2019 Nissan Qashqai - Cover
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2019 Nissan Qashqai – Automotive Review

2019 Nissan Qashqai - Cover
Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Nissan Qashqai – Automotive Review

The Nissan Qashqai is Nissan's 2nd most popular model, behind the better-in-every-way Rogue.

With virtually identical safety features, front ends, and interiors, it would almost make more sense to go with the Rogue for the more appealing style, space, and engine. Pricing isn’t very far off from the two also. So, why did Nissan green light the mass production of a car that is virtually identical to a vehicle they’ve already perfected? An even better question is: Why are people buying it?


Coming in at a whole foot and an inch shorter than the Rogue, the Qashqai will fit five average-sized people very comfortably. The styling is best described as a “Toned down version of the Rogue.” How many times will I mention the Rogue in this article? Keep reading to find out. The front and rear end are very alike. The side profile is when you see the subtle difference in the shapes. The Qashqai takes a sloping roof design and the hood is noticeably shorter.

2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Front
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Full Side
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Rear
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Side
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The Nissan Safety Shield 360 and the ProPILOT Assist keep you in your lane and away from the careless drivers out there. The Safety Shield 360 includes the Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. On the inside, dead center between your RPMs and your speed, all of these safety features are displayed for your viewing pleasure (and safety of course). The 7.0” touch screen infotainment system is smooth and intuitive, and the nine-speaker Bose sound system is impressive. The Around View Cameras are displayed on this 7.0” screen but the resolution is a tad suspect. This isn’t just a Nissan issue, but a large group of cars and manufacturers in 2019 still have low-resolution cameras as back-up and around view cameras and its quite annoying. The dash and interior are identical to the Rogue with the glossy black accents and a nice, soft, and sporty designed steering wheel. And, the seats are comfortable as all get out. The leather is soft and whatever is under it is even softer.


The Qashqai runs a 2.0L 4-cylinder, 141hp engine. 4-wheel Independent strut suspension is the culprit of the smooth ride and somewhat “darty” steering. The CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) is rough. It works the way it should, but the drone of any CVT is something I don’t think I will get used to. Just like every other CVT, when slowly letting off the gas, the weird surge of power shows up. It sure is fuel efficient though, with fuel economy ratings estimated at 8.1 L/100 km highway and 10.0 L/100 km city. Better than the already very fuel-efficient Rogue. The Qashqai comes in an Xtronic Transmission or a six-speed manual in the FWD models. It’s a competent car for the weekend go-getters.

2019 Nissan Qashqai - Interior Cockpit
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Interior Front
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Interior Cargo
2019 Nissan Qashqai - Exterior Rear Blue
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The Nissan Rogue and the Nissan Qashqai (Rogue Sport in the US) have many similarities. In every aspect of the car, you can find a handful and more similarities, but the Qashqai has its own personality. It seems to stray away from the “perfect family” vehicle and cruise in the lane of “adventure seeker.” It has more space in all the right places to hold your weekend activities, but it also brings you the convenience and modern styling of any new car on the market, all while not breaking the bank. It comes in 3 trims and there are plenty of balloon-like colors to choose from

Key Features:

  • 2.0L 4-cylinder
    • Horsepower 141 @ 6,000 rpm
    • Torque (lb-ft) 147 @ 4,400 rpm
  • Fuel Economy
    • Xtronic AWD City/highway/combined 9.1/7.6/8.4 L/100km
    • Xtronic FWD City/highway/combined 8.6/7.2/8.0 L/100km
    • 6 MT FWD City/highway/combined 10.1/8.1/9.2 L/100km
  • Available AWD
  • 5 passenger
    • Cargo w/2nd row seat folded down (S 61.1) (SV/SL 53.3) cubic feet
    • Cargo w/2nd row seat upright (S 22.9) (SV/SL 20) cubic feet
  • 7″ multi touch NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
    • Optional Bose® Audio System with 9 speaker
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2019 Nissan Kicks
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2019 Nissan Kicks – Automotive Review

2019 Nissan Kicks
Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2019 Nissan Kicks – Automotive Review

The Nissan Kicks is coming in hot with a fun and perky attitude.

With efficiency and affordability in mind, the Kicks will get you from point A to point B without hurting the bank. Compact size and responsive steering will get you in and out of the busy city with ease. It was hard to find anything negative to say about this car. From the moment you see this car to the moment you hit the lock button, you know precisely what this cars job is, and it does it well.

