Nissan Qashqai priced from $33,890 + ORC

THE new-generation Nissan Qashqai will cost from $33,890 before on-road costs when it launches in Australia late in the year, $3300 more than the equivalent outgoing entry-level model, while the top-spec Ti is $8300 more than its predecessor.

When the small SUV does arrive, the all-automatic four-variant line-up will feature bigger dimensions and a more fuel-efficient small-capacity engine that will be later joined by a hybrid option.

Upwardly mobile car prices notwithstanding, the costlier new Qashqai packs more power, technology and safety into its larger and more stylish shell for a fairer fight with the segment’s most popular players, including the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona.

The new model is 1625mm tall (+30mm), 1835mm wide (+29mm), 4425mm long (+31mm) and is on a 2665mm wheelbase (+19mm). 

Strikingly styled, the new Qashqai comes in four trim levels that Nissan says “deliver more of what Australian families love about Nissan’s stylish and spacious small SUV”.

Increased advanced driver assist technology is standard across the board, including adaptive active cruise control, forward autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, rear autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure assist, blind-spot warning with intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, rear seat occupant alert, auto high-beam, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Nissan’s ProPilot driver assist tech with lane-keep assist provides semi-autonomous driving capability on the ST-L ($42,190 + ORC) and Ti flagship. 

Range-wide safety is also enhanced by a new centre far-side airbag for occupant-to-occupant protection contributing to its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating (ANCAP’s rating for this market is yet to be determined).

Nissan says the new Qashqai offers “additional driving excitement as standard across the range” with power from the 1.3-litre turbocharged engine delivering 4kW more power and a 50Nm torque boost over the outgoing model’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit, lifting overall outputs to 110kW and 250Nm.

Despite being front wheel drive only, Qashqai scores a multi-link rear suspension across the range along with a revised X-Tronic automatic continuously variable transmission. The six-speed manual offered on the outgoing ST entry variant appears to have been dropped.

The increases in power and torque do not dent fuel economy; on the contrary, the new powertrain reduces fuel consumption to a claimed 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle for an 11 per cent efficiency gain over the outgoing model.

A future e-Power hybrid option promises additional power and better fuel economy than the petrol-only launch line-up.

Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson described the new Qashqai as “a small SUV that’s big on what matters”.

“I can’t wait for Australians to climb behind the wheel,” he said. 

Nissan’s alliance with Mitsubishi and Renault enables the new Qashqai to introduce a raft of technology updates. Grade dependent, Qashqai is available with a 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment system, DAB+ digital radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging.

All four model grades are offered with added features, and a bold new Magnetic Blue “hero” colour.  

From ST+ (37,890 + ORC) grade upwards, customers can choose from five eye-catching, two-tone paint schemes including Fuji Sunset Red and Ceramic Grey, both matched to LED headlights, alloy wheels and a Pearl Black roof. 

The so-called democratisation of standard equipment sees all versions of new Qashqai equipped with paddle-shifters, rear air vents and heated exterior mirrors among numerous other features sought by consumers.

Idle-stop is standard on all variants, which share a towing capacity of 1500kg braked.

All bar the ST base model feature native sat-nav running through a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

2023 Nissan Qashqai pricing*:

*Excludes on-road costs