Redesigned, refined Qashqai

Fact Jeke Behind the Wheel
FOR decades, the Japanese have been the driving force behind vehicle manufacturing. I remember that when I was growing up, one of the popular Japanese brands at the time was Nissan. My mum used to drive us in a Nissan Sunny box as everyone called it then. With its boxy behind and cornered sides, we used to be dropped off and picked up from school in grand style.

Well, Nissan has evolved a lot since then and in this instalment I wish to dwell on Japanese workmanship in the form of the Nissan Qashqai (pictured below) pronounced “Cash-Kai”.

Tinashe Rurevo from the sales department at Nissan Clover Leaf Motors had to educate me on a few Japanese lingo terms and technical information before handing over the vehicle to me to test drive over a few days.

I have a big weakness for stylish things in general, so it was no surprise that after a few minutes behind the wheel of this vehicle, I was ready to go on the run with the car.

This car is always raring to go. It is suited for safari drives or zipping through city streets.
It can do both with ease, stylishly and comfortably. It is perfect for the business executive or for that stay-at home-mum that has to ferry the kids to school every day.

There is enough space for grocery shopping and your team of nine-year-old hockey players and their kits after practise.
Personally, when driving this car, I thought of my girlfriends and the road trips we take, space in the car is always an issue if you are an adventurer and if you are female.

We always carry clothes, which we may never wear, so we take quite a number of bags.
If you are like that, then welcome to peace of mind, this CUV will carry half your closet with ease — ha ha ha. Qashqai is available in three specification grades.

The Visia version, which is your base, is bold on the outside, while the inside trim is relaxed with chic simplicity.
The Acenta has a mood of contemporary elegance, yet retains a subtle sense of style while expanding on Visia’s extensive specification.

Now with the 4×4 Tekna, which is your high-end spec, you can break conventions, rewrite the urban street rules and still be the inspiration that dictates trends.

Petrol models come in 1.6 Visia 4×2, 1.6 Acenta 4×2 and 2.0 Acenta 4×2.
From just over US$35 000 for the entry level Qashqai, this vehicle is very competitive in terms of pricing when looking at its competition, the Toyota Rav4, the Hyundai Ix35, the Chery Tiggo, the Suzuki Vitara, Mazda CX7 and the BMW X3.

When it comes to the pros and cons, the pricing, fuel economy and efficiency tops the list.
Qashqai power comes from a choice of two lightweight aluminium petrol engines.

Both the 1.6-litre five-speed and 2.0-litre six-speed engines offer responsive performance while still feeling smooth and refined.
When it comes to storage space in the vehicle, you will not be disappointed.

The large 14-litre glove box offers loads of space, a sunglasses holder, and can even be cooled by the air-conditioning.
The centre console holds up to eight of your favourite CDs plus two drinking bottles.

Under seat drawer in Acenta and Tekna models hides away items like maps, your camera, cellphone or MP3 player.
For very tall passengers, there is generous legroom and headroom. The perfect stitching is one of the small details that makes Nissan Qashqai feel like a car in a class above.

And there’s a useful seat pocket too. In the back, you have your own independently-controlled courtesy lights.
Nissan Qashqai’s strength contributes to its dynamic safety and excellent performance.

It’s highly protective rigidity contributes to secure and stable road holding, with suspension specially tuned to give clear driver feedback for both enhanced safety and enjoyment.

Large diameter brakes with ABS, EBD and brake assist provide superior stopping power, while independent rear multi-link suspension allows secure cornering and ensures stability at high speed.

Six airbags come standard, along with pre-tensioner front seatbelts.
It’s reassuring to have intelligent protection. In case of a rear collision, front seat active head restraints move forward to reduce the risk of whiplash injury.

The Qashqai also comes standard with Isofix child anchors.
Vehicle Dynamic Control cope with emergencies confidently, with the latest generation VDC on the 2.0l Acenta and Tekna models, this technology helps to keep you on course, especially useful when making evasive manoeuvres.

In the commitment to “Real World Safety”, Nissan pursues innovation as part of its Safety Shield concept.
Based on the idea that cars should help protect people, advanced, proactive safety technologies help driver and passengers to avoid danger and injury in a wide range of circumstances.

So at a base price of US$35 327, a solid service plan and vehicle warranty what more would you ask for?
Stock is available at Nissan Clover Leaf Motors in Harare and Bulawayo. Visit their showroom for more information and finance options.

Till next week, buckle up and be safe. God bless you.