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2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti review (video)

The first three generations of the Nissan Qashqai/Dualis evolved into a no-frills, blend-into-the-background, rather boring small SUV. But since driving the latest fourth generation model, our opinion has done a complete 180 U-turn.

Launched in mid-2022, the fourth-gen Nissan Qashqai has lifted its own game significantly. It has been designed and engineered in Europe, offers more power and a new hybrid engine, and picks up more safety and intelligent features. Meanwhile, it remains family friendly and reasonably priced.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-rear

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: Specifications

Engine: 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 110kW@5500rpm / 250Nm@1600-3750rpm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.5, 235/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1494kg
Power-to-weight: 13.58:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.1L/100km
Our consumption: 7.2L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 18.03kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.01 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.84 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.45 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.49 seconds at 137.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.597g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.07m in 3.11 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.176g*
Decibel at idle: 39*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $47,390

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: How much does it cost?

You can get your hands on the base ST from $33,890 (excluding on-road costs), or the ST+ from $37,890, the ST-L from $42,190, and at the top is the Ti priced from $47,390. There’s also the innovative Ti e-Power hybrid from $51,590.

Putting it up against other front-wheel drive small SUVs, the UK-built Qashqai is fairly priced. Comparing the cheapest variants of popular competitors, it is the same price as the Toyota Corolla Cross, $2k cheaper than the Volkswagen T-Roc, and $2.8k cheaper than the Honda HR-V. But the Hyundai Kona undercuts it by $1.8k, the Kia Seltos by $4.5k, and the old Mitsubishi ASX by $7.5k.

All models except the e-Power score the same 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. The e-Power is fitted with a 1.5 turbo hybrid and a 1.8kWh lithium-ion battery. All are front-wheel drive as well, paired with a CVT auto.

Nissan offers an industry standard five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of free road-side assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, and is capped if services are carried out at a Nissan service centre. The first six services cost $376, $681, $399, $987, $423, and then $974. Alternatively, you can pre-pay for the services and save 10 per cent.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-interior

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: Interior & packaging

Beginning with the exterior, the design looks surprisingly snazzy for this segment. With a more toned, evenly proportioned, angular, and modern shape than before, it appears higher in quality than previous generations. Especially with the contrasting black roof as shown on this Ti test car.

Nissan explains the ‘floating roof’ and bold ‘V-motion’ front grille designs are a reflection of its global design language.

Step inside and you’ll quickly discover how pleasant an SUV this is to live with. You get a simple but techie interior layout. It’s not too glitzy, but not cheap feeling as there are lots of soft touch materials. Though, our blue and black trim colour scheme is an unusual combo.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-seats

In terms of space, it is brilliantly practical for its size. Now with a longer wheelbase, the Qashqai feels more like a mid-sizer than a small SUV. There are big bottle holders, a politely sized centre console, and plenty of front and rear seat room. Rear seat cushioning is quite firm. And perhaps more could be done with storage around the plain flat area near the gear shifter.

Further back, the boot offers good space for a small SUV. With 418 litres on offer, the Qashqai will suit a weekend camping trip or family shopping run just fine. The boot floor is dual level, so you can apportion space and adjust for your needs. Though, there is a lip to lift your belongings over. Some other SUVs offer a flatter boot entry. When the rear seats are folded down, the space opens up to offer 1513 litres. Comparing to popular competitors, the Qashqai offers a very similar volume. The Corolla Cross offers 436 litres, the Volkswagen T-Roc fits 445 litres, and the Kia Seltos squeezes in 433 litres.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-rear seats

The Ti comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch centre touch-screen that connects you to sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a 360-degree view camera. The technology offering also includes a 10-speaker Bose sound system, USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear rows, a wireless phone charger, and digital radio.

Other highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 tyres (wide for its class), heated front seats and steering wheel, driver monitoring, emergency front and rear warning and braking with front junction assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane drifting and blind-spot warning and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, Nissan’s ‘ProPILOT’ semi-autonomous driving with intelligent cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, and LED headlights with adaptive driving beam and auto levelling.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-boot

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: Powertrain & handling

In the driver’s seat, the Nissan Qashqai continues to surprise us with its sporty and lively feel. A 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol might not sound like much, but with help from the SUV’s lightish tare weight of 1494kg, and a turbocharger, it feels perfectly adequate for everyday tasks.

