Nissan: Qashqai is the right name

Nissan is confident that a name change for its new mid-sized SUV won’t suffer the same effect as its small-car strategy that saw the Pulsar badge revived after the ill-fated Tiida failure.

The Japanese brand has confirmed pricing and specifications for its new, oddly-named Qashqai which replaces the Dualis and squeezes in between its city-sized Juke and recently-arrived all-new X-Trail.

And Nissan Australia’s new boss, Richard Emery, says the decision to shift to the European Qashqai badge was heavily debated within the organisation, but believes the new model is significantly improved over the Dualis that it can justify the switch.

"The question was asked of us by dealers, whether they really had to change the naming again," Emery told Drive.

“I have to say that if ever there was a car that could carry off the name change this is it. This is the time to do it."

“Qashqai represents a huge opportunity for Nissan in Australia. For new car buyers, it is the complete package,” he added

“It offers style, safety, technology and premium comfort in an exciting, accessible package that will have broad appeal.”

Unlike the Dualis, which featured the seven-seater Dualis+ model, the Qashqai will only be offered as a conventional five-seater, with prices starting at $25,850 plus on-roads for the entry-level ST petrol and topping out at $37,990 plus on-roads for the TL turbo diesel.

In between, there will be a high-grade Ti version available with the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder and a mid-spec TS turbo diesel.

The Qashqai is slightly larger than the Dualis in overall dimensions to provide greater interior space and more cargo carrying capacity.

All models come with a lengthy list of safety equipment, including six airbags with coverage for all occupants, a five-star ANCAP crash rating, LED driving lights and a Hill Start Assist function within electronic stability control system.

The entry-level ST is equipped with a reverse camera, cloth trim, Bluetooth streaming, 17-inch alloy wheels and cruise control with the TS turbo diesel adding rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, privacy glass, push-button start and dual-zone climate control.

The Ti petrol and TL turbo diesel brings 19-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot, lane-departure and moving object detection systems, a panoramic sunroof, leather trim and a larger 7.0-inch colour touchscreen monitor with 360-degree camera and satellite navigation.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine features direct fuel injection, produces 106kW and 200Nm and can be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT auto that costs $2640 on the ST and $2500 on the Ti.

The TS and TL variants are powered by a 1.6-litre turbo diesel four cylinder that generates 96kW and 320Nm and, with a stop-start function, has a claimed average fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km. Both turbo diesel models are only available with the CVT automatic.

- with Sam Hall

2014 Nissan Qashqai Pricing*

Qashqai ST (manual)    $25,850

Qashqai ST (CVT auto) $28,490

Qashqai Ti (manual)      $32,490

Qashqai Ti (CVT auto)  $34,990

Qashqai TS (CVT auto) $33,200

Qashqai TL (CVT auto) $37,990

*All prices exclude on-road and dealer costs