New Nissan Qashqai N-Sport review: Added tech to boost sales
The Japanese brand’s compact SUV is quietly having a stellar year and now Nissan has revealed its secret weapon to help boost sales even further.
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Nissan’s compact Qashqai SUV has been around for years but it is still one of the best selling high-riders in its class. But with a new model around the corner, Nissan has created a new top-spec model to draw in buyers looking for everything included. Here’s what you need to know about the Nissan Qashqai N-Sport.
Value
Nissan is hoping it has cracked the code to keep the Qashqai relevant. The code in question is extra software to bolster the small SUV’s safety and connectivity features, with Nissan adding smartphone mirroring, once a glaring omission for the Qashqai. The N-Sport version we’re testing is limited to just 600 vehicles. At about $39,500 on the road, it’s $1000 more than the ST-L it is based on but it stands out by ditching the plastic cladding on regular Qashqais for body-coloured bumpers and mouldings. Beyond a black roof liner, the N-Sport mirrors the ST-L interior, meaning plush leather and cloth upholstery, heated front seats, seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and digital radio.
Safety
ANCAP rated the Nissan a five-star car when it was tested in 2017. The test predated the active safety requirements, meaning the score of 36.56 out of 37 points was based on structural integrity and having seat belt reminders. Fast forward to the model year 2020 and the Series 3 Qashqai adds lane departure and blind spot alerts, along with rear cross traffic control.
Comfort
The Qashqai’s ride is about as good as you want when carting a family. It doesn’t crash over speed bumps but is firm enough to resist rolling around corners and pitching forwards when braking. Rear air vents and good second-row space ensure kids up to young teens shouldn’t have any issues in the back. For storage, the 430L cargo area is among the best in the class and will easily ingest a shopping trolley full of groceries.
Driving
The N-Sport is a focused urban soft-roader with no pretensions to tackling more than a gravel road. As a result, owners save fuel — read money — by not driving with the added weight of an all-wheel-drive set-up they’re not likely to need anyway. Claimed average fuel use is 6.9L/100km, or 9.2L around town. Driving moderately, we consistently used just a litre or so above those claims. The continuously variable transmission likes moderation. It has been calibrated to save fuel, so acceleration is reasonable rather than great.
Verdict 3.5/5
If you were going to buy a Qashqai, there’s now more reason to. If you can hold out, a new model arrives next year.
Alternatives
Mitsubishi ASX Exceed, from $35,990 drive-away
Consistent exterior and interior/safety updates have kept the decade-old ASX relevant and sharp pricing keeps enticing buyers.
Mazda CX-3 Akari, from $37,800 drive-away
Not as versatile as the Nissan but if looks and leather trim are your thing, the compact Mazda has you covered. Add about $2K for an automatic.
Nissan Qashqai N-Sport vitals
Price: From $39,500 drive-away
Warranty/servicing: 5 yrs/u’ltd km, $1848 for 5 yrs/50,000km
Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags, AEB, lane keep assist, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 106kW/200Nm
Thirst: 6.9L/100km
Boot: 430L/1598L
Originally published as New Nissan Qashqai N-Sport review: Added tech to boost sales
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