Whenever I bring home an SUV, a particular problem will surface. I could be equipped with the most advanced rearview cameras and 360-degree sensors but if there isn't enough width, I cannot park my test car.
Admittedly I can but only if I'm willing to risk someone bumping their car doors into mine. This problem gets a lot worse when I go into a lot between two MPVs because I'll end up using the sunroof to get out.
Until Singapore decides to redraw those lines at HDB carparks, Nissan's compact SUV, the Qashqai, provides a welcome solution.
At 4315mm x 1780mm x 1610mm, the compact SUV has gone through some weight-loss operation. The Nissan Murano stands at 4835mm x 1885mm x 1730mm. That's about 100mm nipped from the Qashqai's waistline, which means I don't need to park a few blocks away just because there're not enough space.
The Qashqai's SUVillian size might be lost but an SUV's aggressiveness remains.
The front sports a bold bumper while a ridged bonnet adds that air of masculinity. At the back, a Murano-esque rear hatch will stare at you. Regardless of wherever you look, the Qashqai just reminds me of a city-sized Murano.
Sometimes, car manufacturers like to label the controls and buttons in hieroglyphics, which means you might take more than tens of seconds before you clock 0-100kph. But not inside the Qashqai.
The fascia is neat and uncluttered, boasting a high level of user-friendliness. Knobs and controls are easily located at a glance. A keyless entry and ignition system impresses. The premium variant - which cost $7,000 more than the standard - came with a sunrooof that made the interior look expansive. Altogether, the whole set-up has a premium touch about it.
At its heart is a 2.0-litre MR20DE powerplant capable of turning out 132 horsepower at 5,200rpm and pulling 200Nm at 4,400rpm. The Nissan engine is known for its high torque at low-to-medium speeds and quiet operation, very much like its big brother Murano. A century sprint will take the Qashqai 11.4 secs while fuel consumption stands at a relatively conservative 8 litres/100km.
A continuously variable transmission means the cabin is eerily quiet when on the road - none of that first-generation CVT whining. And when one desires control, there is always the six-speed manual shift mode.
NISSAN QASHQAI
Engine: 1,977cc 16-v inline-4 Transmission: Continuously variable transmission with six manual slots Power: 137bhp @ 5,200rpm Torque: 200Nm @ 4,400rpm 0-100kmh: 11.4 secs Top speed: 175kph Fuel consumption: 8.0 litres/100km (city-highway) Price: from $79,500 Distributor: Tan Chong Motor
On the road, the Qashqai drops all SUV pretensions. This car will suit SUV teetotallers because it is not as intimidating as an SUV to get into. Moreover, it drives and handles closer to a hatch or sedan than an SUV. Handling is calibrated to comfort but that does not mean it takes sloppy corners.
An adaptive shift function adjusts the shift timing in accordance with your driving preferences. With over 700 shift patterns in its database, it should help optimise both performance and fuel consumption.
For those who've always wanted an SUV but lack the "space," a city-compact SUV like the Qashqai should fit the gap nicely.
