Monthly Motor - September 2014

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YOUR CROSSOVER engine line-up will be confirmed nearer to its local launch date, which we hope will be around the end of 2014. NEW PLATFORM The Qashqai is built around the Nissan- Renault Alliance’s new modular CMF platform and unlike many crossover rivals, this vehicle features an independent multi-link rear suspension design, which allows for a better balance between ride and road holding. FEATURES The range kicks off with the 1.2T Visia, packing standard features like six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, hill start assistance, five-inch Drive-Assist Display, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and air conditioning. The local service plan and warranty will be announced when All-new Nissan Qashqai is launched. The 1.2T and 1.5 dCi Acenta models add dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, leather steering wheel and snazzier cloth trim; on the outside it gains 17-inch alloys, electric folding mirrors and front fog lights. 38 MOTOR SEPTEMBER 2014
For extra bling you can order the Design Pack (for approximately an extra Ksh. 128,000), for 19-inch alloys, privacy glass and silver roof rails and you can keep your inner-geek happy with the Techno Pack (for approximately an extra Ksh. 167,000), which adds the Around View Monitor and NissanConnect infotainment system with navigation. The Design Pack’s goodies are standard on the 1.6 dCi Acenta, in addition to LED headlights and keyless entry and start. Buyers will still have to pay extra for the Techno Pack, however. MODEL RANGE 1.2T Visia 1.2T Acenta 1.5 dCi Acenta 1.6 dCi Acenta CVT 1.6 dCi Acenta AWD GADGETS Depending on the model, the new Qashqai will offer modern gadgets like Nissan’s Around View Monitor and a new NissanConnect infotainment system that features smartphone integration and downloadable app support. The new Qashqai was engineered in Europe and is built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in England. Though clearly setting its sights on the European market, a Nissan executive believes that the new model is particularly suitable to the needs of Kenyan motorists seeking a high quality compact vehicle that offers the practicality and versatility of an SUV. The new model will continue to “tick all boxes” the executive promises. CVT Depending on which engine is selected, the Qashqai can be had with either a sixspeed manual gearbox or a new Xtronic CVT. Aimed at offering a superior driving experience to those horrid traditional CVTs, the Xtronic mimics the behaviour of traditional automatic ‘boxes in certain ways; for instance, by implementing stepped changes under hard acceleration. It’s also been set up to provide a smoother experience during gentler driving. Though most models will send their power through the front wheels, fancier versions will be available with Nissan’s renowned All-Mode 4x4-i permanent all-wheel drive system. The Qashqai also offers a new Chassis Control system that mimics the functionality of a limited slip differential. Could this new Nissan make you think twice before buying a Kuga, RAV4, CR-V or Sportage? We certainly think so. Local prices and range will be announced by Crown Motors - taking over from CFAO DT Dobie, at time of launch, but what we know is that they shall be competitive. At time of press the currently available Nissan Qashqai 2-litre 4x2 seven-seater cost Ksh. 4,175,000 while the 2-litre 4x4 fiveseater rolled off the CFAO DT Dobie showroom floors for Ksh. 4,400,000. Here’s to a great motor industry battle ahead, at the end of the day, the consumer wins. MOTOR SEPTEMBER 2014 39
Page 1: MONTHLY KSH 350/- SEPTEMBER 2014 AL
Page 4 and 5: from the publisher Checking Yoursel
Page 6 and 7: CONTENTS Santiusae demrae Volume 22
Page 8: Santiusae HEADLIGHT demrae Checklis
Page 11 and 12: Now I realise that a sample of two
Page 14 and 15: Santiusae TEST DRIVE demrae AUDI S3
Page 16 and 17: TEST DRIVE litres. We all know car
Page 18 and 19: FIRST IMPRESSION Hyundai Elantra Ke
Page 20 and 21: Santiusae FIRST IMPRESSION demrae T
Page 22 and 23: WISH LIST Alfa 4C Feisty Italian Sc
Page 24 and 25: READERS’ CHOICE JEEP CHEROKEE Ref
Page 26: Santiusae READERS’ CHOICE demrae
Page 29 and 30: the test - I looked at the typical
Page 32 and 33: Santiusae REVIEW demrae Hyundai Gra
Page 34: REVIEW between the front and rear a
Page 37 and 38: sion out of the way, let’s take a
Page 39: ENGINES For the time being, the Qas
Page 43 and 44: model due to its 220mm ground clear
Page 45 and 46: EXPERIENCE THE BENCHMARK IN ONLINE
Page 47 and 48: features will assist with trying to
Page 49 and 50: The new X1 will be offered as a cho
Page 51 and 52: Mercedes describes the potential op
Page 53 and 54: already been recalled four times. T
Page 55 and 56: Verdict Even though BMW has concent
Page 57 and 58: Acceleration: 0-100kph in 8.7sec T
Page 59 and 60: many cat faces while serenading the
Page 61 and 62: But sometimes it pays to look aroun
Page 63 and 64: plenty of electric adjustment, incl
Page 65 and 66: modes to choose from, plus paddles.

Monthly Motor - September 2014

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