All-New Nissan QASHQAI Now On-Sale In Australia

Posted on Jul 15 2014 - 6:30am by Editor2

The all-new Nissan QASHQAI, the next generation DUALIS, is now available in Australia, further strengthening the brand’s extensive SUV line-up.The award-winning, critically acclaimed QASHQAI is one of Nissan’s most successful models, with over two million sold globally since the previous generation debuted in 2007 – the car that pioneered the now-burgeoning crossover hatch segment.

Nissan QASHQAI

The all-new QASHQAI offers even greater levels of premium comfort, innovative technologies and bold, attractive styling. It is on-sale now in both petrol and diesel engine options, each available in two grades.

“The Nissan QASHQAI is one of the original players in what is now a booming part of the Australian new car market,” said Richard Emery, Managing Director and CEO of Nissan Australia.

“Australians loved the DUALIS, with over 50,000 sold since 2008. Now they have the chance to own our next-generation DUALIS in the QASHQAI, which has already proved to be an award winner and sales success in its native Europe.

“QASHQAI represents a huge opportunity for Nissan in Australia. For new car buyers, it is the complete package.

“It offers 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.”

The all-new Nissan QASHQAI was designed by Nissan Design Europe in London, engineered at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe facilities in Cranfield, UK and Barcelona, Spain and is built at the Nissan facility in Sunderland, UK. Extensive input has also come from Nissan designers and engineers from the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, Japan.

The Nissan Sunderland facility built over 286,000 QASHQAI in 2013, the eighth year of production for the model.

A massive sales success in its native United Kingdom, in January 2014 the Nissan QASHQAI was awarded the What Car? Car of the Year 2014 prize by the British publication, among other accolades.

Five Star ANCAP Safety Rating

Announced today by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), both petrol and diesel variants of the all-new Nissan QASHQAI have been awarded a Five Star ANCAP Safety Rating.

The QASHQAI is enhanced and enriched by Nissan Safety Shield, with multiple safety technologies and six standard airbags – dual front, dual side and dual curtain SRS airbags that extend to the second row to protect the driver and passengers in the event of front or side impact.

New myNissan Capped Price Servicing for QASHQAI

Nissan has also confirmed that for QASHQAI, it’s myNissan Capped Price Servicing schedule will take on 10,000km or 12 month service intervals (whichever comes first), as opposed to the 10,000km or six months scheduled service intervals for the previous generation DUALIS. See the separate Nissan QASHQAI Capped Price Servicing schedule for further information.

Engines and Transmissions

The all-new Nissan QASHQAI is available now with both petrol and diesel engine options.

The QASHQAI ST and Ti grades feature a 2.0-litre MR20DD naturally-aspirated, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) petrol engine, producing 106kW of power and 200Nm of torque. Both petrol grades are available with either six-speed manual or Xtronic transmissions.

The QASHQAI TS and TL grades are powered by a 1.6-litre R9M turbo diesel engine paired with an Xtronic transmission, producing 96kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

Jointly developed with Alliance partner Renault, this engine is one of the most advanced diesel powerplants in its segment, with a number of technical innovations designed to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

This light and compact engine strikes the perfect balance between strong performance and exceptional economy, boasting fuel consumption of 4.9 litres per 100km^^.

Among the unit’s many innovations is a cold-loop, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system. By recycling the exhaust gas at a lower temperature, emissions of nitrogen oxides and CO2 are reduced.

Thermal management of the 1.6 dCi engine is also much more efficient with a reduced warm-up phase, reducing friction losses and fuel consumption.

All diesel-powered QASHQAI feature Idle Stop/Start technology, which stops the engine when stationary to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. Idle Stop/Start can be activated or deactivated by the press of a button.

The highly-advanced Xtronic transmission is based on the principle of constantly variable transmission, but has been engineered to deliver a smoother, more natural driving experience. Unlike conventional constantly variable transmissions, the QASHQAI’s Xtronic transmission mimics the behaviour of traditional, multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration, with stepped changes. In gentler driving, the ratios are subtly adjusted to give the ultimate smoothness. This means the Xtronic transmission offers the best of both worlds for drivers, with ultra-smooth low-load power delivery and direct performance during higher acceleration driving.

