Nor'West News: June 29, 2023

12
Thursday June 29 2023
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
Nissan’s Qashqai a strong performer
THE QASHQAI compact
urban SUV, with its inventive
fuel-saving low emission hybrid
technology, is a breakthrough
model for Nissan in this part of
the world.
In Europe and the UK, they
love the Qashqai. On this side of
the world it is, at best, a steady
seller. The company is expecting
big things from this latest model,
offering a big step up in refinement,
safety and technology
– and unfortunately prices, compared
to the vehicle it replaces.
Affordability could be an
issue with the entry level ST
kicking off at $45,990 – $8000
more than the outgoing model.
There’s no hiding the fact this is
a big increase over the previous
version, even allowing for major
advances on every front.
The new Qashqai offers plenty
of technology, leading edge
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
safety features, and a more
sophisticated multi-link rear
suspension set-up across every
model. There’s more variety in
the powertrain department, with
a new and feisty 1.3-litre turbo
petrol, and the option of Nissan’s
innovative e-POWER hybrid system.
This carries a $7000 price
premium over the turbo petrol
motor.
Petrol, not e-power, dominates
the six-strong model range,
comprising four petrol variants
starting with the $45,995 ST and
stretching all the way to $56,990
for the flagship Ti-L. E power
is limited to the upmarket Ti
and Ti-L priced at $59,990 and
$65,680 respectively. The latter
was supplied for this road test.
Second-generation e-POWER
technology pairs the effortless
acceleration and the refined
performance of an electric motor.
It’s a strong high-energy
performer with 140kw of power
and 330nm of torque to take
command of most driving scenarios.
Thanks to a pure electric
motor, there’s none of the powerdelivery
hesitancy associated
with an internal combustion
engine or traditional hybrid setups.
Instant response provides a
high-torque feel and exhilarating
acceleration, on lower fuel use
and emissions.
The e-POWER system delivers
its torque almost instantly,
enhancing the vehicle’s responsiveness.
A new-generation CVT
(Constant Variable Transmission)
has three drive modes – Eco, Normal
and Sport – and is a huge improvement
on the lethargic CVT
that blunted the performance of
the previous model.
For a compact SUV, this one is
roomier than most with plenty of
passenger and load space.
There’s a panoramic glass roof
and electric sunshade. Cabin
technology features a 10.8-inch
colour head-up display, and a
premium 10-speaker BOSE audio
system. A motion activated
tailgate is great if you’re juggling
an armful of groceries in the
supermarket car park.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility
safety features are impressive. It
includes intelligent cruise control
and forward emergency braking,
plus pedestrian, cyclist and junction
detection capabilities. High
beam assist makes DIY dipping
of your headlights at night for oncoming
traffic a thing of the past.
A lot of hype surrounds
the new Qashqai’s advanced
multi-link rear suspension. The
upside with this suspension
set-up is a stronger connection
between driver, vehicle and road,
and that’s a good thing. Wellcontrolled
body-roll, comfort
and the effective isolation of
road noise and vibrations from
the passenger compartment are
among the best in the compact
urban SUV class.
Rating out of 10:
Performance 8; Handling
7; Build Quality 7; Comfort
7; Space 7; Styling 8; Fuel
Economy; On road test
average consumption
5.8L/100km; Value for
money 6; Safety, 5-star
ANCAP crash rating; Clean
car rebate, none. Overall
points out of 10: 7
Finance
available
(conditions apply)
CARS WANTED
– CASH PAID
We buy small
Japanese vehicles
- Must be tidy
low KMs
2016 toyota corolla GlX 5/HatcH
$11,995
1.8L, auto, alloys, back camera, 194,000kms.
2012 HyUNdai i30 s/w
$8,995
NZ new, 1600cc, auto, 133,000kms. alloys.
2012 toyota aqUa
$10,995
1.5L, hybrid, 64,000kms, alloys, back camera.
2013 toyota priUs 5/HatcH Hybrid
$9,995
1.8L auto, hybrid, 156,000kms.
5-spEEd
2010 sUzUKi sX-4 5/HatcH
$7,995
131,000kms, NZ new, 5 speed.
2012 NissaN tiida 5/HatcH
$6,995
15.L, auto, 160,000kms, (being prepared).
2015 toyota corolla GlX 5/HatcH
$12,995
NZ new, 1.8L, auto, 178,000kms, alloys.
2012 NissaN tiida 5/HatcH
$7,995
1.5L, auto, 109,000kms, mech sound.
2012 NissaN latio 4 door
$5,995
1.5L, auto, 163,000kms, drives fine.
low KMs
2011 NissaN latio 4 door
$6,995
1.5L, auto, 122,000kms.
2004 toyota corolla rUNX 5/HatcH
$5,995
1.5L, auto, 142,000kms, alloys.
2011 toyota corolla GX 5/HatcH
$8,995
1.8L, auto, NZ new, 168,000kms, arriving.
2015 toyota yaris 5/HatcH
$13,995
1.3L, auto, NZ new, low 56,000kms.
2005 NissaN ad vaN 5/sw
$2,995
1.5L, auto, 274,000kms, new WOF.
- 281 Ferry Road - 03 389 1121 - dougdrake@xtra.co.nz www.dougdrake.co.nz