NISSAN HAS BEEN BUSY lately, and in the face of a declining new car market, adding features and offering better value to buyers.
Latest to get the treatment is the small SUV, the Qashqai, which gets comprehensive connectivity and active safety enhancements across the range.
The changes come as the MY20 Qashqai models are delivered to Nissan’s nationwide network of dealers following five years of strong sales in the hugely competitive small SUV segment, which featured 29 active participants to the end of December, 2019.
The popular Nissan Qashqai has comfortably established itself as a consistent Top 5-in-class performer since its most recent update in 2017. Last year, 11,653 Qashqai models were sold, snaring a 9.5 percent share of the segment.
The arrival of the updated Qashqai range offers customers greater levels of connectivity and technology, as well as more opportunity for individual expression in the form of the limited edition N-Sport model (read our story here), which will sit between the ST-L and range-topping Ti.
For the entry-level ST, additional equipment comprises Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatible infotainment system with voice recognition and digital radio receiver integrated into Nissan’s next-generation 7-inch screen.
The ST+ model adds new rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights with High Beam Assist, fog lights, Intelligent Driver Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Warning technology. For the Ti model, its already very high level of specification is enhanced by the addition of Pedestrian Detection (with Intelligent Emergency Braking) that operates at speeds up to 60km/h.
“Leveraging a host of advanced technologies as part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility platform, sharp looks and a comfortable and user-friendly interior, the Qashqai is justifiably etched into the Australian small SUV market as a successful and popular competitor,” said Stephen Lester, managing director of Nissan Australia.”
“Updates to the 2020 Qashqai model range, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, increase its appeal and make it a clear standout in the crowded small SUV segment of the market.”
The Nissan Qashqai is safer thanks to additional technologies added to the range as part of the brand’s commitment to Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM).
Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM)
NIM represents the brand’s advanced technologies which make its cars more desirable by redefining how they are driven, powered and integrated into society. The goal is to make Nissan drivers feel more confident, excited and connected, while also enhancing road safety.
Pedestrian Detection
This system uses a windscreen mounted camera and operates at speeds between 10 to 60km/h.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Employs two sensors in the rear bumper to warn the driver of oncoming traffic less than 20m away when the driver is reversing at less than 8km/h.
Intelligent Driver Alert
Monitoring steering behaviour when travelling above 60km/h, this system judges the likelihood of driver fatigue and encourages the driver to rest or take a break. The system ‘learns’ driver behaviour and style, then monitors inputs. A dashboard alert appears if the steering becomes erratic, indicating the driver needs a rest.
Intelligent Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning
Using radar technology to keep an eye on the distance between the QASHQAI and the vehicle in front, Forward Collision Warning provides audible and visual display warnings to let the driver know when to reduce speed. If required, Intelligent Emergency Braking will apply the brakes to reduce vehicle speed to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
This provides a bird’s eye view of the Qashqai on the colour 7-inch display, using four cameras placed around the vehicle (front grille, rear tailgate and both side mirrors). Moving Object Detection gives visual and audible warnings when it detects an object moving either in front or behind the vehicle.
Intelligent Park Assist
Offers both reverse parallel and bay parking assistance. Intelligent Park Assist uses the four cameras on Nissan’s Around View Monitor system to assist the driver by steering the Qashqai into the parking spot as the driver controls the brake and throttle.
Lane Departure Warning
This detects if the car is starting to drift out of the lane. Advanced computer programming detects road markings allowing the Qashqai to determine if it is driving out of position. If it does, and the driver is not indicating for a turn or lane change, a warning is given to the driver to correct their road position.
Blind Spot Warning
The system utilises two radars located on the left- and right-hand side of the rear bumper bar – the same radars used for Rear Cross Traffic Alert – to detect vehicles hidden in the blind spot, illuminating a warning light. If the driver indicates to change lanes and the system detects a vehicle in the danger area, the light flashes and an audible warning is given.
Hill Start Assist
This uses Vehicle Dynamic Control and braking systems to hold the vehicle for up to two seconds when stationary on an incline.
High Beam Assist
A high-resolution camera combined with advanced software to provide a sophisticated automatic high and low headlight beam function. The system applies or dips the high beam depending on lighting conditions and oncoming traffic, providing the maximum amount of light for any driving scenario.
Advanced Driver Assist Display
Available on all models, this allows a customisable display that offers advice and warnings covering functions including Intelligent Driver Alert (where fitted), adjustable steering, chassis control, average and actual speeds, fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation instructions (where fitted), caller identification, audio content, parking display sensors and eco-driving advice.
Standard interior features offered across the range include Intelligent Key with keyless entry/close, push button ignition, Electronic Park Brake, front and rear parking sensors, Rear View Camera, LED Daytime Running Lights, Bluetooth handsfree phone system, cruise control, manual tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, 60/40 split fold second row seating, ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points and four rear cargo area luggage hooks.
Adaptive Front-lighting System
This changes the direction and pattern of the headlights as a car travels around corners, improving driver visibility.
Infotainment System upgrade
There are two new head units used across the range, the A-IVI Display Audio which is found on the ST model, and the A-IVI NAVI used on the rest of the range.
The A-IVI NAVI unit provides smartphone mirroring for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, shortcut icons and widgets, a customisable menu screen, multi-touch capacitive screen, 3D map displays, SMS/text messaging, free map updates, single line search function and a connection manager for USB and smartphones.
The map upgrades are free for the first five years and are upgraded via a USB inserted into a computer and then transferred to the vehicle. Previously, the SD card-based system required visits to a Nissan dealership to be upgraded. Map upgrades are available twice yearly in March and September.
The 2020 Nissan QASHQAI range is now on sale. The following prices do not include on road costs:
Nissan QASHQAI ST 6MT $27,990
Nissan QASHQAI ST CVT $29,990
Nissan QASHQAI ST+ CVT $31,990
Nissan QASHQAI ST-L CVT $34,000
Nissan QASHQAI N-SPORT CVT $35,000
Nissan QASHQAI Ti CVT $38,490
*Premium paint costs an extra $595
Once we have tested and assessed the new Nissan Qashqai models, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.