New Nissan QASHQAI delayed

The third-generation Nissan QASHQAI will launch in Australia at least seven months after it was originally scheduled to arrive, due to the vehicle inventory squeeze created by the global semi-conductor crisis.

The fresh-faced small SUV will be joined by the all-new X-TRAIL medium SUV and redesigned Pathfinder large SUV at roughly the same time, in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Originally set for a March 2022 arrival, the new QASHQAI won’t lock horns with rivals like the Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi ASX and MG ZS until at least October, if not a month or two later.

The delays that have beset the new QASHQAI leave Nissan Australia without any small SUV stock, with supplies of the current model completely dried up. Only the quirky JUKE light SUV will be left in local showrooms to whet the appetite of buyers seeking a compact Nissan SUV.

And when it arrives, Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson says customer delivery times will depend on incoming supplies and local demand.

“How long is the wait time? The wait time totally depends on the demand,” said Paterson.

“We’re still trying to understand what the demand will be, as they do launch, especially in a supply-constrained environment. So it’s really tough to say ‘customers will have X number of weeks or months to wait’.”

Previously known as the Dualis, the Nissan QASHQAI has traditionally been the brand’s third best-selling model in Australia behind the larger X-TRAIL and the its top-selling Navara ute.

Over 130,000 QASHQAIs have been sold in Australia, of more than five million globally.

Pricing for the new model will be released next month, but given the increased equipment, tech and safety levels, it’s almost certain to cost more than its predecessor, which ranged from $28,590 to $39,090 plus on-road costs.

Nissan will also open its e-Power hybrid campaign in Australia with a petrol-electric QASHQAI that could arrive just before year’s end. It is propelled solely by a 140kW/330Nm electric motor, whose small battery is recharged via a petrol generator.

Conventional combustion-powered QASHQAI variants will be powered by a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) that delivers more power and torque than the previous model’s 2.0-litre non-turbo engine.

The 1.3 turbo is also more efficient, with claimed fuel economy of 6.1L/100km – down from 6.9L/100km for the outgoing petrol engine. One transmission type will be offered, a CVT automatic.

Sporting a dynamic new exterior design and more luxurious cabin complete with massaging seats on top-spec models, all Australian-delivered QASHQAIs will come with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension set-up, and not the torsion beam arrangement offered on entry-level models overseas.

Nissan has confirmed four grades of the 2023 QASHQAI will be on offer – ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti – with all except the entry variant fitted as standard with a big 12.3-inch central touch-screen.

Starting with the base QASHQAI ST, advanced safety systems include adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights with high-beam assist, rear seat alert, traffic sign recognition, lane assist, blind spot monitoring and intervention, driver attention alert, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, helping to deliver a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Other standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch central touch-screen, 7.0-inch driver’s display, i-key with push-button engine start, rear air-vents and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

QASHQAI ST+ models add LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and the headline act – an ultra-wide 12.3-inch central touch-screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay also joins the fray along with satellite navigation and a 360-degree surround-vew parking camera system.

Stepping up to the ST-L model-grade buys you 19-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and leather-accented seat upholstery, tinted windows, dual-zone climate control and wireless phone charging, including a class-leading 15W charge capacity.

There’s also adaptive LED headlights, LED indicator lights, a heated steering wheel and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, not to mention Nissan’s Pro-PILOT system, with advanced semi-autonomous driving and safety aids.

Top-spec QASHQAI Ti models add a big 10.8-inch head up display along with quilted leather seat upholstery combined with a massage function for both front seats. The digital driver’s display grows to 12.3-inches, while a 10-speaker Bose audio system and hands-free powered tailgate is added.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au