2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
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The boxy styling of the Kicks is adorable. The ground clearance is ample, and the ride is excellent. It’s a shame it isn’t available in all-wheel drive but given the fact that it isn’t the most powerful car, front-wheel drive suffices. Trunk space is more than convenient, and the headroom available is fantastic. From the outside the Kicks looks small, but when sitting in the driver seat you notice the space. Well done, Nissan. The Bose speakers in the headrest are the feature you never knew you needed. That being adding to the already great sound system, even the local radio station will sound premium. You won’t be getting the same novel-like list of safety features like the lane-keep assist, or the semi-autonomous steering that the Rogue or Qashqai offer but the around view monitor, blind-spot warning, ABS, and TCS will keep safe. Leather seats are comfortable, but the one complaint I have is the armrest. It’s a smidge too high, making you hike your shoulder into an unnatural position, for me at least. Making it adjustable, or even getting rid of it altogether and using a storage compartment as an armrest could do the 2020/2021 model some good.

2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
2019 Nissan Kicks
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Every 2019 Nissan Kicks comes standard with the 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). The engine is rated at 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a smooth, fuel-efficient Xtronic transmission, fuel economy is anticipated at 33 mpg combined. The best way to describe this car is “Go-Kart with leather seats.”

The Kicks will not be your first choice for track day, but it can be your first choice when it comes to your daily drive. It’s cozy, it’s perky, it’s fun, and it’s affordable. Heated leather seats and an excellent sound system are great additions for anyone looking for value. Toss in a touch-screen infotainment system and a fun exterior color, and this is at the top of your list when searching for your next ride!

Model tested: $25,498

Models available: S, SV, SL

Fuel Economy combined: 33mpg

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2019 Nissan Rogue – Automotive Review

Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2019 Nissan Rogue – Automotive Review

The 2019 Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover, which has had significant updates over the 2018 refresh, and remains for the longtime best seller in Nissan's lineup

Overview

I happened to find myself driving during the bad snow storm we had a while back. The snow was deep, and the clearing crews were none existent. Two tracks on the highway were the only path I had to follow. Passing many vehicles that were spun out and left abandoned on the side of the road, I realized although I was traveling at a safe speed, I had yet to experience any spinning or sliding. The Rogue was continuing to push on despite the uncleaned snow that was pushing up over the grill. It was almost as if the vehicle was telling me, relax, I got this. I came to my exit and found four semi-truck and trailers stopped and parked because they could not make it up to the ramp. I carefully drove around them and up the exit without as much as a slip. This vehicle is indeed a snow machine; I have never felt safer driving late at night in the snow than I did in this Rogue

2019 Nissan Rogue - Exterior Cover
2019 Nissan Rogue - Exterior Rear
2019 Nissan Rogue - Exterior Driving
2019 Nissan Rogue - Exterior Side
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Options

There are three trim levels, S, SV, and SL Platinum with Pro Pilot assist. The base S comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, EZ Flex seating system, 6 way manual driver’s seat, 4 way manual front passenger’s seat, cruise control with steering wheel controls, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, hands-free text messaging assistant, rearview monitor, keyless entry and a four-speaker audio system 127 mm colour display.

The SV model adds 17” aluminum wheels, power panoramic moon roof, heated front seats and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support.

The SL trim level starts with the SV model’s standard equipment and adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror. The SL’s Leather package includes leather upholstery plus heated front seats; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated side mirrors, a six-way power driver seat, a one-touch up/down driver window.

Option packages for the SL include the Premium package, which consists of an intelligent around view monitor, navigation system with 178 mm colour touch screen monitor, eight-speaker Bose audio systems with a six-CD/MP3 changer, Sirius satellite radio ready, steering wheel mounted audio controls and ND Richbass sub-woofer. This package also gives you a Power liftgate and an around view monitor.

2019 Nissan Rogue - Interior Dash
2019 Nissan Rogue - Interior Cabin
2019 Nissan Rogue - Interior Media Console
2019 Nissan Rogue - Interior Rear
2019 Nissan Rogue - Tail Gate
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Safety

There are dual stage front driver and passenger airbags with seat belt sensors, Roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, and driver/passenger seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags. The vehicle is also equipped with 4-wheel ABS and traction control systems, rollover sensor,Anti-theft with immobilizer key systems. Vehicle speed sensitive electric power steering adjusts automatically to become more comfortable at lower speed and firms up when accelerating.

