2019 Nissan Qashqai scores new mid-range model but prices jump

Nissan has introduced a new member to its Qashqai family of small SUVs, with the arrival this month of the Qashqai ST+.

Slotting in between the base ST and the mid-ranking ST-L , the addition of the ST+ boosts the number of variants in the Nissan Qashqai lineup to four, while also bridging $3800 gap between the auto-equipped ST and ST-L.

Priced at $30,790 and offering a more well-rounded equipment fit-out than the entry-model, Nissan expects the Qashqai ST+ to sit in the sweet spot for prospective buyers.

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“Reducing the gap between the Qashqai ST and ST-L will please many of our buyers who wanted more than what we offered on the entry grade, but weren’t in the market for a higher spec vehicle,” said Nissan Australia's managing director, Stephen Lester.

“It’s a competitive market, so it is important that we react to this to ensure buyers remain with the Nissan brand.”

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Small SUVs are certainly big business. The segment continues to swell in terms of sales figures at a time where most other categories are shrinking, and the Qashqai has been a consistently strong performer.

In March this year, it outsold the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V, taking second place in segment sales behind the Mitsubishi ASX.

In fact, it’s one of Nissan’s core models, alongside the top-selling Nissan X-Trail and Navara ute.

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For the ST+, Nissan has added a seven-inch colour touchscreen, 360-degree camera view, satellite navigation, power-folding and heated wing mirrors, privacy glass and a digital radio tuner on top of the regular ST’s equipment list.

A CVT automatic is also standard-issue for the ST+, making it a reasonable gain for the extra $1300 over the Qashqai ST automatic's retail.

Equipment highlights shared with the ST include push-button ignition, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloys and an electronic park brake, along with AEB and lane departure warning.

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What do you miss out on from the ST-L? Namely a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 18-inch alloys, fog lamps, roof rails, partial 'pleather' upholstery and heated front seats.

All Qashqai variants remain powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder, producing 106kW and 200Nm. Power goes to the front wheels exclusively – AWD isn’t offered on the Qashqai – and a CVT automatic is the default transmission for all models bar the base Qashqai ST, which has a six-speed manual as standard but can be optioned with the CVT.

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PRICING

While specifications don’t change for the rest of the Qashqai range, pricing has been bumped up slightly for all existing variants bar the flagship Qashqai Ti, which remains at $37,990.

The biggest mover is the base ST manual, which jumps by $1000. Its auto-equipped partner increases by $500, while the ST-L rises by $300. Full retail pricing for the 2019 Qashqai range is as follows:

• Nissan Qashqai ST manual - $27,990
• Nissan Qashqai ST auto - $29,490
• Nissan Qashqai ST+ auto - $30,790
• Nissan Qashqai ST-L auto - $33,290
• Nissan Qashqai Ti auto - $37,990