The third-generation Nissan Qashqai small SUV is the latest model of the Japanese carmaker’s refreshed SUV line-up to arrive in Australia, following in the footsteps of the Pathfinder and X-Trail.

Like the other two, it arrived with plenty of new tech, a new powertrain, a roomier cabin and a hefty price increase to pay for it all.

Based on the Nissan/Renault CMF-C platform, the Qashqai now features multi-link rear suspension to refine its ride.

The new Qashqai line-up comes in four grades, with hybrid E-Power variants expected to follow later this year.

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JUMP AHEAD

• Nissan Qashqai Pricing
• What body styles are available with the Qashqai?
• What features are in every Qashqai?
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the Nissan Qashqai?
• How comfortable and practical is the Nissan Qashqai?
• How much boot space does the Nissan Qashqai offer?
• I like driving, will I enjoy the Nissan Qashqai?
• Which Qashqai engine uses the least fuel?
• What is the Qashqai’s towing capacity?
• How long is the warranty and what are the Nissan Qashqai’s servicing costs?
• Which version of the Nissan Qashqai does Wheels recommend?
• What are the rivals to the Nissan Qashqai?

Nissan Qashqai Pricing

Loads of new features naturally bring higher pricing compared to the previous model, with the entry-level Qashqai ST now costing $3300 more, while the top-spec Ti has jumped by $8300.

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What body styles are available with the Qashqai?

Five-door wagon only.

All Qashqais drive the front wheels only, and the model is classed as a small SUV, lower priced.

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What features are in every Qashqai?

The entry-level-Qashqai ST comes with cloth seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system and an 8.0-inch touchscreen media unit.

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What key features do I get if I spend more?

Stepping up to the Qashqai ST+ adds…

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Spending more on the Qashqai ST-L brings…

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Opt for the range-topping Qashqai Ti and you gain…

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How safe is the Nissan Qashqai?

The 2023 Qashqai nets a five-star ANCAP rating, all trims coming with seven airbags and all the major active safety features.

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How comfortable and practical is the Nissan Qashqai?

The interior of the new Qashqai feels premium compared to the previous generation and is considerably more stylish.

It is surprisingly roomy for a small SUV but with average levels of storage space including a handy bin in the centre console, two cup holders for the front and two for the back, and enough room in each door for a bottle too, if not much else.

The seats are suitably comfortable and provide a good driving position. However, a lack of under-thigh support can be felt on longer journeys.

Outward visibility has been improved thanks to a thinner but stronger A-pillar design, and the side mirrors are mounted on the doors so they don’t block your view past the A-pillar.

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The traditional gear selector has been replaced with a sliding shifter, which looks sleek and frees up space on the centre console.

A high-mounted infotainment screen also helps the dashboard look. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, in all but the entry-level Qashqai, looks impressive. However, the software it runs looks a little dated.

Touchpoints generally feel high quality, particularly in upper-spec variants with the leather-trimmed steering wheel; the urethane steering wheel in ST and ST+ grades not so much.

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Switchgear is unintimidating and Nissan has thankfully retained a decent array of buttons rather than burying many functions in the infotainment screen.

The brushed metal effect on the dashboard brightwork, the contoured and stitched leather-look dash roll top, the damped feel to the switchgear and the slick short-travel gear selector all combine to make the Qashqai’s interior feel a step above the norm.

Rear space and comfort

The Qashqai’s rear seats are generously sized, with more than acceptable headroom and reasonable knee room.

Nissan claims an additional 28mm of knee room over the previous model (608mm in total), while headroom has increased by 15mm.

Rear occupants can also make use of two map pockets, and charge devices via either USB-A or USB-C ports.

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One major plus is the width of the rear door openings for getting little ones in and out.

And for young families, installing a child seat is relatively simple, with easily-found access points for the ISOFIX anchors (although they are covered by those annoying little clips that will get lost the second you take them off) and even the presence of a hard plastic parcel shelf doesn’t really impede the hooking up of the top tether anchor.

One major plus is the width of the rear door openings for getting little ones in and out. The doors open to 85 degrees and hold themselves there – which is a godsend for parents and carers.

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How much boot space does the Nissan Qashqai offer?

The Qashqai’s 429-litre boot space is ample for an SUV of its size and easily competes with its nearest rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross, falling short by a mere seven litres.

With the second-row seats folded, the cargo-carrying capacity rises to 1524L and it can be split 60:40, with the larger section on the front passenger’s side.

That said, the boot area isn’t cavernous, and it has no side cubbies or spaces to put little items. But it is more than capable of accommodating a week’s worth of groceries, a pram plus associated baby/child gear, or all the bits and pieces needed for a day out.

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The up-spec Qashqai Ti features a removable panel that creates separate compartments. It can be handy, but it and the boot-mounted Bose subwoofer reduce boot space to 418 litres.

Beneath the boot floor is a space-saver spare measuring 155/90 R17.

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I like driving, will I enjoy the Nissan Qashqai?

The Qashqai allows for considerably more spirited driving than many of its small SUV rivals, thanks to sharp dynamics.

Accurate steering is backed up by minimal body roll thanks to the new Qashqai’s chassis bringing 50 per cent more torsional rigidity and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.

While there is no all-wheel-drive option, whether driving along twisty roads or through roundabouts, the Qashqai has a reassuringly planted feel.

However, the Qashqai’s sharp handling does come at a cost to ride comfort in the form of a firmish ride, which means you feel every bump and crevice, particularly on the upper-spec variant’s 235/50 R19 rubber.

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This could prove a little grating if your daily drive doesn’t include a bunch of hairpins.

It’s a shame because the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine is a welcome step up over the previous model’s bland 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit.

The turbo helps deliver noticeably stronger mid-range performance while feeling quite refined.

