It looks like a mini-Ariya

The latest design feels sharper and more confident, featuring crisp lines, an assertive front end with sleek LED headlights, and standout 19-inch alloy wheels complete with unique cladding inserts that echo the Nissan Ariya SUV EV. It’s a look that genuinely stands out, turning heads and attracting glances when I enter a car park.

Step inside, and the cabin feels genuinely premium without trying too hard. High-quality materials are everywhere, complemented by a thoughtful layout and a fully digital instrument cluster that’s crisp and easy on the eyes.

It’s got big-car luxury touches on the inside

Nissan has nailed the comfort game here, with soft, plush seats and plenty of space, making long drives or city commutes equally relaxing. The seats featured in our test car were finished in Amber colour—they looked and felt great, enhancing the already pleasant cabin environment.

I also noticed in the Nissan showroom that if you spec it in black, the side door panels are finished in suede instead, offering a sportier look and feel. The interior has a welcoming vibe that invites you to sit in it a bit longer as you check your phone before you leave the car (admit it, we all do that).

It’s feature-packed

The Prestige trim I tested had a neat automatic tailgate feature with a hands-free kick function—handy when your hands are full of shopping bags or gear. It also adds Dynamic LED turn indicators, a premium Bose sound system, a stunning glass panoramic roof that floods the cabin with natural light, and a practical two-tier cargo floor in the boot—ideal for organising groceries or weekend gear.

Also on the Prestige trim is a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that smoothly integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Having Nappa leather upholstery as standard is a nice touch, lifting the Qashqai’s interior ambience further into luxury territory. On the safety front, Nissan has generously equipped both trims with advanced features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, ensuring peace of mind wherever you drive.

It’s punchy to drive, but it needs some getting used to

Under the bonnet, Nissan’s trusty 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, supported by a mild hybrid system, is back again. At first glance, the driving feel might come across as a bit quirky—the power delivery has a slightly rubbery, elastic quality, arriving in waves rather than a linear flow. But here’s the secret sauce: grab those paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and you can coax the CVT gearbox into behaving just how you like, keeping the engine revving in its sweet spot. Once you get the hang of it, the Qashqai becomes surprisingly lively, bringing an unexpected dose of fun to your drive.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the Qashqai sits relatively high, which means a bit of body roll is noticeable during spirited cornering. Despite this, the steering is reassuringly well-weighted and gives enough feedback to instil confidence, whether cruising around town or tackling a twisty road. The suspension also does an excellent job, providing what I’d describe as “big-car manners”—smoothly ironing out bumps while feeling planted and secure at higher speeds. It’s a blend of comfort and agility that’s easy to appreciate daily.

It’s not cheap, but then again, nothing is these days

However, priced at $209,000, the Qashqai Prestige does face stiff competition. It finds itself directly competing against the BYD Sealion, a bigger and similarly well-equipped rival from China, quickly gaining popularity among buyers focused on value and practicality. This places Nissan in a challenging position, making the Qashqai a harder sell for some.

Still, the 2025 Nissan Qashqai remains an attractive and genuinely enjoyable option, particularly for those who appreciate its polished ride, appealing design, and engaging driving experience. However, with such formidable competitors in the mix, Nissan will need to lean into its established strengths and loyal fan base to keep the Qashqai firmly on buyers’ shortlists.

Technical Specifications

Nissan Qashqai MHEV 1.3T Prestige

Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 156 bhp
Torque: 270 Nm
Gearbox: Xtronic CVT (A)
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres 
Fuel Economy: 16 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$208,800  with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)

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The moment marks a quiet reinvention of one of Singapore’s best-selling nameplates, and with over 10,000 units of the previous Qashqai generation already sold locally, this refreshed version is simply here to reclaim it with even more poise.

From the redesigned V-motion grille to its dynamic LED lighting and sculpted aero clads, the new Qashqai now carries itself with a sharp, tailored elegance. The proportions are still right-sized for urban duties, but it now has more presence.

But beneath the slick silhouette lies something more substantial. The 1.3-litre turbocharged mild hybrid engine now replaces the outgoing 1.2, delivering more grunt and efficiency in equal measure.

Step inside and you’ll find the Qashqai has gone full boutique hotel. Suede inserts across the dashboard and centre console blend effortlessly with supple Nappa leather seats.

To complete the five-star ambience, a customisable ambient lighting system lets you set the mood.

A 10-way powered driver’s seat with memory function, frameless rear-view mirror, and a boot you could lose your groceries in all come as standard means creature comforts are well accounted for. 

If the exterior wows and the interior pampers, then the safety systems are where the Qashqai starts whispering sweet nothings.

There’s the new Rear Automatic Emergency Braking feature, in case you miss that low-lying bollard. And the Intelligent Lane Intervention subtly nudges you back into line when it senses you’ve drifted too far into a moment of Spotify-induced zen.

To commemorate the new Nissan Qashqai, Tan Chong Motor Sales is throwing a promotional price of $196,800 (inclusive of COE), valid until 23 April 2025.

And if you’re among the early birds, you’ll also walk away with $5,000 worth of goodies including service vouchers and shopping treats.

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Presented by Tan Chong Motor Sales, Nissan’s exclusive distributor in Singapore, the exhibition featured electrified vehicles, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment.

Central to Nissan’s presence is its celebrated e-POWER range. Visitors explored models like the family-friendly Serena e-POWER, now available in both seven- and eight-seater configurations, the Kicks e-POWER and Note e-POWER, the X-Trail e-POWER, or the futuristic Ariya EV.

Making its highly anticipated debut at the motorshow was the All-New Nissan Qashqai.

Building on the success of its predecessor, which sold over 10,000 units in Singapore, the new Qashqai arrives with striking design enhancements, including a redesigned front grille, bold headlamp architecture, a sporty rear diffuser, and updated wheels.

Inside, the Qashqai offers customisable ambient lighting, sumptuous Nappa leather upholstery, and an eight-way powered driver’s seat. Safety is prioritised with the innovative Rear Automatic Emergency Braking system, which ensures confidence when reversing.

The Qashqai, available in the captivating new Deep Ocean colour, is priced from $212,800, with exclusive launch promotions offering five years of complimentary servicing.

Beyond its impressive vehicle line-up, Nissan’s booth offers a plethora of activities to engage and entertain visitors of all ages.

Families enjoyed a dedicated kids’ corner featuring a ball pit and colouring activities, while those feeling competitive tested their strength at the e-POWER Hammer Strength Machine, with a chance to win exclusive Nissan Tomica models, including miniatures of the Nissan Fairlady and GT-R Nismo.

To top it all off, attendees participated in a lucky draw with the grand prize of the 2025 Singapore Motorshow being a Nissan LEAF EV, awaiting one fortunate winner.

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