Of Sound Values
Nissan’s most popular model receives a mid-life facelift, and we liked how effort had been made to make one of the most liked SUVs on our roads even more appealing.
Our test unit’s ME20DD 2.0 engine provides a decent 144ps. The non-turbocharged engine does need a little working on if you want to harness all 200Nm of its torque at 4,400rpm.
For a smoother drive, Nissan’s cars have mostly been linked to a CVT transmission; and the Qashqai works on seven virtual ratios, driving just the front wheels. While taking off from the lights might seem a little sluggish at first, with a slight whine from the CVT, heard under the working engine, once the car is in motion, it does spin relatively freely. One issue we found a little strange was that the manufacturer decided to "step" the gear changes, to mimic how a conventional automatic transmission would feel when swopping cogs.
Those who may not like the idea of driving a Cat B car could always opt for the 1.2 turbocharged version, which is about $16,000 less than the 2.0. We did try out the engine a while ago, and found it sufficient for our local roads.
New to the car are Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility Technologies. Parking has become much simpler with their 360 view camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, to help with reversing the car, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems, which helps in keeping your drive safer.
We did also note that the handling has improved over the pre-facelifted car, with fewer wallows around the bends, albeit a firmer ride, which may not sit so well with some drivers.
The Qashqai has provided many a Singaporean family with much motoring joy and comfort. The mid-life facelift is a needed improvement to a car so well received.
We would however wish for better performance from their engine and transmission combinations. Perhaps an automatic with real gears?
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