Although the Qashqai has an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) it’s not constantly revving when making any sort of progress thanks to the torque peak coming in from 1600-3750rpm, and power peaking at a modest 5500rpm.

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• What is a Powertrain or Drivetrain?
• Power vs torque
• Car suspension explained
• Automatic transmissions (‘gearboxes’) explained
• Chassis control systems explained
• Car vs Ute vs SUV: How the vehicle you buy should guide the way you drive

So far, Qashais sold in Australia are only available with a four-cylinder, 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine coupled with a CVT auto and front-wheel drive.

An ‘E-Power‘ Hybrid powertrain, similar to that found in the bigger X-Trail is due to arrive later in 2023.

If the X-Trail is any guide, E-Power Qashqais won’t necessarily be a lot more frugal than the 110kW/250Nm turbo, which has a respectable official combined fuel consumption figure of 6.1L/100km.

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What is the Qashqai’s towing capacity?

The Qashqai can tow a braked load up to 1500kg or 750kg unbraked.

Maximum trailer tow ball weight is 100kg.

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How long is the warranty and what are the Nissan Qashqai’s servicing costs?

As with the rest of Nissan’s Australian range, the Qashqai is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, including five years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

The Qashqai’s service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km and a capped-price service plan is available:

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Which version of the Nissan Qashqai does Wheels recommend?

When there is only one powertrain and each variant comes with all the important stuff, choosing a pick of the bunch usually comes down to price or perceived value.

This is as good a time as any to point out that with desirable mid-spec options straddling the $40,000 mark, the Nissan Qashqai is not exactly a cheap small SUV.

But it is very well equipped and safe, and its roomy cabin means smaller families can make do with this instead of going for a medium SUV.

The ST+ is the sweet spot of the range in terms of equipment levels and price, though additional technology and creature comforts available in the ST-L will no doubt tempt quite a few Qashqai buyers to fork out the additional $4300.

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What are the rivals to the Nissan Qashqai?

Other small SUVs in this segment are:

• Mitsubishi ASX
• Volkswagen T-Cross
• Toyota Yaris Cross
• Hyundai Kona
• Kia Seltos

October: Toyota electric LandCruiser and EPU ute concept revealed

Toyota is getting serious about booting up an electric ute, although this one is of a unibody design.

August: What we learned at Toyota Australia’s new-vehicle showcase

This week, Toyota Australia held a new-vehicle showcase to unveil new vehicles to local dealers and media.

Vehicles at the event included the all-new 2024 Toyota Prado and 2024 Toyota C-HR, the facelifted 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, and the still-unconfirmed 2024 Toyota Tundra full-size ute.

Other cars on display were the 2024 Toyota BZ4x electric SUV, the 2024 Toyota HiLux GR Sport and 48-volt Rogue, and the Toyota HiLux Revo electric ute concept.

You’ll find links to our walk-around videos and news stories below to follow Wheels Media’s comprehensive coverage of these new vehicles.

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2024 Toyota Prado walk-around

We had an early look at Toyota’s 250 Series Prado – and it’s as good as it looks in photos.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwjbqLOIVo1/

2024 Toyota C-HR small SUV walk-around

Toyota’s new hybrid-only small SUV is a real looker! Join Shana Zlotin for a look.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cwjb5SQIrXL

Toyota Prado petrol-electric hybrid “not ruled out” for Australia

• 2024 TOYOTA PRADO REVEALED
• Spec battle: New Prado v LandCruiser 300 Series
• Spec battle: New Prado v ‘old’ Prado
• Spec battle: New Prado v Fortuner
• Spec battle: New Prado v Ford Everest
• 2024 Toyota Prado: Everything we know
• What is the towing capacity of the new Prado?
• New Prado: What YOU think so far!
• BONUS: New 70 Series facelift revealed
• A 2025 Prado ute? Yes please!
• ALL PRADO NEWS & REVIEWS

Toyota says it won’t call the HiLux and Prado’s 48-volt electrical system a mild hybrid like other manufacturers.

2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series: How the four-cylinder auto came to be

What was the motivation for a four-pot 70 Series? Tristan finds out.

2024 Toyota BZ4x electric SUV delayed to next year

To make sure it has strong supply at launch (apparently) Toyota has held the BZ4x’s release off until next year.

2024 Toyota Tundra: 300 utes to be leased, still not confirmed for local sale

Although 300 customers will be kicking around in Tundras by April (and be paying for the privilege) the full-size ute still isn’t confirmed for Aussie sale…

2025 HiLux Revo electric ute concept previews production EV

The electric HiLux we’ve all been waiting for? Not quite. This two-wheel drive concept is designed for the Thai market but may suit Aussie fleet applications.

Hydrogen fuel cell Toyota HiLux ute in development

Hanley confirms he reckons that hydrogen fuel cells could be the answer to the EV ute towing conundrum – is he right?

Toyota wants an electric 4×4 HiLux with 800km driving range

For private buyers to go zero emissions, Hanley reckons a HiLux needs four-wheel drive, true off-road capability and an 800km driving range.

Toyota tells customers “there is no need to pay over the odds”

Dodgy dealer trying to mark up that shiny new RAV4? Don’t do it, and be patient says Sean Hanley.

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• 2024 Toyota Prado revealed, Australian timing confirmed
• 2024 LandCruiser 70 Series: Legendary off-roader gets auto and HiLux engine
• 2024 Toyota HiLux GR Sport pricing and features
• 2024 Toyota HiLux hybrid: 48-volt mild-hybrid confirmed for Australia
• 2024 Toyota C-HR revealed: Hybrid-only small SUV here next year
• Toyota Tundra for Australia: Everything we know so far
• Here’s the new 2025 Toyota HiLux with a tougher Tacoma-inspired look
• 2024 Toyota Tundra for Australia: Non-hybrid model spied testing
• In profile: Meet Toyota’s sales chief, Sean Hanley
• Toyota Australia boss has “no doubt” emissions target is coming this year
• Toyota dealers to install EV chargers this year; PHEV under consideration
• Toyota HiLux EV ute concept teased

Toyota Australia has asked customers to be patient to avoid dealer mark-ups applied to near-new ‘used’ vehicles available for quicker delivery.