Power

A 2.5 Litre, 16 valve DOHC engine with 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, matched with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission with sport mode.

Pump Frequency

  • S  9.1 /7.1 L/100 km (city/highway)
  • SV  9.1 /7.1 L/100 km (city/highway)
  • SL  9.6 /7.51 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty Support

  • 3 year/ 60,000km complete vehicle warranty
  • 3 year roadside assistance
  • 8 year/ 130,000km power train warranty
  • 5 year unlimited km corrosion perforation warranty.
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2018 Nissan Maxima – Automotive Review

Vince Sandhu

Vince Sandhu

2018 Nissan Maxima – Automotive Review

Nissan’s new line up of vehicles is taking the roads by storm. With their updated styling and incredible value, it's easy to find one at just about any red light.

Things like the uniquely styled LED headlights, and front grille the Maxima will help you standing out while people spot these cars a mile away. Their vehicles are looking sleeker and sportier every year, especially the Maxima. The self-proclaimed ‘4DSC’ comes with a plethora of trim levels to choose from that all share the same engine.

The interior is clean and functional. It looks and feels modern, with Navigation coming standard on every trim. The infotainment center slants towards the driver in a very “Saab” like style with a modern twist, adding to the functionality. The 2018 Maxima now comes with Android Auto to add to the Apple CarPlay that is featured on a clear 8.0” screen. It may come to you as a surprise, but the Maxima doesn’t share any styling plaques with the Altima. The center console, the infotainment screen, the seats, even the steering wheel, all newly designed for the Maxima, but it’s a different story when it comes to the exterior. Nissan decided to “beef” up the Altima, add some sharper angles, fix a few sporty accents here and there and slap a Maxima badge to it. Curiously, the Maxima doesn’t offer as much cabin space and leg room in the back seats as the Altima, which baffles me. A revised grille design cleans things up in front, but you’ll probably have to park it next to last year’s Maxima to spot the differences. The automatic rear window shade throws a dash of elegance into the mix which comes in handy more often than you may think.

Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
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The Maxima comes with a name ‘4DSC’ (4 door sports car) and they say it’s because of the 3.5-litre 300hp engine that’s fastened to a CVT that comes in every trim level available, from the S to the Platinum. 0-60 happens in 5.7 seconds with the standard FWD setup. It’s nothing special, but its right in the wheelhouse of its competition. The high-effort steering helps the Maxima feel decidedly more athletic than rivals such as the Toyota Avalon. For a mid-size sedan, it’s surprising how the handling and drive are praised by others considering most 4 doors have a huge amount of body roll. All 2018 Maxima’s come standard with six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, a rear-view camera, and automatic emergency braking with forward-collision warnings. Standard on SL and higher trim levels is even more advanced gear: blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Lots of features that come for a very reasonable price when compared to its colleagues. The Maxima offers 25 mpg combined which makes it justifiable, although Nissan recommends premium unleaded fuel.

Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan’s Maxima sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.
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Nissan has built their brand around a few simple concepts that include: reliability, affordability, and now they’ve added a dash of luxury into the mix. The Maxima Platinum is an incredible showcase of these qualities. Sleek and modern interior, updated and eye-catching styling, fuel efficient yet sporty engine. The back seat and the cargo space in the trunk were a little disappointing but other than that, the Maxima checked all the boxes and Nissan seems to have hit the mark with this one. The Base price for Maxima is in the ballpark, starting at $36,990 CAD with some very nice standard features that others don’t offer. The model reviewed above comes in at $41,500.

Key Features:

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment
  • 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6
    • 300 HP & 261 lb-ft torque
    • 11.1/7.8 City/Hwy L/100 km
  • Legroom front 1143mm
  • Legroom rear 870mm
  • Cargo volume 405L
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2018 Nissan 370Z NISMO – Automotive Review

Andrew Harwood

Andrew Harwood

2018 Nissan 370Z NISMO – Automotive Review

Nissan 370Z is a back to basics sports car that puts serious yet affordable driving fun above everything else. At the top of Nissan's 370Z line is the NISMO, which provides access to straight-from-the-factory street and track performance inspired vehicles. With things such as the standard with 6-speed manual transmission and NISMO-tuned suspension, the 2018 Nissan 370Z NISMO is race-proven engineering at an attainable price point.

