Sometimes you drive a new vehicle and from the very start it just impresses.
Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV did this for me – just a great allrounder – I tested
the mid-spec ST-L, all models front wheel drive powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four-
cylinder petrol engine linked to a CVT automatic, the drive experience a good one
with minimal slip through the continuously variable automatic generally offering a
nice blend of power and torque with three available drive modes– I managed
6.5L/100km with mainly around town motoring, but it does need 95 grade
premium fuel. Importantly, the Nissan Qashqai feels light and nimble on road –
Nissan have stripped a lot of weight out of this latest model, around 60 kilos,
using many aluminium body panels yet with advanced stamping and welding
techniques it has a 48 percent increase in structural rigidity. It feels so on road
with excellent steering response, a somewhat effortless SUV to drive with 250Nm
of torque from as low as 1600 revs. The ST-L a nice choice for a small family
however at $45,900 drive-away not the most affordable small SUV but its quality,
well equipped and nicely packaged apart from the lack of a rear power door, just
so handy when shopping. I’m David Berthon

Sometimes you drive a new vehicle and from the very start it just impresses. Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV did this for me – just a great allrounder – I tested the mid-spec ST-L, all models front wheel drive powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four- cylinder petrol engine linked to a CVT automatic, the drive experience a good one with minimal slip through the continuously variable automatic generally offering a nice blend of power and torque with three available drive modes– I managed 6.5L/100km with mainly around town motoring, but it does need 95 grade premium fuel. Importantly, the Nissan Qashqai feels light and nimble on road – Nissan have stripped a lot of weight out of this latest model, around 60 kilos, using many aluminium body panels yet with advanced stamping and welding techniques it has a 48 percent increase in structural rigidity. It feels so on road with excellent steering response, a somewhat effortless SUV to drive with 250Nm of torque from as low as 1600 revs. The ST-L a nice choice for a small family however at $45,900 drive-away not the most affordable small SUV but its quality, well equipped and nicely packaged apart from the lack of a rear power door, just so handy when shopping. I’m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

Nissan’s small Qashqai ST-L SUV – well equipped and packaged

Driving Alfa Romeo stylish Tonale SUV – the Italian performance brand’s first small SUV. Two front wheel drive petrol mild hybrids, Ti and Veloce – I drove the highly equipped and sportier Veloce at $57,900, a sharply priced compact performance skewed SUV on larger 19-inch allow wheels. Alfa pairing a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The Veloce also gaining an electronic adaptive suspension. After years of driving sporty Alfa cars how does the Tonale perform in a small SUV – Alfa’s hybrid system is unique in that it can drive the wheels up to 40km/hour. There’s three designated DNA drive modes - best in the D for Dynamic mode where it’s very lively but in the N or Natural mode and A for Advanced Efficiency mode the transition between hybrid and petrol power at times confuses the dual /clutch automatic – and creates a performance lag. Ride is on the firm side while steering is as good as it gets. Economy, 7L/100km on 95 RON petrol despite some fast open road touring. The Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce won’t appeal to everyone wanting a small premium SUV but it has a certain appeal, my wife actually fell in love with it. I’m David Berthon

Driving Alfa Romeo stylish Tonale SUV – the Italian performance brand’s first small SUV. Two front wheel drive petrol mild hybrids, Ti and Veloce – I drove the highly equipped and sportier Veloce at $57,900, a sharply priced compact performance skewed SUV on larger 19-inch allow wheels. Alfa pairing a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The Veloce also gaining an electronic adaptive suspension. After years of driving sporty Alfa cars how does the Tonale perform in a small SUV – Alfa’s hybrid system is unique in that it can drive the wheels up to 40km/hour. There’s three designated DNA drive modes - best in the D for Dynamic mode where it’s very lively but in the N or Natural mode and A for Advanced Efficiency mode the transition between hybrid and petrol power at times confuses the dual /clutch automatic – and creates a performance lag. Ride is on the firm side while steering is as good as it gets. Economy, 7L/100km on 95 RON petrol despite some fast open road touring. The Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce won’t appeal to everyone wanting a small premium SUV but it has a certain appeal, my wife actually fell in love with it. I’m David Berthon