As Australia’s number-one vehicle importer and the world’s largest car manufacturer, Toyota has been impacted by a combination of strong demand, semiconductor chip shortages, manufacturing shutdowns, shipping delays and other issues in the past three years, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has led to significant delays for its most popular vehicles – including the RAV4, Camry and LandCruiser 70 Series – with some customers required to wait between 12 and 18 months, or longer, to drive their new car.

In the case of the LandCruiser 70 Series, orders for the V8-powered model remain paused indefinitely, while a four-cylinder automatic variant will become available later this year.

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This has seen some dealerships in Australia sell unallocated, near-new vehicles as ‘used’ at higher prices with the promise of quicker delivery.

For example, online classifieds show near-new 2023 Toyota RAV4 Edge hybrids – with less than 100km to more than 2000km on the odometer – listed for $76,000 drive-away, compared to around $64,000 drive-away for a brand-new model on Toyota’s consumer website.

Toyota Australia vice president for sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, said customers should not pay more than necessary for a brand-new Toyota – but they’ll need to wait.

When asked if Toyota would screen buyers of the all-new 2024 Prado in “hot, hot, hot” demand to avoid vehicles being re-sold by dealers at a significant mark-up, Hanley said the brand is restricted by competitive laws in Australia, but that it has “very, very strict standards” for its dealer network.

“Where we’re seeing the markups is where cars are put on, and they come back as used cars… once we advertise a new car at a drive-away price, which we’re compelled to do in the Australian market, you cannot sell that new car above that price,” he said.

“What we’re trying to do with our dealers is encourage them to understand that our brand is built around trust, our brand strength and the reason we’re doing so very well in the market right now is because of that brand trust.

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“We appeal to our dealers and, not all of them are doing it, but not only dealers. We say to customers simply, there’s no need for you to pay over the odds for any Toyota.

“You’re better off waiting. They’re coming. I can tell you, over the next six to 12 to 18 months, they’re definitely coming.

“Our order banks healthy and the reason it’s healthy is because people trust us and we don’t want to breach that trust. When we find this is going on, we take corrective action as best we can within the laws of this country.”

When asked if dealers ignored this advice, Hanley said mark-ups only apply to used vehicles outside Toyota Australia’s control, not brand-new cars.

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“We just made other policies around demonstrators… that will help us eliminate this situation.”

“There is absolutely no need to [pay more], stock is coming… in other words, you’re better off waiting.”

Earlier this year, Hanley said Toyota Australia was expecting improved vehicle supply in the second half of 2023 to “deliver more than 200,000 vehicles for the 19th time in the past 20 years”.

For context, top-two brand Mazda expects to sell 100,000 vehicles in Australia – half as much as Toyota – this year.

December: 2024 Toyota BZ4x initial features confirmed ahead of February launch

August: 2024 Toyota BZ4x delayed for Australia

The 2024 Toyota BZ4x – a RAV4-sized electric SUV – has been pushed back for Australia.

Following previous delays, Toyota Australia said in January the BZ4x would arrive in local showrooms before the end of the year.

However, its launch has now been pushed back to February 2024 – two years after production commenced in 2022.

Toyota Australia vice president for sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, said that production for Australian-spec vehicles will commence in Japan in November due to “global demand and supply realities”.

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“Rather than rush to market this year with a handful of cars, we’ve decided to ensure our dealers have a reasonable level of launch stock with the first cars rolling out of showrooms in February 2024,” he said.

“We expect approximately 60 per cent of sales to be [single-motor] front-wheel drive and 40 per cent [dual-motor] all-wheel drive including an [X-Mode] off-road mode.”

Local versions of the BZ4x will be an as-yet-unannounced upgraded version, which could include new features and improvements under the skin.

Toyota Australia will offer a ‘full-service lease’ option for BZ4x customers, in addition to the ability to purchase a vehicle outright.

Toyota Finance Australia will provide the all-inclusive lease – not its Kinto car-rental service – and cover “rego, insurance, service, roadside assist and [Toyota Connected Services] connectivity” for the life of the lease.

The full-service lease, to be paid monthly, will also include tyre replacement.

“It also provides certainty on resale values, which we understand are under immense pressure in markets including Europe and the United States,” added Hanley.

“We also make it possible to bundle Toyota genuine accessories, a home charger, and an EV charge card.”

The mid-size electric SUV – similar in length to a RAV4, but with a Kluger-sized wheelbase – is expected to command a significant premium over the popular RAV4.

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The BZ4x will compete against the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 with an expected price tag between $65,000 and $85,000 – if not higher.

Toyota Australia has confirmed all BZ4x grades will be fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Toyota Connected Services, heated front seats, and “comprehensive” active safety technology.

As the Tesla Model Y electric SUV overtakes the RAV4 to become one of Australia’s most-popular SUVs in 2023, Toyota said it has secured a “significantly higher share of production” than first planned to deliver “several thousands of cars in 2024”.

The related Subaru Solterra identical twin will commerce orders for Australia in October with the first vehicles due to arrive in local showrooms by Christmas.

The 2024 Toyota BZ4x will launch in Australia in February, with more details – including local pricing and features – to be detailed closer to its arrival.

It is hard to know who was more excited about the Ford Everest sitting outside with a ginormous (as my eldest son called it) campervan hitched to the back.

As the boys gazed out the window, I managed a quick wave before being immediately set upon by the neighbour.

He too was in awe of the shimmering blue 4WD I had just pulled up in. He hastily walked over and took a quick photo of the car. I was both confused and bemused for a moment. Soon enough some words came my way.