The unit produces 110kW of power, and 250Nm of torque from as low as 1600rpm. It rolls up to speed quickly without the need to rev the engine. It feels light on its feet, too. We timed the 0-100km/h sprint with a Vbox in 8.84 seconds, which is more than adequate for this type of vehicle.

Our lonely gripe is a minor power delivery inconsistency. With a still foot on the accelerator, there is a sudden surge of power that happens a few seconds after rolling off from stop, resulting in the need to adjust the accelerator position.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-weekend

There is a newly developed ‘X-Tronic’ auto transmission underneath, but it is still a constantly variable auto transmission. Under standard conditions, it delivers seamless acceleration and significantly aids fuel economy. But under heavy acceleration, the CVT makes the engine sound restricted and creates a less interactive feel than a conventionally-geared auto

Speaking of fuel economy, on paper, the Qashqai scores well. Thanks to a small engine capacity, the official average consumption is just 6.1L/100km. This is better than average considering no hybrid tech is involved. During our test driving over 800km, our average was 7.2L/100km. Also, being a highly-strung engine that is developed in Europe, it requires a minimum of the more expensive 95 RON fuel. Though, this is the lowest quality fuel in Europe.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-instrument cluster

Another aspect of the Qashqai that takes us by surprise is the on-road dynamics. That Euro influence has created a suspension setup that feels beautifully solid and supportive. Especially for this price point. Behind the wheel, it doesn’t flail about or have a continued bounce catch-up over bigger bumps like some other cheap setups. You get a very secure and comfortable feel across all ride surfaces. One of the best we’ve felt in this class. Multi-link rear suspension and front and rear stabiliser bars are fitted across all grades.

In terms of grip, being a front wheel drive only, the Qashqai spins up quite easily in wet or on loose surfaces. Therefore, traction is limited in these conditions. It is exacerbated with the way the powertrain is programmed to effortlessly get up to speed quickly in the dry. Selectable drive modes are Sport, Standard, and Eco, all altering the throttle response and power delivery character.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-taillights

If you want to go bush, the Qashqai will go as far as smooth dirt roads. Ground clearance is commendable, at 193mm, but road-focused tyres, a space-saver spare wheel, and the front-wheel drive setup means rough off-roading is out of bounds. Over the previous generation, the towing capacity has been increased by 300kg to 1500kg (braked).

Behind the wheel, the assisted steering system does not activate anywhere near as much as others, as it seems to struggle to detect lane markings. The environment needs to be perfect. Compared with other assisted driving technologies, the Qashqai’s setup seems fussy.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti-parking camera

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: Key attractions/reasons to buy

  • Design: Sportier external design looks surprisingly attractive for a Nissan and for a small SUV at this price point.
  • Driving dynamics: Vastly improved Euro-style dynamics over the predecessor, so it handles bumpy country roads much better.
  • Powertrain performance and efficiency: Commendable for its puny 1.3L size; it feels like a 1.6 or even 1.8 turbo.
  • Interior design and space: It’s very practical and easy to live with, also a good spread of decent quality materials.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: Key considerations before you buy

  • CVT: This type of auto brings down the otherwise spritely engine and engaging driving dynamics.
  • No wireless Android Auto: Why are Apple users given the special treatment?
  • Minor acceleration inconsistency: It can feel elastic, with a twang in slow-speed conditions.
  • FWD only: There is no AWD option in the range, which could turn away some buyers who want added safety and security.

2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti: Video

How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Ride & handling
  • X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
4.3

Final word

The 2024 Nissan Qashqai has surprised us; it’s a brilliantly-balanced small SUV. It comes with impressive Euro styling, decent performance, build quality, and handling. And the amount of standard inclusions for the price makes it a competitive choice in a busy market. Forget what you know about the boring Dualis or Qashqais of yesteryear – the latest model is a very respectable all-rounder that doesn’t cut any obvious corners.

Mark Davis

Mark's fascination with cars originated long before he was allowed to get behind the wheel himself. To him, cars are more than just a mode of transport; especially the ones that adopt purposeful innovations while preserving the joy of driving. With a master's degree in IT, he brings a tech-savvy perspective to our car reviews, particularly as the automotive industry embraces digital advancements. Mark joins Driving Enthusiast as a road tester after more than a decade at PerformanceDrive.

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