We drove Nissan's Qashqai ST-L at the Australian Launch.

The updated cabin tech, driver aids, and safety gear, make Qashqai a great small SUV option for buyers wanting value for money

Surfacing and materials is good quality apart from a few bits here and there that feel hard to the touch.

The engine is carried over from the previous model, but the diesel option has been dropped. Karla Leach says buyers have walked away from that fuel and is no longer worth keeping in the fleet.

Steering, brakes, and handling were excellent. The car feels light, but the CVT robs some of the nippiness I'd like for city sprints.

Seats lay fairly flat, and roof rails are standard on this model.

Fuel economy, while not exceptional in the 21st century, is also decent, at 6.9L100k.

For a city car, it is easy to drive, but is equally at home on the highway. Whilst you wouldn't belikely to take 4 tall adults on a long trip, you'd certainly be able to load up with all the stuff you'd need for a road trip for two or three.

We liked it a lot.

Features

  • 7" colour touch screen
  • Satellite Navigation
  • Fog lights
  • Advanced Driver's Instrument Display
  • Smart entry/start
  • 360° view camera with selectable modes and moving object detection
  • Rearview camera with predictive path
  • Intermittent wipers
  • 4 cup holders, 4 bottle holders
  • Flexible cargo system
  • Power drivers seat controls
  • AEB, lane departure warning, forward collision warning

Price: $32,990

2.0L 4 cylinder

106kw @ 6,000

200Nm @ 4,400

Econ: 6.9L/100k

CO2: 159g/km

CVT XTronic automatic with engine braking

Front Wheel Drive

Hill Start Assist

Safety

5 stars

Good Bits

Spacious, 360° camera, quick responding infotainment

No So Good Bits

CVT, some plastics feel too hard, no Blind Spot/auto lights/auto wipers