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“That’s a beautiful colour. I’ve just ordered one for my wife in black but maybe I could convince her to change to this one.”

It seemed clear, the Ford Everest is popular.

I engaged in some small talk, agreed that it was indeed a striking colour, as I hurriedly backed away towards the front door with two kids eagerly trying their best to dive out of it. The kids were pumped for their first camping trip, and what better destination that Barrington Tops, 4 hours north of Sydney.

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On the road

The new Ford Everest is as comfortable a car as you will ever drive. This model, the Sport fitted with the V6 diesel engine is a dream.

Both smooth and powerful, just as a car should be. We loaded up, using some space in the back as well as the camper trailer on the back. The trailer was an Ezytrail Parkes 15 off roader coming in at close to 3 tonnes.

The towing capacity of the Everest is 3500 kilograms braked. Our GCM was 6250 kilograms. With the car coming in at 2454 kilograms, a couple hundred kilograms of luggage factored in but probably over-stated and the trailer at 2,967 kilograms, we were inside the limit quite comfortably.

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That said, you could certainly feel the weight on the back but underway and even pulling away from the gutter and the engine did not miss a beat. Nor did it ever feel like it was a struggle to get moving.

As we exited the hustle and bustle of the suburbs, winding our way to the Pacific highway, where we were eventually able to settle into a smooth 100 kilometres per hour. It was at this point that the scenery gave way to cries of “there’s no TV Dad.”

A common complaint when you step away from the lounge room with a three and two-year old. Luckily the trucks whizzing by kept all but one child happy for the rest of the drive.

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For the other, we turned up the excellent 10 speaker stereo.

The control interface sits on the impressive 12-inch infotainment display which delivers significant superiority over other vehicles we have used to ferry our children around. The sound was impeccable throughout the cabin to drown out his incessant noise. Despite this being the best any children’s group have ever sounded, there is only so much Wiggles two parents can take.

One of the best advancements for towing is having a vehicle with a towing function, and we used it a lot. There was also an electronic brake controller fitted to the dashboard which is much more integrated than any aftermarket options.

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It is intuitive to use and allows you to dial up brake pressure depending on your load. We dialled this up to level 5 after to ensure we stopped in a short yet safe distance.

The towing function, Tow/haul drive mode is a preset that maps the ECU for towing and allows you to input your trailer dimensions and weight using the app or onboard infotainment display. On our first drive, we didn’t use it, only turning it on later and inputting out trailer specifications. Mapping the vehicle for towing is more efficient and something I would do every time now.

What is also impressive for towing is the onboard trailer sway control which works regardless of having tow/haul mode on or off.

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The trailer we had was set up for a much higher vehicle and the standard tow hitch on the Ford Everest meant that having the ball in the normal position the trailer tongue was too low, and by flipping the hitch, it was too high.

That made for a difficult trip until I could change the hitch itself for my own one that had the trailer sitting flat which I grabbed from home and installed after arriving at our destination.

Having not quite got the set up right set up meant that we were limited to 100 kilometres per hour on the freeway. Given the windy conditions on the drive up to Barrington Tops, we did experience some trailer sway.

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The Everest recognised this quite quickly and trailer sway control came on to control the trailer by applying braking to individual wheels plus reducing power to the vehicle until the camper trailer was back under control.

I saw the message pop up twice on the way to the Barrington Tops. Once we had adjusted our tow height, I did not get it at all on the way back with the better towing angle and less windy conditions on our return.

Once we had the perfect angle with the trailer sitting flat, we were able to stretch the Everest out to the prescribed limit of 110 kilometres per hour on the freeway and it was incredibly smooth.

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You can certainly feel the weight on the back, particularly after a dip, yet the engine and drivetrain feel capable of so much more.

It really was a smooth driving experience no matter what road type we were on.

Over the course of the trip, we used an average of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Not too bad considering the campervan on the back and the effortless and smooth power available from the 3.0 litre V6 engine under the bonnet.

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Barrington Tops

Barrington Tops is in New South Wales, a shortish 4-hour commute from Sydney. It feels like double that with a grumpy kid in the back.

It is a four-wheel driving Mecca and amazing natural area that covers everything from rugged terrains to breathtaking landscapes. The area covers Barrington Tops National Park and a World Heritage Area. It is an untouched wilderness.

For anyone keen on hiking or simply bushwalking, large Gondwana Rainforests, dating back millions of years are the mainstay of any visit. These sheer amount of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth, is astounding. On any walk you can find towering trees, delicate orchids, and plenty of animals along with them.

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It is cold up here during winter and our little ones were well and truly rugged up. Pants and parkas are crucial as is a campfire if your location allows it. At an elevation of over 1500 meters, snow sometimes falls up here.

The other highlights are the rivers and waterfalls dotted throughout the park. Again, the water is cold so unless you are ice bath ready, perhaps stay out of the water in winter. There are plenty of rafting opportunities for the brave.

This area is home to the Worimi and Gringai people who have nurtured a deep connection with this land for generations, leaving their mark on its history and spirituality.

The nearest major town is Gloucester where you can grab your supplies from the well-stocked supermarket. From there, you will need to bring everything with you as there isn’t much in the way of convenience in the Tops themselves

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Exploring the area

For the family, the Barrington Tops and its surrounding areas provide a wealth of opportunities to get back to nature. It is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those looking for their first family camping experience.

The hiking and bushwalking for our kids (despite the cries of I’m tired) was a highlight. Watching them interact with nature was amazing. From hugging trees to telling us how tall the trees were, to spotting birds, they were in awe. Worth the effort.

A couple of the shorter tracks were the best for us including the Gloucester River track. Having small kids does impinge on your hiking so longer tracks like the Carey’s Peak walking track, 14kms, were out of the question.

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On the way, we crossed rivers and streams and waterfalls, all of which looked very frosty.