Braked towing capacity for the all-new QASHQAI is 1,200 kilograms for petrol engine Xtronic transmission models, and 1,400 kilograms for petrol engine manual transmission models and diesel engine grades.

Chassis, Suspension and Steering

Underneath the all-new QASHQAI’s sleek body is the highly-advanced, Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed modular platform known as the CMF-C/D (Common Module Family), also used in the recently-launched all-new Nissan X-TRAIL.

CMF-C/D is one of the most adaptable platform systems in existence, giving designers and engineers the opportunity to perfectly tailor the car to customer needs and bringing outstanding engineering efficiencies to the consumer.

Double piston shock absorbers give the QASHQAI good low-speed ride and the ability to handle rough surfaces without compromising its set-up. The second-generation model is equipped with advanced double-piston shock absorbers that deliver faultless damping at both ends of the dynamic range. The two channel system features a conventional channel that handles the kind of low-frequency bumps found on rough roads, and an additional channel that deals with small high-frequency bumps found on smoother roads. The end result is a car that delivers a smooth and refined ride whatever the road surface.

Chassis Control uses Nissan’s latest knowledge to enhance both the ride and handling of the QASHQAI.

Active Trace Control improves control when cornering by applying specific braking force to each wheel individually to correct the course of the car, providing more confidence and dynamic feel without interfering with the driving experience.

When driving on undulating surfaces, Active Ride Control automatically applies subtle braking to individual wheels and enhances torque after you hit the bump to smooth out the ride and deliver flatter body control, enhancing comfort for all occupants.

Active Engine Brake uses the Xtronic transmission to apply engine braking (like shifting to a lower gear in a traditional transmission) to deliver smoother deceleration and a more confident driving experience.

During the development stages of the QASHQAI, every element of the car’s dynamic package was examined. The steering has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, with new Electronic Power Assisted Steering introduced across the range.

The system has been tuned with a new control logic that delivers a more natural driving experience, thanks in part to a reduction in the overall steering ratio to improve responsiveness.

To give the QASHQAI an even more natural driving experience and improve further straight-line stability, the castor trail of the front suspension has been lengthened. By creating a longer caster trail, the front wheels have a more positive self-centring action, resulting in better feel through the steering wheel.

Adjustable Steering allows the driver to select steering feedback sensitivity via the Advanced Driver Assist Display. Two modes are available; Sport for harder feel with more feedback and Normal for easier feeling and less feedback.

QASHQAI ST and TS grades feature 17-inch alloy wheels, while QASHQAI Ti and TL grades ride on 19-inch alloy wheels.

QASHQAI features multi-link rear suspension, independent MacPherson strut front suspension, vented front disc brakes, rear disc brakes and a space saver spare wheel.

Exterior and Design

The powerful curves, clean lines and intricate detail of the all-new QASHQAI ensure it stands confidently and prominently in the Small SUV segment. With its signature Nissan V-motion grille, the QASHQAI’s premium feel was developed with a range of styling devices usually found on more expensive luxury models.

“The inspiration was threefold,” said Shiro Nakamura, Chief Creative Officer for Nissan.

“Athletic Agility, Smart Premium and In Control are the themes that run through every element of the design.

“This car represents several years of dedicated work. We have created an all-new design that builds on the success of the first generation QASHQAI and confirms Nissan’s crossover leadership.”

Athletic agility: Drawing on Nissan’s crossover family DNA, new QASHQAI features a bold, sporty stance that is instantly recognisable yet new and exciting.

Smart Premium: Nissan’s philosophy of accessible technology can be seen and touched everywhere in the all-new QASHQAI. From the interior materials and controls to the exterior details, every area has been designed to make full use of available technologies.

In Control: Control is a theme that runs throughout the all-new QASHQAI’s design. From the driver-focused interior and seating position to the exterior design, every element has been crafted to give passengers and owners a feeling of security and control.

Nissan’s designers and engineers also worked closely to ensure that they were able to incorporate new technology without compromising the car’s bold design.

