Nissan adds Qashqai Ti

Nissan Australia has announced a new range-topping Ti variant of the popular Nissan Qashqai small SUV.

Available from July 1, the 2018 Nissan Qashqai Ti effectively replaces the special-edition NTEC high-spec variant that headlined the facelifted Qashqai line-up when it was introduced last December.

Joining the entry-level ST and mid-range ST-L, the new Qashqai Ti comes with all of the superseded NTEC’s features plus Nappa leather-accented seat trim, Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Lane Intervention.

The Qashqai Ti’s Nappa seat trim features 3D quilting and soft cushioning, while the front seats themselves offer two memory positions and four-way electric lumbar support for the driver and six-way electric adjustment for front passenger comfort.

Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Lane Intervention, meantime, joins a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility drive aids that are standard across the Qashqai range.

These include Intelligent Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors and an electric park brake with auto hold.

Other standard Qashqai Ti features include Intelligent Park Assist self-parking technology, Nissan’s 360-degree Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Driver Alert, Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Inside, top-shelf Qashqai comes with Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent key with push button engine start, one-touch front and rear window controls, DAB+ digital radio, sat-nav, 7.0-inch colour infotainment system, dual-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester expects Qashqai sales to be split evenly between the ST, ST-L and Ti.

“The Nissan Qashqai Ti features a long list of Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies and other standard equipment for buyers wanting more,” he said.

“The top of the range Ti has everything that the outgoing NTEC model had, but adds Nappa leather-accented^ seating, plus Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Lane Intervention.

“With its contemporary internal and external styling, technology and safety, there’re plenty of reasons why QASHQAI is one of the best performers in its segment.”

Like the rest of the Qashqai range, the Ti is powered by a 106kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission (a manual gearbox is only available with base ST), and consumes 6.9L/100km.

As announced in December, Qashqai Ti is priced from $37,990 plus on-road costs -- $500 more than the NTEC it replaces. Other Qashqai prices remain unchanged.

How much is the 2018 Nissan Qashqai?
Qashqai ST 6MT -- $26,490
Qashqai ST CVT -- $28,990
Qashqai ST-L CVT -- $32,990
Qashqai Ti CVT -- $37,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs