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The first impression

Time flies when you’re busy doing well - flashback to 1994 when Toyota invented and released the first compact crossover type vehicle. Twenty years later Nissan, Toyota’s Japanese rival, launched their second generation QASHQAI, which happens to have outsold its rival, claiming the title ‘the world’s most popular compact crossover’. Therefore, it’s fair to say that the first QASHQAI did well, considering the title, and globally sales figures of two million units sold since its launch in 2007, with 20 000 roaming around on South African tarmac.

The new QASHQAI has matured. Blossomed. Come into itself. It is easy on the eye - in my option (being a person with an acute eye for aesthetics) the best looking crossover in its class, followed by Kia’s Sportage. It is more advanced. It is frugal - full stop. It is priced right - entry level models are up to, and over 10% cheaper than rivals with matched specification levels, i.e. the Kuga, Sportage, ix35, Compass and RAV4. It is just better than ever.

On the road

This conglomerate of maturity translates into real on road improvements.

The QASHQAI is fitted with four engines: a 1.2T, 1.6T, 1.5dCi and 1.6dCi (dCi being turbo diesels) mated to a light, and easy-going six speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available, albeit limited to either the 1.2T or 1.6dCi models. It’s a CVT gearbox, rather than a traditional automated version - these linear type of units are lighter and save the car fuel. On the downside, they are traditionally less sporting in their character. So if you enjoy driving opt, for the manual version.

The initial impressions one gets from the QASHQAI are its retarded noise levels - the car is quiet and well insulated from both road and engine noise. Despite being fitted with sexy black and silver 19” rims and low profile tyres, which no matter the brand, are synonymous with a harsher ride quality and increased noise levels. This isn’t the case with the QASHQAI, and is like wearing comfortable gorgeous 5” heals.

Steering is light and direct. The brake pedal easy to moderate, bringing the vehicle to a stop with unaffected ease.

Something that takes a little getting used to, is the acceleration of the car. The QASHQAI is a compact crossover, but that doesn’t mean it weighs nothing! The QASHQAI has a modestly sized 1.2T engine, which beguiles is actual level of power endowment, yet is fuel efficient as a result. Its joint venture relationship with its turbocharger is one that only really kicks off once the rev needle hits around the 1500rpm mark, i.e. the turbo has an initial lag. Once past that point, it’s a happy marriage, and the QASHQAI moves nimbly. Having said that, once you acquaint yourself with this issue, you quickly learn to shortcut its launch limp by modulating the clutch and accelerator to jumpstart its initial ‘shy spot’.

What I liked

• Gorgeous looking car.
• Quality feel of the cabin.
• Fuel efficiency.
• Innovative technology that can be felt in the drive.
• Good pricing structure.
• Quiet cabin.

What I’m not mad about

• Initial turbo lag.

The figures

The extra stuff

All new Nissan QASHQAI models carry Nissan’s new class leading six year/150 000km warranty and a  five year/90 000km service plan, which includes roadside assistance as standard.

The verdict

And why it’s my choice as the king of the compact crossovers?

The QASHQAI is a car I have recommend to people who say, ‘I want a nice car, with a higher ride and not too expensive’.

The new QASHQAI is less powerful than its predecessor, which featured a naturally aspirated 2.0 engine, but in its place, an environmentally friendly unit that consumes approximately 20% less fuel than the car it replaced, and its competitors. Yet, is only fractionally slower, although those living on the Highveld won’t feel any deficit at all, thanks to the turbo.

It’s the newest of the bunch, which generally means it’s the most advanced, though it’s hard to make such a sweeping statement, but it’s somewhat justified though.

Its price and spec levels, coupled with great looks, and refinement, make it very hard not to want it!

Oh and its safe - scoring five stars in its crash test.

www.nissan.co.za