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Nissan Qashqai+2 Road Test Report

Nissan Qashqai+2

The Qashqai has won over scores of buyers since its introduction in 2006 and now the chunky, funky Nissan has sprouted an extra row of rear seats to cater for larger families. Mechanically it’s much the same as the outgoing Qashqai, but the Japanese manufacturer has reworked the exterior with some subtle styling changes and even more space inside.

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Performance

The +2 comes with all the engine and transmission options found on the five-seat Qashqai. Currently, there’s a choice of just two engines – a 2.0-litre petrol and a more frugal 2.0-litre turbodiesel option. Smaller engines are on the way early next year in the form of a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre dCi diesel powerplant. The 2.0-litre petrol powerplant is revvy and responsive, but doesn’t deliver the economy or torque of the oil-burning equivalent. The diesel suffers from chronic turbo lag below 1,500rpm, but get it going and it’s gutsy enough to punt the lofty Nissan along at a reasonable lick. It’s also a competent cruiser, but it does sound rattly above 3,000rpm.

Ride & Handling

Don’t expect sports-car levels of handling from the +2. Like the original Qashqai – it’s softly sprung and likes to roll on its axles. That doesn’t mean it’s a dud, though. Those who take the Qashqai for what it is will find that the bouncy ride just adds to the appeal. The ride feels settled and the chassis composed – it’s easy enough to fling the Qashqai around with reasonable confidence. A big selling point for the +2 is the option of four-wheel-drive on all of the current models, which, though heavy, massively improves grip in the wet and gives some ability on rough terrain. The high ground clearance and chunky tyres also make for a decent ride over rough ground, and it feels much more competent than the majority of cars with so-called off-road ability. Equally, the Qashqai is unlikely to worry a Land Rover Defender in the wilderness.

Build Quality & Reliability

Nissan has pitched the Qashqai +2 as a firm all-rounder for go-everywhere families, so it’s built to swallow kids and luggage, and generally take a bit of abuse. Dash plastics and trim are commendable for a car of its price (2.0-litre models start at £17,199) and nothing feels like it’s about to break or snap-off. Coming from a Japanese firm with a reputation as sound as Nissan’s, you get peace of mind and the feeling that you won’t be stranded on the side of the motorway in a cloud of steam.

Safety & Security

The safety conscious will no doubt plump for the four-wheel-drive option for the extra traction and stability on rainy days – and that’s a big selling point. All models, even the entry-level Visia spec examples, benefit from driver, passenger and front side airbags, remote locking, ESP, alarm and immobiliser among other cosseting goodies, so Nissan has certainly catered for protective family types.

Space & Practicality

This is where the Qashqai+2 gets clever. If you’re after a serious seven-seater then look elsewhere. Even Nissan claims that the rearmost seats are only suitable for children up to 1.6 metres tall, so it’s strictly for young families or, more likely, for those who want something more distinctive to roll up to the school gates in and could use the extra space when the kids have friends round. But the +2 is more than just extra seats – Nissan has lengthened the body and wheelbase along with the height, all to offer improved head and leg room over the existing model. There’s also 55 more litres of boot space and individually folding chairs in the rear, which slide back and forth by 240mm – and the central chair can even be folded down for use as an arm rest. Finally, the Qashqai+2 boasts the largest panoramic glass roof of any car on sale today.

Ownership & Value

The Qashqai+2 offers a happy medium between style and practicality. The Vauxhall Zafira might do a better job of swallowing passengers and luggage and an Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon would be more of a head-turner, but the Nissan falls comfortably in the middle – and it won’t let you down either. Don’t consider it a serious seven-seater, but do appreciate its ingenious interior and maximum 915 litres of boot space. For those who dare to be different but don’t fancy losing out on practicality then the +2 is a sound choice.

Submitted: 10/10/2008 10:36:31

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