The children delighted themselves throwing stones into the water and poking it with sticks. How no one fell in is a mystery to me. We eagerly looked out for a platypus but were unlucky on that front.

The Everest is tailor made for the adventurous with a host of driving features that make off roading, even for a pure beginner, almost laughably easy. We deployed the mud/ruts setting which adjusts the engine outputs including throttle, transmission, braking and stability control to suit the prevailing conditions.

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The onboard computer manages traction brilliantly, minimising wheel spin. There was no need for the computer controlled rear diff lock either.

Downhill runs were simple with a surprisingly quiet hill descent control helping me concentrate on steering without fussing over brake application.

Even beyond the on-demand settings, any family considering this for their first off road vehicle can also sink their teeth into displays that show pitch and roll and steering angle.

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Despite the distraction of frequent squeals of laughter and delight coming from the rear of the cabin, the front camera, available while off roading, and predictive track positioning graphic kept me exactly where I needed to be on any track we tackled. I did not even reach for low range.

The history of the area is truly amazing. There are captivating heritage sites such as the Copeland Historic Gold Mine and the Gloucester Museum which offer insightful looks into both indigenous history and the early days of European settlement.

It is interesting to see the evolution of the area over time and through the 1850s as the cedar cutter moved into the area. Some say Captain Thunderbolt (Fred Ward) hid out here in the 1860s.

One of my favourite ways to unwind is with a fishing rod and for keen anglers, the pristine rivers and streams of Barrington Tops create an ideal setting for trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are available with flies or lures being the best bet.

And then of course there is the off roading. Perfect for a vehicle like the Everest. The tracks can be difficult after rain but can lead to absolute gems such as Careys Peak lookout, which offers commanding views across the landscape.

I suggest taking the trailer off for this.

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Places to stay

Barrington Tops offers a variety of camping spots, with a varying of facilities.

Having two small children, we opted for the safety of a privately owned camping area down off the plateau itself. Here we were afforded some luxuries such as a clean flushing toilet, hot water, and plenty of room for the kids to ride their bikes.

Parking a trailer can often be the undoing of even the strongest relationships, but not so for us and the Ford Everest. Manoeuvring the sizable trailer, with no reverse camera on the back of the trailer itself, couldn’t have been easier thanks to Everest’s impressive 360-degree view cameras.

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With peace and quiet courtesy of the kids and mum watching on, I was able to back into prime position taking in the best angle of the view and getting the trailer absolutely level for the night.

The car is easy to place where you need but newcomers and part timers will appreciate this feature with its added guidelines.

Called The Steps, the camping spot sat adjacent to a small river with a short walk to the amenities block. The office organised and delivered firewood to the site ready for our arrival. It wasn’t a lot of timber but was enough to keep us happy for an evening. The standard delivery is not enough for multiple days. We roasted marshmallows by night which both kids ate with delight.

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If you forget to bring the firewood, or lanterns, fear not. The Everest features zone lighting which we discovered later in the night.

It allows you to illuminate areas around the perimeter of the vehicle, via the centre screen or FordPass phone app. A handy feature that also allows you to start the car remotely. Helpful on a hot day, or cold morning for that matter.

Beyond the private experience, there are plenty of options for older kids and adults alike.

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One of the most popular options is the Polblue Camping Area. It is nestled in a picturesque alpine area with a stunning backdrop of snow gums and meadows.

It is an excellent starting point for nearby hiking trails and has basic facilities such as toilets and picnic tables.

Gummi Falls Campground is a hidden gem tucked away in a serene woodland setting. It is close to Gummi Falls and a short walk to Jerusalem Creek Falls.

For those chasing remote experience, try Horse Swamp Campground, and if you want the water close by Little Murray Campground is situated by the picturesque Williams River. The perfect spot for fishing and relaxation.

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The Experience

The ability to reach places like this is a godsend in todays fast paced world. Life slows down while camping and teaching the kids how to start campfires, enjoy nature and relax without screens is necessary these days.

For anyone looking to join the ever-growing numbers of travellers traversing Australia right now, my family can assure you will be completely comfortable and safe on the road in a Ford Everest.

It is an excellent tow vehicle with the cabin comfort to make every drive a joyful experience, and the 4WD tech makes everybody an expert.

For information on the Ford Everest range and features please visit here [↗].

UPDATE: 2025 Nissan Leaf replacement to be ‘mini Ariya’ small SUV

The successor to the Nissan Leaf electric car will become a “coupe-styled” Juke-sized small SUV.

Industry publication Automotive News [↗] reports that Nissan’s new electric vehicle was demonstrated to Nissan retailers in the United States at its annual dealer conference last week.

A dealer source said the Leaf replacement will offer 25 per cent more range than the current electric hatchback – rising to just below 500km – and look like a “mini-Ariya”.

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Nissan also reportedly showcased an electric “performance sedan” tipped to replace the not-for-Australia Maxima, and another crossover based on the same CMF-EV platform as the mid-size Ariya.

The Leaf replacement would likely be based on a shortened version of the CMF-EV platform, potentially shared with the forthcoming Nissan Micra and Renault 5 electric hatches.

Our earlier stories, below, continue unchanged.

Jordan Hickey

May 24: New third-gen Nissan Leaf coming, likely based on Megane E-Tech

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A new 2026 Nissan Leaf has been confirmed, the Japanese brand announcing this week that it will build the new model in the UK at its Sunderland plant.

There are still many details unknown, however, including what form the new model will take – and whether it will even be called Leaf.

In a submission to the UK government on its commitment to EV manufacturing, published this week by Autocar [↗], Nissan said “the Leaf successor vehicle will enter production in 2026”.

Of course, “the Leaf successor vehicle” could mean it won’t wear the Leaf badge, and won’t use the hatchback form we’ve now seen for two-ish generations of the Leaf.

