature of  the crossover. 

Qashqai

Image: Nissan

The ride is quite impressive considering the large 19-inch wheels on this range-topping model. We expect the more affordable models with smaller wheels would provide an even suppler ride. Steering action is good for an electrically assisted set-up, a bit overly light, but with good accuracy. All aspects come together to form an efficient and suitably impressive package that ticks a lot of boxes for the money now that the Qashqai is nearly as large as its X-trail sibling. The more affordable Visia version has slightly less power, a manual transmission, softer cloth seats and extra sidewall rubber and may be worth consideration at a saving of over R100 000. 

Related: The new Nissan Qashqai has launched today – we have pricing!

Fast Facts:

Price: R670 600

0–100 km/h: 9,51 seconds

Top speed: 206 km/h 

Power: 110 kW

Torque: 250 N.m 

Fuel index: 7,32 L/100 km

The post The new Nissan Qashqai 1,3 Acenta Plus appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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