Qashqai comfort zone
Nissan’s Qashqai crossover – especially the 4 x 2 diesel
version – left me gobstacked over its economy capabilities … 850 kilometres
travelled and still a quarter tank left! With nine models of Qashqai up for
grabs, and with prices starting at R243 590 (correct at the time of going
to press), this vehicle represents very fair value for money.
An enigma that often leaves me puzzled is the fact that when
you drive a different type of press car you see lots of similar models to the
one you are driving. And why not, because Nissan has South Africa covered, I
reckon. The Qashqai does everything asked of it and more …
Considering it’s a full import they are very well priced,
being built at the Nissan car plant in Sunderland, northern England. Launched
back in 2007 it’s become a top-selling mainstream model in the South African
marketplace – and remains a firm favourite in the UK’s top 10 best sellers
list.
Roomy, well made and user friendly – I’ve already told you
it’s ultra-economical – the cargo area is vast; fold down the seats and you’ve
got yourself an instant station wagon at no extra cost. It’s a good looker,
too.
Creature comforts abound with all the usual power stuff but
I did enjoy using the simple to use and intuitive Bluetooth phone connection.
Why doesn’t every new car come with ‘hands-free” capabilities in this day and
age? There are most certainly more
expensive cars out there that make this particular feature an optional extra …
what a damn cheek!
Jim Wright, managing director of Nissan GB told me: “Cars
that are desirable when new are still desirable when the owner comes to sell
them on, especially if they have proven to be reliable. The continuing success
of the Qashqai in the new and used car markets proves that the British and
South African motor industries can produce a winner, even in the toughest
market conditions.”
• Nissan Sunderland Plant manufactures the Nissan Qashqai,
the Nissan Note and the Nissan Juke and will manufacture the 100% electric
Nissan LEAF from 2013.
• Production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles
begins next year.
• Total plant volume since 1986 stands at more than six
million units
• Total investment made and announced since then is £3.3
billion
• In 2010 81 percent of production was exported to 97
markets worldwide
• Sunderland Plant currently employs 5,000 staff