Main Changes for 2018

  • Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 high-performance tires
    • Same tread pattern as the Nissan GT-R
  • EXEDY® L-PEC high- performance clutch

Key Features:

  • Nissan 307Z NISMO starting at $48,298 CAD
  • GT-R-inspired functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces
    • 0 inches longer and 1.0 inch wider than a standard 370Z Coupe
  • Three exterior colors are offered: Solid Red, Pearl White, and Magnetic Black.
  • Standard Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) systems
  • 7-litre DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL)
    • 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm
      • 18 horsepower more than a standard 370Z Coupe
    • and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
  • Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match
  • Fuel Economy
    • Combined 11.5L/100km
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2018-Nissan-Pathfinder-Front
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2018 Nissan Pathfinder – Automotive Review

2018-Nissan-Pathfinder-Front
Ian Harwood

Ian Harwood

2018 Nissan Pathfinder – Automotive Review

2018 Nissan Pathfinder is on a mission, one would say it has gone rogue, wait a minute, wrong vehicle. The Pathfinder is engineered to get your family where you need to go comfortably.

Looks:

One of the biggest changes happened a few years ago when Nissan made the switch from body-on-frame to a unibody construction. This reduced the overall weight, which makes a big difference in the fuel efficiency. The shape and design characteristics of this truck have changed, much smoother lines, and more aerodynamic. I remember the first Pathfinder introduced in 1986 to in an attempt to capture some of the Toyota 4runner market. It looked promising but just never completely took off. I think the focus was more on the off-road when it should have been more on-road with the ability to travel off-road. This version has done it, taking design and style from the Nissan Rogue they created a larger cross-over that can comfortably transport 7.

In The Cab:

My tester for the week was the Platinum and it came fully equipped. Heated and cooled leather seats with 8-way power adjustability, 4-way power for the front passenger, EZ flex seating system with 2nd row 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat, and 3rd row 50/50 split fold-flat reclining bench seat. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated and is a nice feature in our cold Canadian winters. There was plenty of wood tone trim that was not overdone and gave it a rich feel. Bose audio system with 13 speakers, AM/FM/CD, auxiliary audio input jack, USB connection, streaming audio via Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control and just some of the comforts you will find in the Pathfinder Platinum. The around view monitor uses four cameras to create a composite image from above and displays it on the touchscreen monitor. This helps show the vehicle’s position relative to the lines around the parking space and guides you into the tightest locations easily.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder - Exterior Trunk
2018-Nissan-Pathfinder-Exterior-Passenger-Side
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
2018 Nissan Pathfinder - Exterior Driving Action
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Safety:

Nissan’s advanced airbag system includes dual-stage front airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side impact, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags along with a rollover sensor. Traction control (TSC) and vehicle dynamic control (VDC) is standard on all models. Rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking are some of the latest technologies added.

Power:

The engine is a 3.5 L, 24 valve, DOHC V6 that produces 284 horsepower mated to a CVT transmission (continuously variable transmission) The All-mode 4×4 I-system allows selectability between 2WD, Auto, or 4WD lock. An independent front strut and multi-link rear give the vehicle a comfortable ride. It is also equipped with hill descent to help with those steep roads.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder - Interior Trunk
2018 Nissan Pathfinder - Interior Panoramic Roof
2018 Nissan Pathfinder - Interior Dash
2018 Nissan Pathfinder - Interior Cut Away
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Roadworthy:

This vehicle does remind me of the Nissan Rogue. It is larger but feels very similar and that’s a good thing. I think Nissan is heading in the right direction with this vehicle. If studies show limited off-road use, then why spend money making this an off-road vehicle. Have the capabilities to drive down a gravel road or up to the ski hill but concentrate on making it as comfortable and fuel efficient as you can. May the force be with you?

Key Features:

  • Pump frequency:7.8/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway)
  • Warranty support:
    • Basic coverage 3year/ 60,000 km
    • Powertrain 5 years/100,000 km
    • Corrosion surface 3 years/ 60,000 km
  •  Starting at $32,998

  • Price as tested $49,298

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