- The world's favourite and most iconic crossover now in its second generation
- All-new QASHQAI arrives in South Africa in July
- Bold new model debuts segment-leading technology and outstanding efficiency
ROSSLYN, South Africa – The second generation of the world's favourite crossover, the ground-breaking Nissan QASHQAI, makes its debut in South Africa next month as part of a highly successful international launch.
The all-new Nissan QASHQAI pioneered the compact crossover segment when first introduced to the world in 2007 and set exceptional sales records in the years which followed. The new model builds on its predecessor's popularity with an all-new look and feel, matched by unparalleled drivetrains, enhanced specification and premium quality.
In South Africa, total QASHQAI sales reached 20 000 units from launch. The original model also achieved widespread critical acclaim racking up several accolades including topCar magazine's Best Compact SUV/MPV (2011); Best MPV/Crossover in the 2011 CAR Reader's Top 12 Awards; as well as continuing to be one of Women on Wheels magazine's favourite compact SUVs.
"The all-new Nissan QASHQAI, which was engineered in Europe and is produced at Nissan's Sunderland plant in England, is set to build on the success of the first generation model. It will provide South African consumers with a sleek new crossover design, advanced technology, improved dynamics, premium quality and a host of new, extremely efficient drivetrains," comments Crossover Product Manager at Nissan South Africa, Nancy Reddy.
"New QASHQAI is the embodiment of 'innovation that excites' – the philosophy driving everything we do at Nissan. Its fresh new take on the original crossover concept will continue to fly the flag for Nissan at the forefront of crossover evolution in the segment we pioneered, which has boomed especially in recent years.
"The original QASHQAI sold over two million units internationally and we expect the trend to continue with even greater momentum as the next generation model is already proving immensely popular in other markets. The 2014 Nissan QASHQAI has been named Car of the Year by What Car? magazine in the United Kingdom and has also been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP."
Launching in South Africa on 01 July 2014, the new Nissan QASHQAI arrives as a five-model range with a mix of petrol and diesel engines, manual and XTRONIC CVT transmissions, as well as two distinct specification levels providing a broad assortment to suit the needs and requirements of the demanding compact crossover market. Geared in every way towards premium quality, high specification and ultimate efficiency, the new QASHQAI range offers a new take on crossover mobility.
Range highlights include the new Nissan QASHQAI 1.2T models which sport an all-new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing a tantalising 85 kW and 190 Nm. Diesel models include the ultra-frugal new QASHQAI 1.5 dCi which produces a tax-busting 109 g/km of CO2 and realises fuel economy of just 4.2-litres per 100 km While the range-topping QASHQAI 1.6 dCi All Wheel Drive (AWD) with ALL-MODE 4x4i offers 96 kW and 320 Nm of torque.
Coupled to class-leading frugality and exceptional driveability, model-specific highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights on all derivatives, Around View Monitor (AVM) and NissanConnect – Nissan's latest infotainment system with smartphone integration and downloadable app support.
Concludes Reddy: "With the all-new Nissan QASHQAI we expect to increase our share of the segment we pioneered both internationally and of course in South Africa. The new QASHQAI is particularly suitable to the needs of South African motorists who need a high-quality vehicle with the practicality and versatility of an SUV matched by the compact proportions and ease of use provided by a compact hatchback. In short, QASHQAI continues to tick all the boxes."
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