THE Nissan Qashqai, recently introduced to Jamaica by local dealers Fidelity Motors, is a crossover vehicle aimed at the Toyota RAV 4/Honda CRV market.

Available in a choice of four wheel (4WD) or two wheel drive (2WD) the Qashqai is offered by Fidelity in the 2.0 litre engine configuration.

The Qashqai, latest in the Nissan family, however has a 1.5L diesel engine, a 1.6 Litre petrol engine and a 2.0Litre diesel engine in its line up.

It proudly states some creature comforts, such as a refrigerated glove box, normally a feature in SUVs closer to the top end.

Compared to the Rav 4, the Qashqai is in similar price range and depending on the level also give the same or more features.

Just hitting the market Auto now pits the new Qashqai against an old favourite — the Toyota Rav 4.

Nissan Qashqai — 2010

Price: 2WD — $4.3 million (starting)

4WD — $4.9 million (approx)

Engine(s): 2.0Litre petrol

Transmission: 6-speed tiptronic

Dimensions:

Wheelbase — 2,630 mm

Length — 4,315 mm

Width — 1,785 mm

Height — 1,605 mm

Brakes: ABS

Tyres: 2WD — 16″ alloy wheels; 4WD –17″ alloy wheels

Seating capacity: 7

Fuel Tank Capacity: unavailable

Fuel consumption: 35.8 mpg

Safety Features: Dual airbags

Special Features: Telescopic steering wheel adjustment, keyless entry with a factory alarm system, factory fitted cd player, refrigerated glove box, automated headlights and windshield wipers, headlight levelling, dual air condition, fabric seats

Toyota Rav 4 — 2010

Price: $4.2 million starting

Limited — approx $5 million

Engine(s): 2.0-Litre gasoline (1AZ-FE)

4 Cylinders, in line 16-vavle DOHC

Transmission:

5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

Electronically controlled 4WD

Dimensions:

Wheelbase — 2,560mm

Length — 4,395 mm

Width — 1,815mm

Height — 1,720mm

Seating capacity: 5

Brakes: ABS, Front -Ventilated discs with single piston calipers, Rear — Solid Discs

Tyres: 225/65R17 or 215/70R16

Top Speed: 185 km/h

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres

Fuel consumption: 8.6 Litres per 100 km (combined)

Safety Features:

Anti-Theft System (immobiliser), Driver and front passenger airbags.

Special Features:

AM/FM/CD with Six Speakers, keyless entry with illumination

(LTD version: Leather seats, smart start and smart entry, cruise control, vehicle stability control and downhill assist)