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With segment offerings ranging from the sensible Ssangyong Tivoli and the plush Peugeot 3008, to the bold Hyundai Tucson as well as the handsome Renault Kadjar, shoppers here looking for a crossover are simply spoilt for choice.

So just why should you opt to purchase this new Nissan Qashqai instead of its varied rivals?

Quiet refinement

In short: It's because it offers the quietest and most refined driving experience out there.

That's certainly something I didn't expect to say of this Qashaqi, given that it is powered by Mercedes' 1.3-litre engine, which is a unit noted for delivering rough vocals. Add in the fact that this engine is paired to a CVT - numerous examples of which tend to keep revs high - and in theory at least, this Qashqai should be quite the unpleasant number.

Yet, to drive, this Nissan Qashqai is nothing short of hushed, with scarcely an unwelcome note in its vocals. Get up to speed and you'll find high cabin insulation levels, with only road noise making some way into the peace of the interior.

And it's more than quiet progress that the Qashqai delivers. It's also mighty light-footed as well. With a healthy 270Nm of torque offered from a low of 1,800rpm, there's no need to dial high engine rpms before you start testing the speed limit. Progress here is delivered in a swell of turbocharged torque that rises perceivably once you enter into the mid-range.

It's performance that makes moving off from the traffic lights a real breeze, and couples with a fairly supple ride to make piloting the Qashqai a real pleasure.

Quality cabin

There's also a mighty comfortable cabin to settle into while you're enjoying that quiet drive.

Apparent build quality here is high, with the switches and buttons in the Nissan Qashqai all intuitively located. Ease into a steady cruise and you'll notice the abundance of soft leather in the cabin, which wraps the dashboard and upper sections of the doors, alongside Nappa leather seats (standard even on the lower 'Premium' trim), which are all a tactile treat.

Plastic faux wood accent pieces also stretch across the high contact points here, such as on the centre console and around the window switches, visually breaking up an otherwise uniformly black interior. These are perhaps not as great to touch, but should hold up to regular use without accumulating fine scratches unlike the gloss black plastic that finds its way into the cabins of many rivals.

Space all around for all passengers is also par for the segment here, although you might want to note that there are impressive rear doors which open up to 85 degrees, a feat that will no doubt come in handy should you need to load in child seats.

Quantifiably appealing

At $183,000, this Nissan Qashqai in 'Prestige' trim is asking for quite a fair bit, with only the Hyundai Tucson of the four competitors mentioned above asking for more to drive out of the showroom.

There's also the 'Premium' trim Nissan Qashqai to consider, which comes in from $170,888 (all prices as of 19 April 2022).

Opt for that trim however, and you will have to do without handy features including the Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warning safety systems, alongside the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Head-up display, and the hands-free power tailgate at the rear, amongst others.

Either way, if it is a smooth and quiet drive you're after, you won't go wrong with this Qashqai.


Shopping for a crossover? There's also these popular options to consider:

The Renault Kadjar is another handsome car also equipped with the Mercedes 1.3-litre engine

Or catch our review of the boldly styled Hyundai Tucson, which we drive equipped with a hybrid drivetrain

There's also the Peugeot 3008 to consider, with its distinctive exterior and cabin design

And if you're after something a little more powerful, why not also catch our review of the Volkswagen Tiguan

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