NISSAN has been doing the SUV factor for some time now, and whereas they could not replace their fleet all that always, their method is fairly strong. Why change a superb factor proper?
Effectively, typically you have to to maintain it recent and related and that’s what they’ve achieved with the ultimate model of the present technology, creating the Midnight Version.
However is it mutton dressed as lamb? Effectively, kind of.
The Midnight Version contains most of the excessive finish inside, connectivity and clever mobility options shared with the premium ST-L and Ti grades. It principally sits inline with the N-Sport variant, which is between each the ST-L and Ti.
The uniquely badged particular variant has numerous gloss black accents seen throughout the inside and exterior. The black accents do distinction properly towards the 5 physique color decisions, making it look smarter than regular.
However that is one thing we’ve already seen with the N-Sport variant, so it feels a bit like a advertising and marketing gimmick.
You possibly can see some small modifications to the entrance finish, the gloss black signature grille, complemented by physique colored entrance and rear bumpers, together with the facet moldings, all with gloss black inserts.
Nissan has added a pleasant contact with the usage of 19-inch black ‘wind’ designed alloy wheels, fitted with low profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. These are distinctive to the Midnight Version and do make it seem like it’s gained a little bit extra road cred.
Open the doorways to the inside and your a greeted with illuminated Qashqai kick plates, which make for a daring entry assertion.
A black headliner and black air vents outline the inside even additional, coupled with extra black leather-based accents used on the steering wheel, shift knob and gearshift.
Alcantara and leather-based accented seats are commonplace gear too. The rear seats stay sensible, with the versatile 60/40 break up, which includes a centre armrest, with two extra cup holders.
As with all different fashions within the Qashqai vary, the Midnight Version is powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection engine coupled to an Xtronic transmission with tiptronic guide shift mode and Eco mode.
On the highway, it’s good to drive, and handles corners properly. There’s a good quantity of energy and responsiveness, however the CVT transmission nonetheless stays to let this automotive down.
We perceive that CVT transmissions are cheaper to construct in mass manufacturing, however it actually does diminish the general really feel and drive of the automotive, continually listening to that poor engine ring it’s neck, simply to get it to maneuver.
Nissan actually wants to have a look at going again to a standard transmission throughout their whole vary, it might actually be an important factor.
The Xtronic CVT gearbox may do with extra software program manipulation. The mimicked gear modifications are nonetheless lower than properly, fascinating.
Claimed gasoline financial system is 6.9-litres/100km, however we couldn’t do higher than 9.0-litres/100km.
Security tech is plentiful too, conserving you and your fam protected. A number of Nissan Clever Mobility energetic security options, together with blind spot warning, lane departure warning, clever emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and clever driver alert, function.
Suspension is all unbiased, with multi-link on the rear, and entrance and rear stabiliser bars.
The Midnight Version’s LED headlights (similar to the Ti variant), sense the modifications in gentle. Whether or not that be from nightfall to daybreak, or going by a tunnel, the adaptive entrance lighting system switches on and supply an important throw of LED gentle goodness.
It permits low beam headlights to trace with the steering angle to offer superior illumination on curving roads.
Audio options and connectivity set the brand new commonplace on this SUV class with a digital radio (DAB+), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming with voice recognition, and sat-nav with site visitors monitoring.
It’s all managed through a 7.0-inch color touchscreen show which we’ve seen for a while now. While the system is nice, it nonetheless feels outdated, however it’s useful.
We all know that the 2022 mannequin is coming on the finish of this 12 months (2021), however it simply lacks sufficient of that particular version goodness to make it, particular.
The Qashqai Midnight Version nonetheless represents hanging worth, at $35,900 (plus on-roads) and is on the market in 5 color decisions together with Vivid Blue, Ivory Pearl, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Purple and Pearl Black.
Our check car was offered by Nissan Australia. To seek out out extra concerning the 2021 Nissan Qashqai Midnight Version, contact your native Nissan vendor.