There’s a decent chance the new model – let’s call it Leaf for now – will take much of its architecture and perhaps even some of its styling from the ~$70k Renault Megane E-Tech, given both bands form part of the same parent company and now have a long history of sharing.

The jacked-up Chill-out concept, revealed in late 2021, is also expected to be a preview of the Leaf successor’s looks.

However it looks and whatever it’s called, one thing is for sure: don’t expect the new third-gen model to come in the form of a regular hatch. Like the Megane’s evolution into the Megane E-Tech compact SUV, the hatch ain’t coming back.

Mike Stevens

January 2023: New Nissan Leaf electric hatch imagined

Launched globally in 2010, and locally in 2012, Nissan‘s quirky five-door Leaf hatchback was an early pioneer of mainstream electric transport.

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Of course, other major electric players have either caught up, or arisen completely, since then, and, even now in its second generation, the humble Nissan Leaf is no longer a spring chicken.

The as yet unconfirmed for Australia Nissan Ariya represents the face of the Japanese carmaker’s next major step into the all-electric future, which hangs doubt over the long-serving Leaf – which is slated for end of production by 2025 with, as yet, no word official word of any sort of successor.

Digital artist Theottle has imagined what a future iteration of Nissan’s heavily charged nameplate might look like.

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The imaginary third-gen Nissan Leaf reflects much of the Ariya’s visual design and identity, translating it to the lower-slung silhouette of the Leaf, with a subtly stretched wheelbase and more sharply raked windscreen.

Can you see something like this in future Nissan showrooms? Would you be interested in a future Leaf like this? Let us know in the comments below!

Below: the current, second-gen Leaf

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The current second-generation of the Leaf was launched in Australia initially in 2019, and has been facelifted for 2023.

The single-pronged range was then bolstered by a bigger-battery Leaf e+ in 2021.

Throughout 2022, 331 new Nissan Leafs were registered across the country, down from 367 in 2021.

Below: the first-gen Nissan Leaf in its 2014 guise

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The pioneering original Nissan Leaf launched globally in 2010, and locally in mid-2012.

Since its initial launch Down Under, the Nissan Leaf has recorded more than 2000 sales nationally. Approximately 600,000 have been sold globally over the past 12 years.

It’s definitely coming” Blair Read, managing director of Subaru Australia, responded when Wheels asked about the off-road focused Subaru Outback Wilderness. With right-hand drive Subaru Outback turbo supply now available from Japan (it was previously USA only) it’s a matter of when, not if, the Wilderness trim level is introduced locally as “timeframes are still in flux”.

“There’s a huge, huge desire for Wilderness in both [Outback and Forester] and the only reason to caution on the timeframe is that there are some factors at play. I’m not too fussed on which one goes first, we just want to get them both here.”

One of the factors Blair is referring to is update timings. We’d expect the introduction of the Wilderness trim to be ushered in with the Outback’s facelift – that’s due in Australia early next year, ahead of the sixth-gen Forester.

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“We have a couple of different options”, said Read, “and there are some things that we’ve had to prioritise when it comes to available production. Like, for this year with the demand we’ve had for Outback and turbo Outback, adding another variant didn’t make sense when we had an eight-month waitlist on that car.”

Read confirmed that the newly-introduced Outback turbo accounts for 35-40 per cent of the 7025 high-riding wagons sold this year, and adding pressure to an already stretched supply chain is not ideal.

With the sixth-generation Subaru Forester due for launch next year, though, it’s likely that the Outback Wilderness is likely to beat the medium SUV to market.

What makes the Outback Wilderness special?

Lifted by 28mm thanks to different, taller springs and heavy-duty dampers, the Outback Wilderness boasts an improved 20º approach angle and 241mm ground clearance. Matte black cladding, underbody protection.

A set of 17-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in 65-series Yokohama Geloander all-terrain tyres complete the exterior changes. Inside there are plenty of active-lifestyle-friendly waterproof materials and contrast piping on the interior fabrics.

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The same 2.4-litre turbo-petrol flat-four sits at the Outback’s heart producing 194kW/374Nm, though its CVT automatic has a different 4.44:1 final drive ratio for enhanced low-speed off-road ability. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard, naturally.

Pricing for the Wilderness is likely to exceed the $55,990 (before on-road costs) of the top-spec XT Touring when it reaches Australia.

With Australia now boasting the best Subaru market share of any country, the door is open for further niche special editions from Subaru so don’t expect the Outback Wilderness to be the last.

UPDATE: Turbo E-Hybrid added as most powerful Cayenne ever

Added as the new Cayenne approaches its Australian release, the 2024 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid becomes Porsche’s most powerful large SUV ever.

It’s also rather expensive at $288,400 in wagon form, and $297,200 in coupe trim (both before on-road costs).

Under the bonnet is a V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain developing 544kW and 950Nm. Keeping the 22-inch alloys in contact with the road is a twin-chamber air suspension system with 18-way adaptive dampers.

Our original story, below, has been updated to reflect the addition of the new variant

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April 2023: Porsche has pulled the wraps off the facelifted 2024 Cayenne large SUV at Auto Shanghai and, despite a fairly familiar face, the brand says there are huge changes underneath.

“It’s one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche,” said Michael Schätzle, vice president of the Cayenne product line.

These upgrades affect the suspension, with adaptive dampers as standard, while there are upgraded powertrains with more electric driving range, an overhauled interior featuring a passenger touchscreen, and refined exterior styling.

Outside, the new Cayenne’s changes aren’t drastic. Instead, Porsche has subtly tweaked the Cayenne with more aggressive front arches, a new bonnet, and advanced matrix LED headlights.

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Confirmed for Australian launch in the third quarter of 2023 (July-September inclusive), the local Porsche Cayenne line-up will span $140,200 and $366,200 before on-road costs and options.

