2023 Nissan Qashqai new car review

This popular Japanese car brand has had a rough few years but a wave of new models has put it back on the winning path.

2023 Nissan Qashqai ST-L. EMBARGO: 12/01/2023 3pm

The all-new Nissan Qashqai small SUV has arrived with classier styling, an improved cabin and prices to match. Here are five things you need to know about the mid-spec ST-L.

Nissan has taken a big step forward with its Qashqai small SUV.

Nissan has been born-again sexy

After too long with a cobweb-coated vehicle portfolio, Nissan’s showrooms are suddenly awash with fresh metal. Its Z coupe, Pathfinder and X-Trail are all box fresh, but the revolution’s most apparent with the new generation Qashqai. It looks seriously sharp with a bold front grille, slim LED headlamps, boomerang daytime running lights and intakes ahead of the front wheels. British-designed and built, it’s a smidgen larger – and roomier – than the old Qashqai and features weight-saving aluminium doors, bonnet and front fenders.

The price rise seriously tests the relationship

New car prices have surged in recent years, but the Qashqai’s cost still shocks. Depending on grade, it’s jumped between $5300 and $8200 over the old model. Our test ST-L was almost $46,000 drive-away, while even the entry-level ST costs $37,300 on the road. The Ti flagship may brim with luxe, but it costs more than $51,000 drive-away, a big ask for a front-drive Nissan small SUV. A hybrid version is due later, probably costing $55,000 on the road. That’s Volvo XC40 or Audi Q3 money. Adding to the financial pain, new Qashqais drink pricier 95 fuel, and the brand charges a hefty $2626 for the first five services. The Toyota Corolla Cross rival costs some $1400 less for the same period.

It is a lot more expensive, though.

Cabin class has taken a mighty leap

There’s a satisfying clunk when you shut doors; way less tinny and flimsy-feeling than before. The interior space is reasonable, while soft-touch plastics on the door tops and dashboard are nice touches. A brushed titanium-like centre console and palm-filling Star Trek-inspired gear shifter with a delightful action are welcome, classy additions. The seats are a strange cloth/PVC leather combo in black and blue. They feel hard-wearing – somewhat like your Nan’s 1960s sofa – but pick up stains easily. There’s impressive rear space – as a six-footer I had no head or leg room issues. The rear doors open wide for easy access, there are rear air vents and the boot is a reasonable size.

The cabin is immaculate and packed with desirable features.

There are plenty of goodies, but don’t expect the lot

Nissan’s gone big on active safety and driver assist for every Qashqai – kudos there – including the useful stuff such as a surround-view monitor, junction assist, radar cruise control, blind-spot warning and auto rear braking. You score 19-inch alloys, a 12.3-inch centre screen, sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and phone charging, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Key omissions at this price level include a hands-free tailgate, electric passenger seat, digital dashboard and full leather trim. The Ti covers those and adds Bose audio, a panoramic roof and massage seats.

It’s a sharp drive, too.

It’s capable through corners, but performance is average

All Qashqais use a 110kW/250Nm turbo 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol mated to a CVT auto gearbox turning the front wheels. It’s not a recipe for driving joy, but for around town duties and highway life it’s a refined, likeable and eager unit. The gearbox can be lazy at low speeds and if you floor it don’t expect fireworks. I tried Sport mode for extra verve but the button appears decorative only. It’s surprisingly agile, though, helped by independent rear suspension, fair balance and good tyre grip. Despite giant 19-inch rims (it’s a small SUV!), ride comfort and bump absorption are a standout. That gives us hope that when the zestier hybrid version arrives it’ll be a cracker, albeit an expensive one.