2017 Nissan Qashqai: We’re Driving it This Week
Nissan Canada’s best-selling vehicle now has a smaller sibling called the Qashqai. Measuring 12.1 inches shorter than the Rogue, the Qashqai is a subcompact crossover aimed at young urban singles and couples looking for more versatility than the average sedan.
The 2017 Nissan Qashqai looks very similar to the Rogue and apart from its smaller proportions, most people will be hard-pressed to tell them apart at first glance. In fact, south of the border, the vehicle is actually called the Rogue Sport, but Nissan felt we Canadians deserved the vehicle's original name.
Powering the Qashqai is a 2.0-litre, inline four-cylinder engine rated at 141 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers will have the choice of either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission with Sport and Eco modes. The base trim level comes with a front-wheel drivetrain, while all-wheel drive is available.
The 2017 Qashqai is available in eight exterior colours—led by the bold Monarch Orange and Nitro Lime. Other colors are Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, Palatial Ruby, Pearl White, Glacier White and Caspian Blue.
The list of standard features is quite long and includes four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview monitor, hands-free text messaging and 7.0-inch touchscreen display.
Pricing starts at $19,998 for the Qashqai S FWD model with the manual transmission. The range-topping Qashqai SL AWD Platinum Package tops out at $32,198.
The Car Guide will be reporting live from the 2017 Nissan Qashqai drive event later this week, so stay tuned to get our first impressions.
