Qashqai, the new name for the small SUV previously sold here as the Nissan Dualis, is less than a month away, and Nissan has priced the new model close to the current car.
At $25,850, the Qashqai ST with 2.0-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual is $140 cheaper than the run-out Dualis in the same specification. In the same trim level, the Qashqai with 'Xtronic' CVT is priced the same as the Dualis counterpart, at $28,490.
Nissan's staggered model range comprises petrol ST and Ti models, with the diesel TS variant pitched between the two, and the diesel TL based on the Ti specification, but with auto-stop/start in addition.
The Ti model is priced at $32,490 for the manual variant and $34,990 for the Xtronic model. Both the diesel variants are auto-only (Xtronic), and the TS is priced at $33,200, while the TL model tops the range at $37,990.
Standard equipment in the Qashqai ST comprises 17-inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler, LED daytime running lights, door mirrors with indicators, reversing camera, five-inch infotainment display, cruise control and leather-accented steering wheel/gear knob.
Additional equipment provided in the Qashqai TS (diesel) includes auto-stop/start, electric folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, flexible cargo storage system, privacy glass, premium fabric trim, keyless start with button, driver lumbar adjustment, rear centre armrest, dual-zone climate control and six-speaker audio.
The Qashqai Ti adds 19-inch alloy wheels, seven-inch infotainment display, satellite navigation, Around View Monitor, roof rails, auto high-beam LED headlights, panoramic glass roof, leather-accented seat trim, front seat heating, Blind Spot Warning Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Moving Object Detection and Driver Attention Support.
Safety features across the range include front, side and curtain airbags. Active safety consists of stability control, anti-lock braking with brake-force distribution and Brake Assist.
All models feature Bluetooth connectivity with the facility to run smartphone apps, such as Facebook, Pandora and Google.
Output for the 2.0-litre petrol engine has been lifted slightly – now 106kW and 200Nm – but the 1.6-litre diesel remains rated at 96kW and 320Nm. Petrol models with the Xtronic CVT are rated at 1200kg towing capacity. All other variants are rated at 1400kg.
Based on the CMF Renault Nissan platform, the Qashqai rides on a combination of MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link IRS. Nissan will reveal the Qashqai's full specification at launch next month.
"The all-new Nissan QASHQAI presents an enormous Australian-market opportunity for Nissan," said Richard Emery, MD of Nissan Australia.
"QASHQAI offers consumers style, safety, technology and premium comfort in an exciting, accessible package that will have broad appeal.
"Our crossover and SUV range now boasts JUKE, QASHQAI, X-TRAIL, Murano, Pathfinder and Patrol, ensuring that Nissan has a product for every need in this ever-growing section of the market."