Overview
SOMETIMES junior simply wants a leg as much as get observed.
Nissan’s evergreen X-Path stays the stalwart of the model with gross sales about 2000 a month, greater than twice that of the Navara ute, whereas its different SUVs are being neglected.
Enter a brand new look and better spec plus value changes for the smallest SUV, the Qashqai.
Smallest shouldn’t indicate claustrophobic cabin dimensions and a footprint that would simply get walked on by larger wagons. In truth, the Qashqai, at 4400mm lengthy, is the proper measurement for a few adults, maybe these in search of retirement with none want to tour Australia forward of a caravan.
For 2025, the SUV will get a design makeover that’s neither crucial nor notably helpful. However the inclusion of the top turning waterfall grille with its complicated layers of plastic kinks does actually add to the aesthetics – and in a market with a number of comparable sized SUVs from many nations (however primarily one), that’s essential.
Examined right here is the Ti variant, with the longstanding 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. Along with the higher cabin tech – it will get issues like Nissan’s new linked automotive service plus a 12.3-inch TFT display screen for the cabin – and well-priced $42,965 (plus prices) sticker, it has a number of attraction… and that’s earlier than urgent the starter button.
Until you notably need a larger SUV and have extra city duties in thoughts, put the junior Nissan in your purchasing record.
Driving Impressions
Few motorists who take pleasure in driving have a lot empathy for constantly variable transmissions (CVTs). Principally, a band operating between two cones, CVTs aren’t notably responsive, give a wierd ‘elastic’ really feel to the drive and by no means give the motive force the impression that there’s a lot occurring underneath the bonnet.
However they’re easy, comparatively mild, comparatively cheap, supply a clean and seamless drive really feel, and most significantly, cleverly interact on the engine’s level of peak effectivity to maximise gas economic system.
If you happen to don’t drive the CVT-equipped automobile such as you stole it, in addition they are usually dependable. Push exhausting over a protracted time frame they usually are likely to disintegrate, therefore the marketplace for a CVT automotive is a docile proprietor with a conservative route.
Exactly an setting made for the Nissan Qashqai (and X-Path, Pathfinder, and Juke and, after all dozens of fashions from different manufacturers).
It’s a candy trip and pushed correctly, any potential points with the CVT grow to be invisible.
The engine is a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder (HR13DDT) with 110kW/250Nm and that includes bore-spray coating for sturdiness and low friction (additionally used on the GT-R).
It additionally seems in slight energy and options in some Mercedes-Benz fashions because the M282 engine, and in some Renaults and Dacias, as early as 2018.
A lot of the engine’s efficiency is tied to the CVT however there’s no doubting that the engine is clean and has sufficient energy for the Qashqai’s 1472kg weight and its urban-focused responsibility.
It’s additionally quiet and responsive, will tour simply at 100km/h at round 2000rpm and this relaxed drivetrain is complemented by the soft trip whereas cruising. It makes for a surprisingly succesful and tireless nation automotive.
The Qashqai isn’t designed as a sporty wagon, nevertheless it has good grip (it’s solely accessible in Australia as a front-wheel drive) by means of the corners and predictable dealing with over irregular roads.
The steering is mild – which most goal consumers will recognize, particularly metropolis dwellers – which takes a little bit of familiarisation on winding nation roads. That stated, the dealing with is correct and aside from the sunshine steering really feel, communicative so it conjures up confidence.
All of the chassis options – brakes, dampers, tyre choice (19-inch on the Ti), and so forth – really feel equally as succesful.
Relaying all this again to the motive force is by way of a restyled dashboard with extra drive info and a much bigger 12.3-inch central display screen.
These are new additions for 2025 and are available on high of the Qashqai’s ongoing pleasantries similar to the nice facet and ahead visibility (there’s a digital camera for the rear), loads of foot room for pedal management, comfy entry and egress from all seats, and ergonomics that give the motive force easy accessibility to all controls.
Cabin room is surprisingly good for the compact exterior dimensions. The Qashqai sells into the small SUV sector, but it belies its classification by seating 4 adults or two youngsters (one in a child seat) within the rear.
4 adults are comfy with out banging elbows and with ample leg and head room. Contemplate how usually you should carry 4 adults, and the Qashqai could match the invoice, relatively than transferring as much as, say, an X-Path.
The boot presents an honest 479 litres (seats up) or 1422 litres (rear seat folded). It’s nicely suited to a few, maybe one with two small youngsters however perhaps a bit tight with paraphernalia similar to pram, collapsed cot and child baggage.
The 2025 Qashqai vary provides extra gear and clothes the cabin in additional upmarket supplies and patterns.
The usage of the patterns and the plusher supplies makes a stronger impression to the cabin and notably the dashboard. Nissan has used these ornamental options together with the addition of Alcantara on the Ti’s sprint, door playing cards and centre console to reach elevating the looks of status.
There’s ambient lighting added to the inside and externally, the choice of a black roof.
Paint colors have been modified, together with richer tones and the addition of a powerful darkish green-blue metallic dubbed Deep Ocean.
All Qashqai variations now get a tech improve, beginning with the entry-level’s ST that has a 12.3-inch display screen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New for 2025 is the power to obtain the Nissan Automotive Linked Providers (CCS) app that permits entry to the automobile capabilities and to well being and standing info, journey historical past and theft and tow alerts.
The Ti additionally provides a heated steering wheel to enrich the heated seats and part-leather seat upholstery.
Nissan has a (at present) unbeatable 10-year / 300,000km guarantee along with a 10-year roadside help program – each conditional to the automotive being serviced at a Nissan dealership.
It additionally has a five-year ‘flat value’ service program that may be very nicely priced.
The automotive must be serviced annually. For the Qashqai (petrol and hybrid) the value is $399 a yr, so $1995 for the five-year program.