Five variants are coming to Australia, the base Cayenne, Cayenne E-Hybrid, Cayenne S (now V8-powered), with flagship duties shared between the Turbo GT coupe and Turbo E-Hybrid. All but the Turbo GT are available in wagon or coupe body styles.

The Cayenne’s range simplification sees the GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S E-Hybrid dropped from the local line-up.

JUMP AHEAD

• 2024 Porsche Cayenne pricing
• 2024 Porsche Cayenne features
• Engine and drivetrain
• Chassis
• Availability

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2024 Porsche Cayenne pricing

The Porsche Cayenne range is now $5900 dearer to get into, while the flagship Turbo GT has seen the most extreme price increase. At $366,200, it’s $14,300 more expensive than before.

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2024 Porsche Cayenne features

One of the standout features of the new Cayenne is the HD Matrix LED headlamps, which feature 32,000 digital pixels per light so the auto high-beams don’t dazzle oncoming traffic.

As we saw in earlier teases, the new Cayenne’s cabin lifts many cues from the all-electric Taycan, including gearshift placement, a high-tech steering wheel, and more touchscreens.

There is now a generous 12.6-inch digital instrument cluster that, again like the Taycan’s, is curved and set into the dash. It’s teamed with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. Within the software is the ability to download native Spotify and Apple Music applications.

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In front of the passenger, the new Cayenne can be fitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen display for performance display and on-the-move entertainment. A film that prevents the driver from seeing the screen is fitted to minimise distractions.

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Engine and drivetrain

For 2024, the Cayenne S ditches its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in favour of a reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol producing 349kW and 600Nm – up 25kW and 50Nm, dropping the 0-100km/h sprint by three tenths to 4.7 seconds.

The E-Hybrid powertrain has been heavily upgraded, too, with its battery swelling by 45 per cent to 25.9kWh. Porsche is yet to homologate its electric-only driving range, but expect it to climb from 42-44km to approximately 55-65km. The charging speed has increased to 11kW AC.

A new electric motor features with its output jumping from 100kW to 130kW – the Cayenne E-Hybrid now produces a 346kW peak (+6kW).

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At the entry-level, the Cayenne’s 3.0-litre V6 now develops 10kW and 50Nm more, at 260kW and 500Nm.

The new E-Hybrid is able to hit 100km/h from rest in 3.7 seconds and will go onto a 295km/h top speed. A new 130kW electric motor joins a heavily reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (441kW) under the bonnet for 544kW/950Nm total outputs.

Finally, the flagship Turbo GT performance grade hasn’t been left alone, its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 churning out an extra 14kW for 485kW/850Nm. Its 0-100km/h sprint remains unchanged at 3.3 seconds.

As before, every Cayenne in the line-up drives all-four wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

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Chassis

Now standard on every variant is Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) or, put simply, adaptive dampers.

The base Cayenne and Cayenne S sit on steel springs as standard, while the E-Hybrid and Turbo GT get new twin-chamber active air suspension. Air suspension is optional on the lower trims.

The Cayenne’s dampers are also new, with separate valves for rebound and compression to better isolate the forces. This means Porsche can tune in a more comfortable low-speed ride, without sacrificing roll stability at high speeds.

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Availability

The facelifted 2024 Porsche Cayenne is available to order now at Porsche dealerships. Australian deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2023 ( (July to September inclusive).

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If you’ve had the sense that cars have been steadily becoming less and less affordable in recent times, you’re not wrong.

Back in 2017, punters could buy a base model Mazda 2 Neo hatch for $14,990 – $16,990 if they wanted the six-speed automatic rather than the standard six-speed manual. Fast-forward to 2023 and the manual-equipped Mazda 2 Pure is now the entry point to Mazda ownership, yet its window sticker has swelled to $22,410.

Granted, the present-day Mazda 2 Pure is more akin to the 2017 mid-spec Mazda 2 Maxx grade (the addition of smartphone mirroring being one of few features that are truly new for the Pure), but the Maxx retailed at $17,690 as a manual: so why has the price leapt by nearly five thousand dollars?

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Customer demand for greater creature comforts and safety equipment has seen ultra-basic ‘stripper spec’ models deleted from most model lines

It’s not just Mazda either. Prices have been migrating upward at an accelerated rate across all brands, and that’s before we even get into opportunistic dealers and speculators taking advantage of pandemic-induced scarcity.

Inflation is naturally a part of it. Customer demand for greater creature comforts and safety equipment has seen ultra-basic ‘stripper spec’ models deleted from most model lines, but that doesn’t explain the price jumps for higher-grade models.

Rather, the reason why price rises for the Mazda 2 – and pretty much every other car – have substantially outpaced inflation is largely down to two factors: the price of steel and the cost of energy.

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“When you think about affordability in recent times, there’s a lot of talk about inflation driving it,” explained Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“But when you look at a motor vehicle, two of the biggest inputs are metal – as iron ore prices go up Australia benefits on the export, but the amount of steel that goes into a car is at a higher price so that drives prices up.”

“The second is well documented – energy,” Bhindi continued. “With the dramas of the war in Europe, and how that has disrupted energy demand around the globe, that’s another big increase, and the amount of energy that goes into [car] production… again that drives prices up.”

The data backs up these claims. After a long period of generally stable prices for hot-rolled coil steel (HRC, the primary type of steel used in vehicle manufacturing), prices leapt by around 30 percent between the end of 2017 and mid-2018.

HRC settled to its usual level a year and a half later, but that stability only lasted around eight months before the vital commodity quadrupled in price between August 2020 and August 2021.

It should go without saying that a four-fold increase in the cost of the most critical metal in vehicle manufacturing is going to lead to more expensive cars and SUVs.

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HRC has since come off its historic high, but it’s still trading at roughly double its pre-pandemic price.