Alfa Romeo’s small Tonale Veloce SUV – sporty and stylish SUV with a difference

Driving Alfa Romeo’s first small SUV today – the stylish Tonale now Alfa Romeo’s biggest seller. The Italian performance brand celebrating its 115th year has struggled here in recent years, but its first compact SUV has a chance to lift the brands profile, prices starting at a rather sharp $49,990 for the Ti model. Step up to the Tonale Veloce and its still very competitive at $57,900 – both models feature a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with mild hybrid assistance driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. I tested the better equipped Veloce which gains larger 19-inch wheels, adaptive electronic suspension, Alcantara and faux leather trim and a swag of active safety systems including rear cross traffic alert, and a welcome 360-degree parking camera. The interior best described as cosy and functional with elements of Alfa Romeo sporty character evident in the instrumentation cluster, the Tonale more skewed as a personal urban SUV rather than a small family carrier with rear space tight – seating configured for four adults rather than five. Warranty: five years/unlimited kilometre. The Tonale a premium compact SUV sharply priced, appealingly different and well equipped but how does it drive – details next segment. I’m David Berthon

Driving Alfa Romeo’s first small SUV today – the stylish Tonale now Alfa Romeo’s biggest seller. The Italian performance brand celebrating its 115th year has struggled here in recent years, but its first compact SUV has a chance to lift the brands profile, prices starting at a rather sharp $49,990 for the Ti model. Step up to the Tonale Veloce and its still very competitive at $57,900 – both models feature a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with mild hybrid assistance driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. I tested the better equipped Veloce which gains larger 19-inch wheels, adaptive electronic suspension, Alcantara and faux leather trim and a swag of active safety systems including rear cross traffic alert, and a welcome 360-degree parking camera. The interior best described as cosy and functional with elements of Alfa Romeo sporty character evident in the instrumentation cluster, the Tonale more skewed as a personal urban SUV rather than a small family carrier with rear space tight – seating configured for four adults rather than five. Warranty: five years/unlimited kilometre. The Tonale a premium compact SUV sharply priced, appealingly different and well equipped but how does it drive – details next segment. I’m David Berthon

Alfa Romeo’s Tonale Veloce SUV – interesting small premium SUV with Italian flair.

In recent months we’ve seen a number of Chinese electric car imports discount their products. The arrival of more Chinese brands in the next six months is behind the move as the competition intensifies. With the car market already subdued due to cost-of-living pressures and with electric car sales currently on a slide the discounts are set to continue putting pressure on the established competition. Spanish brand Cupra, which arrived on the market here in 2022 with non-negotiable pricing, has indicated it won’t be following the discounting trend with its small Born electric hatch suggesting it is worthy of a price premium – this despite the fact that after getting off with a flying start Cupra sales have slowed, down by 36 per cent against the same time last year – the small Cupra Born showing the biggest decline, down by 43 percent. I’m David Berthon

In recent months we’ve seen a number of Chinese electric car imports discount their products. The arrival of more Chinese brands in the next six months is behind the move as the competition intensifies. With the car market already subdued due to cost-of-living pressures and with electric car sales currently on a slide the discounts are set to continue putting pressure on the established competition. Spanish brand Cupra, which arrived on the market here in 2022 with non-negotiable pricing, has indicated it won’t be following the discounting trend with its small Born electric hatch suggesting it is worthy of a price premium – this despite the fact that after getting off with a flying start Cupra sales have slowed, down by 36 per cent against the same time last year – the small Cupra Born showing the biggest decline, down by 43 percent. I’m David Berthon

Nissan’s small Qashqai ST-L SUV – well equipped and packaged

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