Qashqai adds tech and safety for 2020

The 2020 Nissan Qashqai has arrived Down Under with added safety and smartphone-friendly tech to sweeten the deal for compact crossover buyers.

Key changes for the 2020 model year include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality across the range and new infotainment systems. In terms of safety kit, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot and fatigue warning systems and pedestrian detection are new but not necessarily standard on all grades (see below).

Digital radio and voice-activated functionality are however now standard on all Qashqai model grades. In effect, Nissan has pushed standard equipment levels down from its ST-L mid-range car to bolster the offering at the cost-conscious base ST and ST+ grades.

The 2020 Nissan Qashqai range is also boosted with a new limited-edition Nissan Qashqai N-SPORT variant which will sit between the ST-L and top-of-the-range Ti models. Pricing details of the full 2020 Nissan Qashqai range are listed below.

The front-drive only Qashqai's mechanicals are unchanged for 2020. Under the bonnet, the Qashqai range boasts a conventional 2.0-litre four-cylinder 106kW/200Nm petrol engine matched to Nissan's proprietary XTronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

While no WLTP fuel economy figure is provided for the 2020 range, the ADR Combined consumption of 6.9L/100km is unchanged for the CVT-equipped models.

The $27,990 entry-level ST grade is still offered in a six-speed manual price-leader. However, 99 per cent of Qashqai buyers opt for CVT-equipped vehicles (+$2000).

At base grade, the 2020 Qashqai ST features a 7-inch LCD colour display, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. VOX and Apple CarPlay etc are new for 2020.

The CVT-only $31,990 2020 Nissan Qashqai ST+ adds fog lights, auto lights and wipers, high beam assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and fatigue monitoring.

It also introduces Nissan's latest infotainment architecture, A-IVI NAVI, to the Qashqai. Benefits of the new touch-screen system include 3D map displays with free updates (for five years), text messaging, better search functionality and customisable screen and app options.

Next rung up in the range, the 2020 Nissan Qashqai ST-L, is priced at $34,000, and at $1000 more, the new limited-edition N-SPORT model (pictured) shares most of its spec sheet. However, the N-SPORT does add 19-inch alloys (ST-L is on 18s), gets new satin brightwork on the grille, mirror caps and side 'steps' and some other unique trim items – including the requisite N-SPORT badge.

At the top of the 2020 Nissan Qashqai range, the Ti is essentially unchanged, save for new camera-based pedestrian detection. That said, the $38,450 flagship wants for little compared to others in this segment. Auto parking, adaptive cruise control, auto LED headlights, leather seat trim and panoramic sunroof are all part of the offering.

Previously badged Dualis, the current-format Qashqai was introduced Down Under in mid-2014 and updated in 2017. Since its introduction, Australians have purchased a combined 65,000 units of the five-seat compact SUV (Dualis and Qashqai).

Last year, almost 12,000 Qashqais were retailed locally, for what Nissan claims is a 9.5 per cent share of the small SUV segment.

How much is the 2020 Nissan Qashqai?
Nissan Qashqai ST $27,990/$29,990 (man/auto)
Nissan Qashqai ST+ $31,990 (auto)
Nissan Qashqai ST-L $34,000 (auto)
Nissan Qashqai N-SPORT $35,000 (auto)
Nissan Qashqai Ti $38,490 (auto)
Premium paint (opt) $595