Nissan Qashqai carpool

CAR POOL

WHAT WE'VE BEEN DRIVING LATELY

THE CAR Nissan Qashqai TL

THE PRICE From $37,990 plus on-road costs

VITAL STATISTICS 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel; 96kW/320Nm; CVT automatic; FWD; 4.9L/100km

THE TESTER Sam Hall

WHY WE'RE DRIVING IT Nissan recently unveiled the freshly re-named Qashqai (formerly Dualis) SUV in Australia. Here, we're driving the flagship TL diesel variant.

LIKES

The Qashqai brings some Euro flair to Nissan's local offering. Its flexible diesel engine and CVT pairing is a willing combination, making for lazy progress in regular driving. The ride offers decent compliance over small and large bumps alike. Inside, there are ample storage options and enough space for each of its five occupants. Standard kit includes sat-nav, leather, power heated front seats, keyless entry/start, climate control, panoramic roof and 19-inch alloys. Qashqai owners get six-year/120,000km capped-price servicing schedule with annual/10,000km intervals.

DISLIKES

The TL diesel is expensive, bringing a $3000 premium over its petrol TL equivalent. Even at that money, there were a disconcerting number of squeaks and rattles in our test car – in the instrument cluster and door panels particularly. Wind noise on the mirrors is ever present, too, while the diesel engine is clattery at low speeds and lacks the outright punch of some competitors. The steering is undermined by slightly inconsistent weighting, particularly its lightness off the centre position. There are no rear air vents and no 12-volt power socket in the boot, as is expected in the modern breed of SUV. Parking sensors are a $449 option, even in top-spec guise, and the reversing camera offers low clarity and blurred visibility.

WOULD I BUY ONE?

I'd consider it - though for a two-wheel drive offering, the TL Qashqai is creeping up there in price.