https://soundcloud.com/db_drivenmedia/nissan-qashqai-silly-name-practical-car
Nissan has just launched in Australia the Qashqai (pronounced Cash-k-eye) spelt with two Qs and no Us.
It is a compact SUV.
It replaces in Australia the Dualis.
Nissan has two vehicles in the compact SUV class, the other is the funky Juke.
So what that the Qashqai got that makes it stand out.
To help us find out I have on the line Brent Davison from the Newcastle Herald and the Illawarra Mercury
- Qashqai is the name of a Middle Eastern tribe – it has been used in Europe since 2007 and it is selling well but is it still a bit of a stumbling block. Apparently it is a tribe who bring together a number of groups of people and so it is symbolic of the coming together of a few different directions.
- Nissan had trouble with the name Tiida. Seven years after it replaced the Pulsar the name Pulsar was still better known in Australia than Tiida.
- Two engines
- There is a manual but only on the petrol. The other is a CVT. I preferred the diesel with the CVT.
- Only available in 2WD
- Drives acceptably
- Lot of good features
- Reversing camera
- Bluetooth® handsfree phone system
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Cruise control
- Manual Tilt adjustable steering column
- Manual telescopic adjustable steering column
- Air-conditioning
- Child restraint anchorage (RH/LH ISOFIX# + top tether and centre top tether)
- Rain sensing, speed sensitive, variable intermittent front wipers
Up spec models
- Around View® Monitor
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Intelligent Park Assist – bit complicated to use
Price (RRP)
QASHQAI ST 2.0L six-speed manual $25,850
QASHQAI ST 2.0L Xtronic $28,490
QASHQAI Ti 2.0L six-speed manual $32,490
QASHQAI Ti 2.0L Xtronic $34,990
QASHQAI TS 1.6L turbo diesel Xtronic $33,200
QASHQAI TL 1.6L turbo diesel Xtronic $37,990
