Progenitor (noun) – an ancestor
Description: an ancestor in the direct line; forefather, a biologically ancestral form, precursor, originator.
Many believe the original 2006 Nissan Qashqai to be ground zero for the term crossover. In fact, it came decades after some more obscure examples, but also very famous ones such as the Toyota Rav4. The Qashqai did however mark its resurgence, heralding in the modern era of crossover SUV or soft roader but now as a family car. So if not the first overall, certainly the first of the new breed which ultimately brings us twofold, arriving at this latest model. And at a time when our roads are brimming with every shape and size and origin of crossover.
Behold the third coming of the Qashqai and it is, in my humble opinion, the best-looking car the Japanese firm produces. We don’t have to delve too deeply into the current state of Nissan, its alliance with Renault now also includes Mitsubishi and so on – just know that with it comes engines. In particular, a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol motor so good, that even Mercedes-Benz has incorporated it into its A-Class lineup. It churns forth a healthy 110kW and 250Nm, enough to justify three driving modes ala Eco, Normal and Sport. Be wary budget buyers, that if you opt for the entry-level Visia model, you’ll have to make do with just 96kW and 240Nm – and you’ll be locked in with the manual transmission where models above it have access to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Yes, a CVT, but not a whiny, drony one. So, that’s nice.
That’s the go, for the show but we need to consider the exterior and interior. The prior is a rubber-neck inducing success, sharper and tighter than ever before. While the latter is like a secret – a pleasant and well-appointed living space that only its occupants get to appreciate. The new Qashqai cabin feels high-end, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen with satnav and wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play syncing options. I reckon the seats are top notch too, comfy and supple – and a great perch for driver and passengers. It benefits from a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, is generally brimming with tech and for the life of me, I can’t believe it’s taken this long for Nissan to have a truly compelling offering in the segment it helped create. The new Qashqai is excellent, and depending on which spec you opt for, can be had between R570k and R670k. Now. There are more affordable crossovers. Some are bigger, others are smaller and a few are from China, Malaysia and the Pacific Rim. But if you’re in the market and like the look of the Qashqai, I’m here to tell you, it’s a bloody good option.
PRICING
1.3T Visia R568 200
1.3T Acenta R639 300
1.3T Acenta Plus R670 600
*Includes a 3-year/90 000 km service plan, 6-year/150 000 km warranty, and 6-year/150 000 km roadside assistance.