WHAT are the five key reasons why a business will choose the new Qashqai as a company car?
BUSINESS Car Manager spoke to Nissan GB’s MD Alex Smith, at the launch of the new, face-lifted Nissan Qashqai crossover and asked him what are the attractions for SMEs?
Here are his five key reasons:
- Improved residual values
With the Acenta dCi 110 derivative expected to retain 42% of its value after three-years and 36,000 miles – the Qashqai looks a better bet than conventional hatchback rivals such as the Ford Focus.
- Smart exterior design
On sale since 2013, the second-generation Qashqai still looked sharp. However, this didn’t stop Nissan’s designers making significant changes. At the front, you won’t miss the more aggressive family ‘V-motion’ grille, sleek new headlight design and the revised front bumper boasting more colour-keying. There’s also a new, reprofiled bonnet, a shark fin aerial and a new range of alloy wheels in 17, 18 and 19-inch sizes. Move to the back of the Qashqai and there’s another revised bumper and rear lights.
- Confident drive
This is a very thorough facelift, as the Qashqai even boasts enhanced ride and handling. Changes include reduced spring rates, stiffer anti-roll bars and different shock absorbers. On the road, confident best sums up this Nissan’s handling, the ride even on the 19-inch alloys of Tekna + is comfortable, body roll is kept well under control and there’s plenty of grip.
- Premium interior
Inside, like the outside, this face-lifted Qashqai has benefitted from significant upgrades. Firstly, it has a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, that not only looks sportier and follows the rest of the range, Nissan says it is also easier to get into and out of this crossover. Other changes to the Qashqai’s dash include the air vents and door handles, which are have improved with quality and the centre console armrest is now stitched. There are new high back-style seats, from the N-Connecta trim upwards, finished in soft Nappa leather on the range-topping Tekna + trim. A new 10-speaker BOSE sound system is also included.
- 99g/km CO2 1.5 dCi 110 model
The Qashqai’s range of efficient diesel and petrol engines has been carried over. The highlights for SMEs has to be the 1.5-litre dCi 110 diesel and its emissions of just 99g/km and combined consumption of 74.3mpg.