The all-new QASHQAI is 47mm longer than its predecessor and fractionally lower and wider, giving it a sleek, poised stance while maintaining the crossover style, compact dimensions and raised driving position.

The QASHQAI is available in eight colours: Ivory Pearl, Pearl Black, Truffle Bronze, Ink Blue, Magnetic Red, Nightshade, Platinum and Gun Metallic.

Interior and Technology

Inside, Nissan designers have created a cabin that combines clarity, harmony and space. Thanks to its high shoulder line, occupants will feel protected, but combined with a high eye point the driver enjoys a better view of the road.

Like the rest of the car, the QASHQAI’s interior combines innovative technologies with common sense solutions to everyday challenges. With such experience in the crossover segment, Nissan worked hard to set new practicality benchmarks for the next generation of crossover.

In creating the QASHQAI’s cabin, Nissan’s design and engineering team wanted to put the driver at the heart of the action. The car’s numerous comfort, convenience and safety systems have been analysed and redesigned to give the driver easy access to all key controls. Thanks to an intuitive single interface, drivers are able to perfectly tailor the QASHQAI’s functions to their needs.

Versatility is another area where the QASHQAI excels. No area of the car’s interior was overlooked in the pursuit of increased flexibility and better practicality. The boot, for example, has a luggage capacity of 430 litres with the rear seats in position – and improvement of 20 litres over the previous model.

Passengers also enjoy more space in the all-new QASHQAI, with improved head and leg room. The overall increase in width has allowed for greater shoulder room, while a full redesign of the door apertures means that getting in and out is easier than ever before.

Load space flexibility has also been improved on QASHQAI TS, Ti and TL with a tailgate that now opens 230mm higher and includes a dual-floor system designed to provide a flexible and versatile load space. The two reversible floor panels can easily be raised or lowered proving 16 possible configurations to either maximise luggage volume or provide a full flat floor with rear seats folded. Among the configurations is an under-floor storage option to keep valuables out of sight.

Additionally the rear board easily slots into a vertical position providing an ideal sized space for carrying shopping bags. Furthermore, the load cover fits neatly under the luggage floor allowing bulky items to be loaded. The luggage boards feature a wipe-clean surface on one side and a soft carpet on the other, so muddy boots can been transported without fear of damaging the textile surfaces.

A great cabin starts with great seats, and Nissan has worked hard to ensure that the second generation QASHQAI is even more comfortable for passengers. The highly advanced QASHQAI seat offers special support thanks to additional bolsters in the pelvis, lumbar and chest areas. The result is a spinal support seat and cushioned kneepads to soothe your driving experience.

Seats feature cloth trim in QASHQAI ST, premium cloth trim in TS and leather-accented trim in Ti and TL grades.

The QASHQAI boasts an array of innovative and accessible technologies, designed to bring maximum convenience, comfort and driver engagement.

Around View® Monitor~ (Ti and TL) provides a bird’s eye view of the QASHQAI on the colour seven-inch QVGA Display, using four cameras placed around the vehicle (front grille, rear tailgate and both side mirrors).

Moving Object Detection~ (Ti and TL) provides visual and audible warnings when it detects an object moving both in front and behind the vehicle.

Intelligent Park Assist~ (Ti and TL) offers both reverse parallel and bay parking assistance. Intelligent Park Assist uses the four cameras on Nissan’s Around View® Monitor system to assist the driver by steering the QASHQAI into the parking spot as the driver controls the brake and throttle.

Driver Attention Support (Ti and TL) ensures the QASHQAI ‘gets to know you’ so that it can tell when the driver is getting drowsy. After learning your driving style, the system will monitor inputs, showing a dashboard alert if steering becomes erratic, indicating the driver should take a break.

Lane Departure Warning~ (Ti and TL) detects if the car is starting to drift out of the lane. Advanced computer programming detects road markings allowing the QASHQAI to determine if it is driving out of position. If it does, and the driver is not operating the indicator, a warning is given to the driver to correct their road position.

Blind Spot Warning~ (Ti and TL) uses the rear view camera of the Around View Monitor system to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot, illuminating a discreet warning light. If the driver indicates to change lanes and the system detects a vehicle in the danger area, the light flashes and an audible warning is given.

