Smooth ride no matter the terrain

Billed as “The Ultimate Urban Experience”, the new Nissan Qashqai offers a great punch with abundant power and great fuel consumption at between 4.2l and 6.2l per 100km depending on the model.

With the slightest touch of the accelerator, this little baby is certainly ready to roll.

I tested the 1.2T Visia, the entry level of the range, and found that this turbo charged number has all the power and performance of a much larger engine, at a far more fuel efficient rate according to Rajen Padayachee.

Town driving was a synch with the vehicle responding with very little effort on my part.

However, the fun of this car can on the open road when I was able to shift into 6th gear and enjoy the smoothness with which the Qashqai effortlessly meets the demands of highway speeds with easy manoeuvrability.

The Qashqai has a rugged body encasing a luxurious interior.

For your comfort and convenience the car boasts an advanced drive-assist display, NissanConnet System (optional as part of the Tech package), selectable steering and a fantastic audio system including AM/FM radio with CD, MP3, USB, auxiliary jack and iPod compatibility with RDS and four speakers in the Visia model and six speakers in all other options.

Most models boast dual zone automatic climate control air conditioning and steering wheel controls for hands-free Bluetooth, audio, cruise control and the on-board computer.

The Qashqai is available in a 1200 or 1500 petrol model or the 1600 diesel model and, with a number of customisable features, prospective buyers have approximately nine models to choose from to suit your driving needs.

Be in control with (in some models) four cameras which deliver a panoramic view of what’s around you, including an aerial view to give you the full picture from above.

Opt for different duel views while manoeuvring to offer a side view, showing you how far you are from the curb or a rear view of what is behind you while you reverse, including showing any low items which may not be visible through the rear window.

Driver-assist

The advanced driver-assist display puts control at your finger tips, offering you infographics in real time.

• Caller ID – check your calls while keeping your eye on the road.
• Audio – ensure the beat never stops.
• Colour selection – customise your screen to match you colour mood.
• Steering feel – customise the steering weight by selecting sport or normal.
• Fuel economy – monitor your fuel economy information.
• Turn by turn navigation.
• Average speed – keep an eye on your average speed during and after a trip.

Connect

Make the most of your journey with the wealth of features packed into NissanConnect.

The 7 inch anti-glare touch screen offers control of a combination of audio, navigation and communication functions, and smartphone integration.

The smartphone integration is compatible with iOS and Android software.

You can stream music from your mobile phone via Bluetooth through the vehicle’s audio system or plug in your iPod or USB MP3 player to access your entire music collection while on the road.

Chassis control

Nissan offers its all new chassis control in the the new Qashqai which offers the following features to make your journey safer:

• Chassis control functions are displayed on your advanced driver-assist display.
• Active trace control delievers easy handling around corners by controlling brake pressure at individual wheels.
• Active engine brake adds subtle engine brake to decelerate the car at corners to reduce the workload of adjusting speed with braking and to ease cornering.
• Active ride control applies subtle brakes to restrain uncomfortable upper body motion and enhance ride comfort.
• All mode 4×4-i (in the 1.6 dCi Acenta AWD) maximises tyre traction off-road or on-road.

The Qashqai retails at between R281 900 and R410 000 depending on the model you select and is ready for you to test drive.