What to expect from the all-new Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai first made its debut back in 2006, it has since grown to become very popular amongst locals, even being named the “Best Compact SUV”. But like many of you know, the compact SUV market has grown enormously since then, with Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Haval all wanting a piece of the pie. So, what does Nissan do? Well, that’s quite simple, upgrade their beloved Qashqai.
The latest Qashqai has been built on the new Alliance CMF-C platform. The Qashqai in white will get an increase in stiffness, with an overall improvement of 48% in comparison to the outgoing model. Despite this, the bodyshell will be over 60kg lighter, which further contributes to the Qashqai’s efficiency. There will be two rear suspension configurations too, with the torsion beam being configurated for a two-wheel-drive Qashqai on 19-inch wheels. Consumers will also have the option to order their Qashqai with 20-inch wheels or all-wheel drive, which will further benefit from a multi-link rear suspension configuration. Both suspension set-ups will insulate road noises and vibrations, making the Qashqai ideal for long road trips.
The steering ratio has also been changed from 19.1:1 to 14.7:1, resulting in a quicker response on turn-in. In terms of powertrain options, the Qashqai will be offered in a 1.3-litre petrol engine with mild hybrid technology that will provide two power outputs. The Qashqai will either get paired with a six-speed manual transmission or the new Xtronic automatic transmission. Its power outputs will range from 103kW to 116kW, depending on the derivative chosen. The 12V ALiS (Advanced Lithium-ion battery System) mild hybrid system, will be able to recover energy when the Qashqai is decelerating, and will then store it in its Lithiumion battery. This charged energy will then accessed during an Idling Stop, Coasting Stop (Xtronic versions only), or for Torque Assist.
The driver interaction has also been improved, with the all-new Qashqai benefiting from a new drive mode selector on the centre console. This will allow the driver to choose the all-wheel-drive settings according to the conditions. The modes will range from Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, and Off-Road. Nissan has also added that after its introduction, the Qashqai will be offered with an e-POWER powertrain. The battery will be charged from the three-cylinder 1.5 litre variable compression turbo motor, which will run quietly in the background.
Also worth a look: the Nissan Rav4 and the Nissan's New Gravite MPV: A 7-Seater for South Africa?.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Nissan Qashqai cost in South Africa?
The all-new Nissan Qashqai starts from around R479,900 for the base 1.3T Visia model, with prices climbing to approximately R589,900 for the top-spec 1.3T Tekna+ with all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels.
Q: Is the new Nissan Qashqai worth buying over competitors?
The new Qashqai is definitely worth considering if you want a refined compact SUV with excellent build quality, but it's pricier than alternatives like the Haval H6 or Hyundai Tucson, so your budget will largely dictate whether it's the right choice.
Q: What engine options are available in the new Qashqai?
The new Qashqai comes with a single 1.3-litre petrol engine featuring mild hybrid technology, offering two power outputs of 103kW and 116kW, paired with either a six-speed manual or Xtronic CVT automatic transmission.
Q: Does the new Nissan Qashqai have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the new Qashqai offers an all-wheel drive option on higher-spec models, which also comes with multi-link rear suspension instead of the torsion beam setup found on front-wheel drive variants.
Q: How fuel efficient is the new Qashqai with mild hybrid technology?
The mild hybrid system with its 12V lithium-ion battery helps the Qashqai achieve impressive fuel consumption figures, with the manual variants claiming around 6.1 litres per 100km and automatics averaging 6.4 litres per 100km in combined driving.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact SUV under R600,000 in South Africa is still the new Nissan Qashqai, but only if you prioritise refinement and build quality over value for money. At R479,900 for the entry-level model, it's significantly more expensive than the Haval H6 at R389,950 or even the Hyundai Tucson at R449,900. However, the Qashqai's superior platform rigidity, lighter construction, and proven reliability make it worth the premium if your budget allows. The mild hybrid system is a nice touch for fuel economy, and the improved steering response makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive. If you're shopping in this segment and can stretch to R550,000 for a well-specced model, the Qashqai remains the class leader, but budget-conscious buyers will find better value elsewhere.
