Nissan Qashqai Ti vs Holden Trax LTZ

The top-spec model gets a solid features list - 19-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen satnav and six-speaker USB/Bluetooth audio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control (but no rear vents), leather trim highlights, tinted rear windows and fixed panoramic glass roof. Nissan has a 52 per cent resale rating, three years/100,000km warranty and capped servicing up to six years/120,000km.

The Holden import makes ground here, with airconditioning (not climate-control and there are no rear vents), the MyLink infotainment touchscreen and built-in apps for music and navigation), USB and Bluetooth connectivity. There are adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels (and puncture kit), rain-sensing wipers and sunroof. Capped price servicing is cheaper - for the first three years or 60,000km - and retained value is a 48 per cent.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder (106kW/200Nm) propels 1457kg and claims 6.9L/100km, getting closer to 11.0L in the real world. The test Ti had the CVT impersonating a conventional auto under load, reverting to normal CVT behaviour and slurring during gentler driving. The Active Ride set-up (for firm but compliant ride and good body control) works.

The new Trax range-topper shares its 1.4 litre four-cylinder turbo (103kW/200Nm) and six-speed auto with the Barina RS and Cruze stablemates. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.9L/100km (of 95RON0 but in the real world can dwell in the range of 10.0L-12.0L.

It shares the X-Trail's chassis but lacks the driven rear axle. Sharp looks are also influenced by the X-Trail - it's an SUV designed from the ground up and it works. Cabin space and flexibility are good, with ample rear passenger space (courtesy of a longer wheelbase) and versatile rear cargo bay - 430L pips that of the Trax.

The Trax is essentially a Barina on stilts and being spawned from the uninspiring looking hatch doesn't help it look as sharp or lithe as the Qashqai. The cabin doesn't depart from that theme either - effective but bland. Rear seat room can accommodate tall adults and there are a few neat touches, includingsuperior headrest setup, power outlet for the rear seat and a light in the small boot (356L).

Scored five stars in a more recent (and rigorous) NCAP test. There are six airbags, auto LED headlights, auto-dimming rear vision mirror and rain-sensing wipers. There is excellent pairing of 360-degree view cameras and sensors front and rear to assist the driver's moving object, blind spot and lane departure warnings as well as aiding the auto-parking. Also has driver attention monitoring.

A five-star job but under previous criteria. The Trax gets hill descent control (can't think why) stability control, six airbags (driver, front passenger, front side and curtain), rear-view camera and rear parking sensors but makes do with drum rear brakes. It also has auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers and auto door locks with trick exit function).

Despite the lardier kerb weight, the sharper chassis soon makes its abilities known. Thanks to clever damper set-up, ride compliance is quite pleasant. Body control is good too and occupants have few complaints about noise or seating. The CVT wins fans by not revving the engine maniacally. Loadspace and storage are clever.

Straight-line pep is much improved thanks to the flexible turbocharged engine but it can get thirsty if regularly pushed. Clearly the Aussie chassis tuners needed more time in this car, as ride quality isn't great but there's no pay-off in the bends. Clear instruments and infotainment controls are are let down only by the temperamental Bluetooth.