Driving Nissan’s Qashqui today, the flagship Ti model at $38,490. Upgraded for 2020 with some advanced technology as part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility Platform.  This small front-wheel-drive SUV best described as a good all-rounder and one of our best looking small SUV’s. Our fourth best-selling small SUV it has loads of appeal with a great cabin – the rear seat best for two adults or three kids. Despite its price pushing into medium SUV territory the Qashqui Ti is the burger with the lot and outdoes a number of competitors in equipment – Nappa leather seats, adaptive cruise control, a fixed panoramic sunroof with powered shade, powered front seats and full LED adaptive headlights.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have also been added for 2020 along with pedestrian detection with intelligent braking up to 60km/hour. With 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder power linked to a continuously variable automatic performance is adequate but not startling but expect very good economy on more affordable 91 RON petrol. Incidentally, if the Ti’s price is out or reach I recommend the Qashqai ST+ at $31,000 still features many of the technical bells and whistles – it also rides on smaller 17-inch alloy wheels with higher profile rubber providing much better ride quality. But there’s much to like on the top spec Qashqai Ti  – the cabin enhanced by Nissan’s next generation 7-inch colour touch screen. Warranty, five-years/unlimited kilometre.

I’m David Berthon

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