Nissan makes some night moves

THE RUSH OF LIMITED EDITION models continues with Nissan announcing the release of its Qashqai Midnight Edition.

Offered for the first time to mark the release of the latest-generation Qashqai, the Midnight Edition is dressed to impress, but also includes many of the high-end interior, connectivity and Intelligent Mobility features shared with the premium ST-L and Ti grades.

“Combining a bold new look with the premium features and technology synonymous with the Qashqai, the Midnight Edition is an exciting addition to our SUV family,” says Nissan Australia Managing Director, Stephen Lester.

“Style doesn’t come without substance at Nissan, and so the Midnight Edition isn’t just equipped with a stand-out look, but with our latest safety and technology features, too.”

The limited edition gets some useful inclusions

The uniquely badged Midnight Edition’s stand-out, street-smart look is created by the clever use of gloss black as the dramatic contrast agent to its five body colour choices.

On approach, the gloss black signature V-motion grille sets it apart, complemented by body-coloured front and rear bumpers and side mouldings, all with gloss black inserts.

Adding visual impact and staying true to the night-moves theme is the use of 19-inch Black Wind alloy wheels, fitted with 225/45 low-profile tyres unique to the Midnight Edition. Gloss black is again the key exterior identifier for the roof rails and side mirrors.

The illuminated kickplate is more for show than of any real use

The illuminated Qashqai kick plates add a bold entry statement, enhanced by brushed black accents across the dashboard and door trims, a black headliner and air vents defined in gloss black. Black leather accents are also used on the steering wheel, shift knob and gearshift surround (Nissan kindly points out that “leather accented features and upholstery may contain synthetic material”).

Alcantara and leather-accented seats are standard equipment on the Qashqai Midnight Edition, with both the driver’s and passenger’s front seats six-way manually adjustable, with two-way lumbar support.

A black leather-accented lid covers the centre console between driver and front-seat passenger, while in the rear, the versatile 60/40 split rear-seat arrangement incorporates a rear centre armrest, which folds down to provide two additional cup holders for rear passengers.

Clever headlight technology is standard

The Midnight Edition’s LED headlights sense light change, and as in the premium Qashqai Ti, this special-edition SUV has Nissan’s Adaptive Front Lighting System, where the low-beam headlights track with the steering angle to provide superior illumination on curving roads.

As with all other models in the Qashqai range, the Midnight Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection engine coupled to an Xtronic transmission with manual shift mode and Eco Mode. Suspension is all-independent, with multi-link at the rear, and front and rear stabiliser bars.

The Midnight Edition also benefits from a host of Nissan Intelligent Mobility active-safety features, including Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Intelligent Driver Alert.

Audio features and connectivity set the new standard in this SUV class with a digital radio (DAB+), Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming with voice recognition, and sat-nav with traffic monitoring, all controlled via a 7.0-inch colour touch-screen display.

Five colour choices are available with the Midnight Edition: Vivid Blue, Ivory Pearl, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Red and Pearl Black.

The Qashqai Midnight Edition represents good value at $35,900 (plus on road costs), and will arrive in Nissan’s Dealerships from mid-November.

It may contain “synthetic material” but it still looks good

The Nissan Qashqai Midnight Edition features:

  • Gloss black V-motion grille
  • Darkened LED headlights with integrated LED turn indicators
  • Adaptive Front-Lighting System
  • Gloss black front and rear bumper blades
  • Body coloured front, rear, side bumpers and wheel arch mouldings
  • Black 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Gloss black mirror caps with auto-fold function
  • Gloss black body side moulding
  • Gloss black roof rails
  • Darkened LED taillights
  • Gloss and brushed black interior accents
  • Illuminated kick plates
  • Alcantara suede seat trim with leather accents
  • Black roof headliner
  • ‘Midnight’ badge

Once we have tested and assessed the new Nissan Qashqai Midnight Edition, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.