The Qashqai is certainly one of the bigger cars in the small SUV class.There might be four models, but there are three specification levels. The ST has cloth trim, cruise control, air-conditioning, some fake leather bits and pieces, reversing camera, halogen headlights, four speaker stereo and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Pros Big interior Excellent build quality Comfortable ride
Cons Interior missing some tech toys Diesel servicing costs Fuel consumption high (no stop-start to reduce it)
This is the facelifted Nissan Qashqai, which has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. More than 230,000 examples of the Qashqai were sold in Europe in 2016, but that hasn’t stopped Nissan from giving the its family SUV a thorough overhaul. The headline change is the addition of autonomous driving tech called ProPILOT; by the end of the year, the Qashqai will have the ability to steer, accelerate and brake itself in a single lane on motorways. Nissan can’t yet say whether or not this will be standard on top trim levels, however. Nissan claims higher-quality materials give the SUV’s cabin a more premium feel. Visible changes include a new flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel and a fresh user interface for the infotainment system. And a new range-topping Tekna+ grade has been added, bringing luxuries such as 3D-effect quilted leather upholstery.
The new Qashqai features modifications to the suspension and steering to improve comfort, while new insulating materials are claimed to make it more refined. No changes have been made to the range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, however, so buyers can choose from an entry-level 113bhp 1.2-litre petrol, a 161bhp 1.6-litre petrol, and 1.5 or 1.6-litre diesels. The 1.5 dCi 110 should be the cheapest to run, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
The MG ZS lobbed locally late last year to stake a claim on the highly competitive small SUV segment. But has the second SUV from the now Chinese-owned brand done enough to shift public perception?
Pros Excellent road manners Spritely three-pot turbo engine Industry-leading seven-year warranty Loaded with standard features Sharp pricing
Cons Four-star ANCAP rating a blot No digital speedo Noisy air-con compressor
The MG ZS has its strengths, including its relatively classy interior, decent handling and roomy rear seats. However, a Duster Dacia is cheaper to buy, more comfortable and has a bigger boot.
Pros Rear seat space Cheaper than most rivals Seven-year warranty
Cons Poor safety rating Uneconomical engines So-so performance
