2020 Nissan Qashqai Midnight Edition Review

This has to be the last roll of the dice for Nissan’s current Qashqai small SUV that’s been around in similar specification for a long time. A completely new model featuring more emphasis on mild hybrid drive technology will be here next year.

So if you have a hankering for a less complex small SUV, one that has a strong reliability reputation, is well built and good looking then here’s your answer… Qashqai Midnight.

It’s based on the popular, penultimate ST-L variant with a few bits from the Ti range topper.

Other than that, Midnight is pretty much a gloss black paint job to some external body hardware, 19-inch alloys and the same black treatment inside to various fascia and trims.

At the drive away price of $36,740, Qashqai Midnight is a bit of a deal as it includes plenty of luxury and safety kit.

Mechanically the same as other Qashqais, Midnight is a front wheel drive 5-seater with a CVT (Xtronic) auto transmission and a handy 106kW/200Nm percolating from the naturally aspirated, 2.0-litre petrol engine.

It has direct fuel injection and variable cam timing to optimise efficiency and happily runs on 91 regular petrol.

Qashqai has an army of competitors ranging from over- priced Europeans like Audi, Volvo and BMW, through Japanese made Lexus, Mitsubishi ASX and Mazda CX-30 models to crappy US Jeep product and even crappier Chinese vehicles which you wouldn’t buy in a pink fit unless you enjoy lighting up cash at resale time.

Then there’s Hyundai’s Kona, Kia’s Seltos, Subaru XV and the Honda HRV… well, that’s serious competition right there.

The Nissan stands up well in the face of all alternatives. That’s why it’s a popular family choice.

Exterior

It’s a familiar shape with an aggressive look to the big front focussing on Nissan’s characteristic V grille, this time in gloss black. Pronounced arching guards give Qashqai a muscular look and the profile is accentuated with a kick up at the back culminating in a generic looking rear end featuring tapered tail lights, a top mounted visor and high bumper lip.

Even after around 6-years, maybe more, the Qashqai cuts a handsome silhouette and still has it over other cars in the styling department.

The big black 19-inch alloys with chunky rubber amply fill Qashqai’s wheel wells and contribute to the vehicle’s sporty overall appearance.

It’s a small SUV but looks bigger than that on the road easily mistaken for the larger Nissan X-Trail.

The black-out treatment has been done heaps of times before but in the case of the dark grey test vehicle, looks pretty good giving Qashqai a sense of drama on the road – more distinctive.

Interior

Inside is generic Nissan which is no real criticism. The swatches of black liven up dominant grey tones but I like the way the front space is divided into essentially two cockpits.

There’s a flat bottom multi-function wheel and the obligatory large centre mounted info scree, along with a spray of secondary controls for climate control and other stuff.

In front of the driver is a standard twin dial instrument console with additional info displayed between them.

Push button start is handy by the button itself can be obscured in the Qashqai.

Rear seat room is OK for two, three at a pinch and there’s a decent load space down the back. Nissan thought to provide centre arm rests in both seat rows to improve comfort.

Some soft feel surfaces are used in and around the cabin at touch points.

Visibility from the driver’s seat is good.

Noise levels inside are minimal and you could easily embark on a long interstate drive in Qashqai secure in the knowledge you won’t be poleaxed when you arrive.

Features

As Midnight is a blend of the two top models it gains plenty of goodies like;

• LED auto headlights with around corner function
• Black leather accented upholstery
• Brushed black interior accents
• Satnav with traffic monitor
• 19-inch specific alloys
• Gloss black exterior body hardware
• 0-inch colour info screen
• CVT auto transmission

Drive and Engine

It’s a 2.0-litre petrol 4 cylinder unit under the bonnet with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing…. a relatively modern design.

The CVT transmission operates efficiently rarely slurring between “gears”.

Power output is 106kW with 2000Nm of torque which translates into good performance across a wide engine rev range.

It also aids fuel economy which Nissan says averages 6.9-litres/100km.

Little if any untoward front wheel drive characteristics are evident even under full throttle starts from a standstill.

It’s no sports SUV but Midnight makes a good fist of a family wagon roll and is big enough for most applications.

It’s smooth and has a supple suspension from the really good strut front and multi-link rear setup. Many competitors use the cheaper, less capable torsion beam rear system.

Safety

They piled in plenty of driver assist tech in Midnight which boasts the mandated autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, driver fatigue alert and other goodies.

I like the option to sometimes turn what I want off which is partially the case here.

People who buy this car will probably happily let it take control in emergency situations.

Good Bits

• Pleasing design
• Competitive pricing
• A bit of exclusivity

Not So Good Bits

• Old model due for replacement
• Difficult to achieve fuel economy claimed
• Low roof/highish seats problematic for taller people.

Summary

Yeh, don’t mind the Qashqai Midnight. I’ve driven a few different variants and this one’s the best though getting up there price-wise. Comes out of a Pommie factory which is a tick in my book. Shop it against Mitsu’ ASX and Honda HR-V of similar age for an accurate comparison.

Facts and Figures: 2020 Nissan Qashqai Midnight

• Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder petrol producing 106kW/200Nm
• Transmission: multi-speed CVT
• Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
• Safety: Five stars
• Origin: UK
• Price: from $36,740 drive away