This is one of the most closely fought Torque comparison tests in 2010.
All three “Forest Glam” candidates are modern crossovers with 4-cylinder CVT front-drive propulsion, a cheerful choice of colours and a price tag of around $115k. All three cars are elevated, well engineered, comfortably equipped and foolproof on the road (but probably not flood-proof on Orchard Road). Picking an outright winner might be unfair to the runners-up, but only one hatchback here can leave this shoot-out safe and sound.
That would be the Nissan Qashqai. It expertly melds together the fun of the ASX and the functionality of the Koleos, while blending in its brand of animalistic aggression and European experience. Helped by its recent tasteful upgrade, the Qashqai succeeds in its concrete jungle mission by doing most things right and precious few things wrong (i.e. comparatively poor interior packaging and some quality hiccups). Simply put, the Nissan is the most capable of the three crossovers.
Admittedly, some drivers would still go for the ASX because it’s sexy and extrovert, or the Koleos because it’s cute and cuddly and a “special” sight on local roads. But in our opinion, the revised Qashqai is probably the smartest pocket rhino today for the Singapore-style suburban motoring safari, or the Night Safari for that matter.
Nissan Qashqai Premium 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1997cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 138bhp at 5200rpm
Max Torque 196Nm at 4800rpm
Power to weight 106.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.7 seconds
Top Speed 180km/h
Consumption 12.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact 2E
Size 215/55 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4330mm
Width 1783mm
Height 1606mm
Wheelbase 2630mm
Kerb Weight 1300kg
Turning Circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price $112,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Convincing mix of style and substance; well-judged ride, handling and performance
– Cabin less roomy than the rest, some cheap bits, certain errors in ergonomics
Renault Koleos 2.4 4×2 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2488cc
Bore x stroke 89mm x 100mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Max Power 170bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 226Nm at 4400rpm
Power to weight 106.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.9 seconds
Top Speed 187km/h
Consumption 10.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental 4×4 Contact
Size 225/60 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS only
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4520mm
Width 1865mm
Height 1695mm
Wheelbase 2690mm
Kerb Weight 1595kg
Turning Circle 11.6m
BUYING IT
Price $115,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Practicality and versatility, useful pick-up, pliant ride, safety credentials
– Soft in corners, glitches in quality and useability, oddly placed cruise control
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 G (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 150bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 197Nm at 4200rpm
Power to weight 109.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 270
Size 215/60 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 3
Traction Control ABS with ASC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4295mm
Width 1770mm
Height 1615mm
Wheelbase 2670mm
Kerb Weight 1375kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $117,988 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Attractive design, practical cabin, good handling, more outgoing than Outlander
– Unimpressive drivetrain, taller-Lancer design lacks character, lousy glovebox