Hill Start Assist (all grades) uses Vehicle Dynamic Control and braking systems to hold the vehicle for a short period when stationary on an incline.

LED Daytime running lights feature as standard, while LED Headlights provide a superior light distribution and feature on the Ti and TL grades. Further to this, High Beam Assist~ (Ti and TL) uses a high resolution camera combined with advanced software to provide a sophisticated automatic high and low headlight beam function. The system applies or dips the high beam depending on lighting conditions and oncoming traffic, providing the maximum amount of light for any driving scenario.

NissanConnect™## smartphone connectivity makes it easier to stay connected with the outside world, providing navigation with traffic monitoring and integrated access to Apps on the user’s smartphone. Apps include Facebook®, Pandora® and Google Online Search®##.

All grades of QASHQAI feature Nissan’s Advanced Driver Assist Display within the instrument panel, offering multiple graphic meters on a five-inch TFT colour display. Customisable to display different QASHQAI body colours, the meter offers advice and warnings covering functions including Driver Attention Support (on Ti and TL models), Adjustable Steering, Chassis Control, average and actual speeds, fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, caller identification, audio content, parking display sensors and eco-driving advice.

Standard interior features offered across the range include Electronic Park Brake, Rear View Camera, Bluetooth® handsfree phone system, cruise control, manual tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, 60/40 split fold second row seating, ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points and four rear cargo area luggage hooks.

QASHQAI Ti and TL grades include front heated seats, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof, roof rails and LED headlights with auto levelling.

Please see separate Nissan QASHQAI Specification document for full specifications by grade.

Nissan QASHQAI ST (petrol) includes:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Roof spoiler
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Door mirrors with indicators
  • NissanConnect™ smartphone connectivity##
  • Rear Camera
  • 5-inch QVGA Front Display
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather-accented steering wheel and gear shift knob^
  • Electronic park brake
  • Front, side and curtain airbags
  • Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
  • Integrated Dynamics Module
  • High Mount LED Stop Lamp
  • Front and Rear Seat Belt Warning and Alarm
  • Immobiliser
  • Tether and ISOFIX#
  • Space saver spare wheel

Nissan QASHQAI TS (diesel) includes all of the spec of the ST plus/or:

  • Idle Stop-Start
  • Electric Folding Mirrors
  • Rain Sensing Wipers
  • Fog Lights
  • Flexible Cargo Storage System
  • Privacy Glass
  • Premium Cloth Trim
  • Engine Push Button Start with Intelligent Key
  • Driver Lumbar Support
  • Rear Centre Armrest
  • Dual Zone Climate Control
  • Six Audio Speakers

Nissan QASHQAI Ti (petrol) includes all of the spec of the ST plus/or:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • 7-inch QVGA Front Display (touch screen)
  • Navigation with traffic monitoring
  • Around View® Monitor
  • Electric Folding Mirrors
  • Privacy Glass
  • Fog Lights
  • Roof Rails
  • Automatic High/Low LED Headlights
  • Panoramic Roof
  • Engine Push Button Start with Intelligent Key
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Leather-accented seat trim^
  • Front heated seats
  • Driver lumbar support
  • Rear centre armrest
  • Flexible Cargo Storage System
  • Six Audio Speakers
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control
  • Blind Spot Warning Detection
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Moving Object Detection
  • High Beam Assist
  • Driver Attention Support

Nissan QASHQAI TL (diesel) includes all of the spec of the Ti plus:

  • Idle Stop/Start technology

All-New Nissan QASHQAI– Pricing and Grades

All-New Nissan QASHQAI MSRP* Estimated Drive-Away**
Petrol Grades
QASHQAI ST 2.0L six-speed manual $25,850  $28,949
QASHQAI ST 2.0L Xtronic $28,490  $31,667
QASHQAI Ti 2.0L six-speed manual $32,490  $35,787
QASHQAI Ti 2.0L Xtronic $34,990 $38,365
Diesel Grades
QASHQAI TS 1.6L turbo diesel Xtronic $33,200 $36,521
QASHQAI TL 1.6L turbo diesel Xtronic $37,990 $41,455