2018 Nissan Qashqai Reviews

This week I cleaned out the garage and collected a bunch of baby stuff to give to my younger cousins who are having babies. Travel cots, car seats and a cute rocking sheep all got stacked in the car while I delivered them around Sydney. I was test driving the new Nissan Qashqai Ti model - it's the top of the range petrol and is a small SUV, in competition with the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Honda H-RV, even though it's bigger than those cars.So how does the Qashqai perform compared to its counterparts, and did it fit all the baby stuff I needed to transport? Let's find out.

Small SUVs have exploded in popularity, prowling our cities and suburbs in record numbers. Time to put one to the ultimate test, then; a full weekend of family duties.

The ST opens the MY2018 Qashqai range and is distinguished by two main factors. First, it's the only Qashqai model you can have with the six-speed manual and second is that both CVT and manual STs are under $30,000. The manual is $26,490 and the auto $28,990 Standard on the ST is the new improved basic safety package.

The ST-L is the second Qashqai in the three-step range. Powered by the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine as the rest of the range, you have 106kW/200Nm at your command, driving the front wheels exclusively through a CVT auto. Standard features include reversing camera, cruise control, air-conditioning,

The N-TEC spec level is almost a limited edition. Slotted in to the 2018 range at launch while production of the Ti's extra safety systems ramped up, the $36,490 N-TEC filled the breach. Sitting above the ST-L, the N-TEC features 19-inch alloys, active LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, auto headlights and

The range-topping Ti will arrive in mid-2018, ostensibly replacing the N-TEC.

After enduring a name change for its second generation (it used to be called Dualis), Nissan's Qashqai has maintained its strong popularity among Australian buyers who are switching en masse to SUVs.