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Nissan opportunely joined the compact SUV segment in 2007 with the Qashqai, a compact crossover SUV named following nomadic tribes of Iran. The Qashqai permitted the Japanese automotive powerhouse to be 1 pioneer in the freshly designed phase of smaller SUVs. Following 15 decades and above 3 million units bought, the Qashqai carries on to be a benchmark but now with a plethora of rivals threaten to steal its place in this segment.
We are talking about the Korean automaker KIA, which lastly fronted up the tiny SUV playground with their very first generation Seltos in 2019. With a title taken from the son of Hercules, this subcompact crossover arrived as an fascinating proposal with an beautiful pack of goodies. In 2022, the Seltos still offers remarkable value for income and an participating powertrain to butt heads with one particular of its key rivals like the Qashqai and see who’s in the smaller SUV segment.
Nissan Qashqai
Selling price: $25,098 CAD / 33,890 AUD / $24,960 USD (Nissan Rogue Activity)
By way of Autopista
The present technology of the Qashqai characteristics ProPILOT electrification and semi-autonomous driving to carve out a specialized niche for by itself as the minimal brother of the X-Path.
The Ariya, Nissan’s electric SUV, evidently motivated its design and style. Even so, with noticeably much more compact proportions, it measures 4.42 meters prolonged. The front close receives boomerang headlamps, a sharp V-Motion grille, and vertical styling lines in the fascia. The rear keeps a more conservative fashion dependent on the identical DNA of the Qashqai it replaces.
There are also essential novelties in the mechanical department, with an provide of electrified engines and with no diesel. As a substitute, the Japanese manufacturer has accompanied the only gasoline motor with an unprecedented e-Energy hybrid propulsion technique for the prime trim comprising an electric powered motor with a standard combustion engine (petrol). This configuration will work as a generator to demand the batteries that present electricity to the electric powered motor, the only just one in charge of only going the car.
A 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline motor powers the relaxation of the variety in two accessible outputs: 140 horsepower–available only with a 6-speed handbook transmission–and 158 horsepower, with Xtronic automated transmission and both FWD or AWD. The Nissan Qashqai has offered nicely given that its launch.
By way of Autobild
Nissan has thoroughly upgraded this block to involve the 12V delicate hybrid procedure. In addition, it incorporates a individual lithium battery put in beneath the floor and a belt-driven generator to obtain braking electrical power, furnishing torque help through acceleration.
The Qashqai is based mostly on the new CMF-C platform, shared with other models in the group, this kind of as the Sentra, the Renault Mégane, or the Mitsubishi Outlander. This innovative architecture reduces bodyweight when enhancing its rigidity, which translates into greater trip quality and outstanding safety for passengers.
This vehicle is rebranded for United states markets as the Nissan Rogue Sport.
For other marketplaces like Canada, the Qashqai is out there with a 2. inline-four engine creating 141 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque. The Canadian Qashqai features Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Constantly Variable Transmission). The 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline motor with moderate-hybrid support in 140 hp achieves 44.5 mpg.
By way of Prime Equipment
Aesthetically, the Qashqai been given a very well-deserved restyling, which introduced back the swag it had been dropping as the prior generation was exhibiting indications of aging. The new style is a lot much more purposeful, with sharper lines that produce a distinct intention of the brand name to develop extra futuristic silhouettes.
The new Qashqai features a spacious inside for 5 passengers with a metropolis-welcoming exterior for uncomplicated maneuverability but nevertheless not as roomy or adaptable as some competitors. Also, it has a generous boot house of 648 cu. ft. (504 L), excluding baggage boards.
According to Whatcar.com, the Nissan Qashqai has caught with the winning mixture of an elevated driving posture, stylish yet reasonably rugged looks, and down-to-earth managing prices although also supplying buyers a great deal of trims selections – from entry-stage Visia suitable up to deluxe Tekna+.
Generate.com suggests the new 2022 Nissan Qashqai crossover is smarter, safer, and greater equipped than its predecessor.
Execs: Refined layout within and out, packed with sophisticated technology, substantial degree of standard protection characteristics.
Downsides: Continue to relies on a CVT. Other rivals offer you better seating overall flexibility, underwhelming efficiency.
By means of Kia
Kia Seltos
Price: $22,590 USD / 23,595 CAD / 26,700 AUD
The Kia Seltos is just one of the most latest products of the South Korean brand, arriving in 2019 to contend in the subcompact SUV phase. On the lookout from the exterior, Seltos characteristics a basic still appealing style, with a lot of straight traces ending in the contrasting grille at the front. The Kia Seltos GT Line 2022 is a product that has established the common within just its segment for its spacious interior and terrific technological offer.
A single of the most very important areas of the KIA Seltos 2022 is below the hood. The GT Line edition will come with a 1.4-liter turbo engine, capable of generating 138 hp and 179 lb-ft, ample to move with simplicity. It doesn’t struggle to retain a good speed on the highway, nor does it want to thrust the motor too challenging to achieve freeway speeds. Some turbo lag forces you to sink your foot a little more on the accelerator when commencing, but it is not a hold off that hinders driving.
By using LA Times
The twin-clutch automatic transmission mitigates the influence of turbo lag. It does a wonderful position squeezing the most effective overall performance out of the engine with no influencing gas financial state far too much. Having said that, in conditions of driving manners, the Kia Seltos 2022 factors considerably extra to ease and comfort than to sportiness.
Fuel economic climate for the Seltos is an EPA-believed rating of 27/31 mpg city/freeway. The more impressive 175-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder styles have a a bit lower fuel economic system rating of 25/30 mpg.
The suspension has a very tender contact, which transmits robustness when likely as a result of potholes and does not get to start when tracing curves on the highway. Nevertheless, there is a marked body roll.
The 2022 Kia Seltos GT Line has a easy, roomy, and sensible cabin on the other hand, this does not necessarily mean it lacks practicality. On the opposite, the interior gives ample comfort and space for 5 persons and a boot house of 15.3 cu. ft. (433 liters). At the exact time, this version boasts a specified sporty air by integrating exclusive options these types of as GT Line sports bucket seats.
By means of CNET
At the end of the working day, the 2022 KIA Seltos is a fairly balanced SUV in handling. Its engine helps make it agile, though the chassis pursues the convenience of an SUV geared toward family and city mobility.
Vehicle and Driver say the Seltos carves out a tiny niche and satisfies drivers with a charming chassis and a comfortable cabin.
U.S. Information describes the Kia Seltos as a single of the roomiest and most gas-economical subcompact SUVs all around, and it offers good dealing with, but its powertrains leave room for enhancement.
Execs: Upscale interior resources and design, powerful powertrain, large stage of comfort and ease tools.
Cons: Unimpressive managing, not a whole lot of driving aids, it doesn’t offer you an electrified variation.
Verdict
Despite the fact that the Kia Seltos has come to be a major contender in the compact SUV segment, it falls short regarding technology and overall performance and not supplying a variation with some amount of electrification.
Still, thanks to its boxy good seems, useful proportions, hardy presentation, first rate performance, sufficient road clearance, considerate machines amounts, and over-all price for revenue, the Seltos designs up as a handsome and likable overachiever of the little SUV set.
On the other hand, the now veteran Qashqai carries on to be a benchmark in the little SUV segment. It stays one of the most powerful products in its class. The restyling that Nissan gave to the new generation Qashqai and the incorporation of a gentle hybrid powertrain make it the winner of this showdown, but not by significantly difference.
Opposition in the compact SUV section is having far more thrilling and fiercer yr following 12 months, we see designs that threaten the throne of the forerunner of the section.