Nissan testing Qashqai SUV in Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR: Nissan Motor Indonesia is reportedly testing the Qashqai SUV, which could be a part of the brand’s comeback plan in the ASEAN region. A few images of the SUV being tested on the roads of Surabaya, Indonesia have been obtained and published by an online publication.

If the speculations are true, then the 5-seater SUV could be the third vehicle from Nissan in Indonesia this year. It has already launched the new Livina as well as the all-new Serena in the first two months of 2019. Interestingly, the Qashqai shares many components with the Nissan X-Trail, which is already available in Indonesia.

The Nissan Qashqai is already running on the streets of other markets. However, it has distinct variants in different countries. The one found in Australia features an MR20DE 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine that churns out a maximum power of 150hp and a peak torque of 200Nm. However, in the right-hand-drive markets like Singapore and South Africa, the Nissan Qashqai is also offered with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with the X-Tronic CVT transmission.

While the Qashqai looks compact from the outside, it does come with ample space inside. The vehicle is also known for winning the ‘Auto Express Car of the Past 30 Years’ award.

Nissan has gone through a slowdown in introducing new models in the region owing to its concentrated focus in China, America, and European markets. The Qashqai (if launched), along with the other two cars launched this year, may supplement the brand’s speculated revival plan in the ASEAN region.