With the production process introducing some lag (the cost of the steel in a car rolling off the production line today is not going to be the same as the spot price for that raw material), it may be a while before consumers see the effect of cheaper steel – but according to Mazda’s local chief any reduction in production costs will likely be exploited by brands looking to secure a competitive advantage.

“If you think about the number of brands in Australia, 60-plus competing for a market of 1.1 million cars… as soon as competitive pressure comes alive, any advantage you can get from pricing reductions due to energy and materials will flow through. But time-wise, it’s anybody’s guess.”

November: See our evolving 2024 Forester coverage

Get on top of all you need to know about the upcoming new Forester at our linked story below.

August: Subaru hints at expansive new Forester range

Subaru Australia is preparing to consolidate its booming sales in 2023 with an all-new Forester range in 2024 that will include an updated petrol-hybrid drivetrain at launch.

This will be followed by a turbo-petrol Forester XT and off-road-focused Forester Wilderness variants, with the likelihood of an electric Forester by 2026.

Speaking to Wheels at the brand’s 50th-anniversary event, Subaru Australia Managing Director Blair Read confirmed that the company has invested heavily in the sixth-generation Forester and plans to “bring its A-game” with this all-new model, due to arrive in Australia in 2024.

“Forester is our number one selling model, and we need to bring our A-game in that segment, to keep Forester’s rightful place. So [our current] focus is [very much] on next-generation Forester,” he said, effectively ruling out any chance of Wilderness or turbocharged XT variants of the existing fifth-gen Forester being developed for our market.

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The plan at this stage is to launch the next-gen Forester with two drivetrains – the existing 2.5-litre petrol flat four (with likely improvements) and a “stronger”, more powerful evolution of Subaru’s relatively mild 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid flat four, which will improve acceleration and make it more efficient.

Mr. Read mentioned that launching a simpler next-gen Forester range will help in managing stock and reducing customer wait times. He added that, if the demand exists, they have the capability to fulfil up to 3000 orders a month.

“There’s two aspects [to a streamlined Forester range]. One is from a fulfilment perspective – if we look at our range and the simplification of it, to deliver on that [potential 3000 units per month] is very achievable. And we’ve got the dealer network that can support that.

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“From a factory production [perspective] where we’re asking ‘is there the capacity to ramp up?’, we have [the] support and commitment from Subaru Japan and Subaru Corporation to make extra production available for Australia to meet additional demand.

“And that’s part of the future outlook that we’re on working with them, as [to] how we continue to support and grow the Australian market,” he said.

So far in 2023, Subaru Australia is leading the world for global Subaru market share – having recently overtaken the US – and with Crosstrek, new-gen Impreza and new-gen Forester making their debut over the next 12 months, there’s no reason why achieving over five percent of the Australian market isn’t possible.

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Once the core 2024 Forester model range has launched, Subaru will turn its attention to the new-generation Forester Wilderness and the return of a turbocharged Forester XT to its lineup.

Thanks to the booming success of the Japanese-built turbocharged Outback XT developed specifically for Australia (and New Zealand) – it now accounts for up to 40 percent of total Outback sales – Subaru Australia has significantly strengthened its case for future development of similar niche variants for our market, such as the new Forester Wilderness and Forester XT, along with potential 2.5-litre variants of the Crosstrek and new-gen Impreza.

Similar to its North American counterpart, which is built with left-hand drive, the new-generation Forester Wilderness will focus on off-road capabilities. This follows the pattern set by the Outback Wilderness, which is currently in development in Japan and slated for an Australian launch in 2024.

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Featuring unique wheels, bumpers, colour treatment and body cladding, combined with underbody protection and a fresh suspension tune with increased ride height, the Wilderness is all about adding some lifestyle/outdoor chic to the relatively conservative Forester.

The existing US-market Forester Wilderness also features lower final-drive gearing for improved off-road performance from its 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre petrol flat-four, as well as deep snow, sand and mud settings for its ‘X-Mode’ all-wheel-drive system.

The new Forester XT, on the other hand, will share its drivetrain hardware with the turbocharged Outback XT that launched in Australia earlier this year. That means a 2.4-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol flat four tied to a CVT transmission, with outputs expected to mirror the Outback’s 183kW and 350Nm.

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As for the rest of the package, expect a touch more flamboyance than the almost indistinguishable Outback XT, with unique alloy wheels, styling details, suspension tune and interior treatment.

Mr. Read explained that the company has faced a balancing act. On one hand, they’ve considered focusing resources on adding new variants to existing models. On the other, they’ve thought about directing those efforts towards future development.

This is why the Forester Wilderness and XT variants will be introduced with the new-generation model, rather than being added to the current Forester, which is nearing the end of its five-year production cycle.

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An electric Forester also hasn’t been ruled out, based on Subaru’s recent global commitment to introducing eight new electric vehicles by 2028.

Four of those EVs are set to debut by 2026, and an electric version of the sixth-generation Forester may form part of that mix.

“[An electric Forester] is definitely something that could be an option,” said Mr Read. “We have some remarkable nameplates and that’s been a strength of the brand – [many with] a very, very long history. So those are some of the decisions ahead: where do those nameplates continue… whether it’s hybrid or BEV?

“They have to live up to the nameplate first and foremost … but there’s huge brand equity in those, so I think you’ll see a mixture going forward.”

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“I think the key part of that is there’s a couple of options there with that pipeline, which is pretty exciting”

As for whether an electric Forester would be a fresh drivetrain option in the new-generation model or a completely new vehicle that simply leverages the nameplate (like Mustang Mach-E), Mr Read said “a Forester needs to be a Forester, and an Outback needs to be an Outback – not just transferring the nameplate.

“I think the key part of that is there’s a couple of options there with that pipeline, which is pretty exciting,” he said.

He also confirmed that we can expect to see some completely new models in Subaru’s showrooms going forward.

“If we’re talking eight new [EVs by 2028], there has to be some new nameplates such as Solterra within that,” he said.