Superannuation

DESIGN AND FUNCTION

Nissan has added range-topping Ti and, more recently, mid-spec ST+ variants to its popular Qashqai range since a major 2018 upgrade. Classed as a small SUV, Qashqai ST+ is a real surprise package. It’s much roomier than expected, with big, comfortable two-tone fabric front seats and enough space for adults in the equally comfortable 60/40 rear seat. Qashqai’s sizable cargo bay can swallow between 430 and 1,598 litres of luggage. Under the flat floor is an emergency-style spare wheel. A modern dash layout features clear gauges and a seven-inch colour touchscreen with DAB+ radio, satellite navigation, 360-degree “around-view” monitor and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Other features include push-button start, six airbags, forward-collision warning with emergency braking, lanedeparture warning, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera. With an up-to-date modern appearance, ST+ features a smart grille, 17-inch alloys, swept-up rear windows and a tailgate lip spoiler with shark-fin antenna. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels – powers ST+.

DRIVING

Qashqai is impressive on the road. Its comfortable driving position offers enough steering-wheel and seat adjustment to suit any driver, along with good visibility. Its sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, with easy-to-use function buttons, adds to driving enjoyment. While some of the opposition run more powerful turbo-charged petrol fours, Qashqai’s 2.0-litre (106kW) petrol engine is no slouch. It’s smoother and quieter than some in this class. In fact,

at highway speeds, the cabin is super quiet. The CVT makes the most of available engine power providing good off-theline acceleration and enough power for every situation. A seven-step manual mode works well and provides for more spirited driving. Ride comfort is very good. Qashqai soaks up bumps effortlessly and, at the same time, remains flat and sure-footed in corners and on rough surfaces. In addition to its parking sensors and reversing camera with predictive path lines, the 360 degree “around-view” monitor takes the guesswork out of parking. It offers various camera angles, including a bird’s-eye view, selected at the touch of a button. Qashqai ST+ is a well-equipped, reasonably priced compact SUV which delivers on space, comfort and driving refinement.

RAV Hybrid is a perfect highway cruiser with long legs, plenty of zip for safe overtaking and excellent economy. In light of the stats, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would buy the petrol version over the hybrid.

Model Toyota RAV4 Petrol 2WD, Edge AWD and Hybrid 2WD or AWD. Pricing from GX 2WD manual $30,640 (add $2,000 CVT), GX 2WD Hybrid CVT $35,140. Drivetrain Four-cylinder 2.0-litre (127kW) petrol 2WD; Hybrid 2.5-litre petrol with AC synchronous motor generator (2WD160kW and AWD 163kW). RAV4 Edge 2.5-litre (152kW) four cylinder with AWD. Fuel All use 91RON; economy 6.5 - 6.8 litres per 100km (2.0-litre petrol), 4.7-4.8 litres per 100km (hybrid), 7.3 litres per 100km (Edge). Luggage volume 542 – 580 litres (with rear seats in use) depending on spare-wheel option. Safety All models feature pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control, lane departure, road speed sign recognition, front and rear park sensors, seven airbags and autonomous braking.