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Nissan Qashqai road test report

Nissan Qashqai

A mild facelift keeps the Nissan Qashqai in the running as a family-friendly crossover that’s good to drive and affordable to own. There’s also the +2 model for those who need some extra space for people and luggage, while a new Pure Drive model lowers emissions. Otherwise, the Qashqai continues to work as a practical alternative to the mainstream of family hatches.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Nissan Qashqai

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ALISDAIR SAYS

Performance Performance - 3 stars

Four engines make up the Nissan Qashqai’s line-up, starting with the 114bhp petrol 1.6. This engine has to work hard for its living in the Qashqai and only gives its best when revved hard. It’s a similar story with the 105bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor, though this unit’s greater mid-rev shove – 177lb ft at 2000rpm compared to the 1.6 petrol’s 115lb ft at 4400rpm – helps to make it feel more flexible in everyday driving. The petrol 1.6 is quicker off the mark, covering 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds to the smaller diesel’s 12.2 second time, but the 1.5 dCi diesel is the more enjoyable and usable. There is also a revised Pure Drive version of the 1.5 turbodiesel that lowers carbon dioxide emissions to 129g/km in the standard Qashqai, where the +2 model gives 138g/km. However, the pay-off for this is the Pure Drive is slightly slower from 0-62mph at 12.8 seconds, though this isn’t particularly noticeable on the road. The best engine choice is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel that comes with 148bhp, 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds (9.9 for the four-wheel drive model) and plenty of overtaking urge thanks to 236lb ft of grunt delivered at 2000rpm. A 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is offered in front-drive form with a six-speed manual ’box or with a continuously variable transmission and there's also the option four-wheel drive. A front-drive 2.0-litre takes 10.1 seconds for 0-62mph, but the petrol doesn’t feel as rounded as the 2.0-litre turbodiesel.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

The off-roader element to the Qashqai’s design means it has long travel suspension that makes it ideal for soaking up lumpy road surfaces in town and on faster roads. Don’t be fooled into think the Qashqai is a mud-plugger, though, as even the four-wheel drive models have limited ground clearance. Instead, the four-wheel drive offers greater on-road traction and security when it comes to wet roundabouts and sludgy country lanes. The front-wheel drive Qashqai models are also adept handlers and the steering is surprisingly full of feel, helped by small changes to the suspension set-up of the revised model. Only black mark here is the steering can seem a little leaden when parking in tight spots. However, the revised Qashqai is a little more refined at all speeds thanks to more sound proofing around the front footwells and a new windscreen designed to keep noise at bay.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

The Qashqai is a Nissan through and through, so that means first rate quality is evident in its build. The revisions Nissan has made are small and subtle, mostly to the look of dials and a new cubby in the centre console. All of this is made from high grade materials, so the updated Qashqai is every bit as solid as the original version. The engines and transmissions have proved themselves to be strong and reliable, so Nissan justifies its reputation for rugged cars with the Qashqai.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

There’s nothing to complain about when it comes to being safe and secure in the Qashqai. There are twin front, side and curtain airbags, though the curtains don’t extend the full length of the cabin in the +2 model. There’s also anti-lock brakes, ESP traction and stability control on every model. Security is taken care of by an alarm, immobiliser and remote central locking. Top spec Qashqai models come with keyless entry and starting, but the car won’t fire up unless the key is close to the driver’s seat, so no worries there about thieves jumping in while you load up the boot with the key in your pocket.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

The raised driving position of the Qashqai gives the commanding driving position that so many value in an SUV, yet the driving position is more akin to a hatch’s for comfort. All-round vision is good for this type of car, though the thick rear pillars can make some reversing manoeuvres trickier than in a more normal hatch or estate. Space for those in the front is good and the rear seat passengers are also well looked after. The third row of seats in the +2 offer limited space for knees and heads, so these pews are best kept for taking children on short journeys. The standard Qashqai has a generous boot that is easily extended by folding the 60/40 split and drop rear seats. In the +2, the boot is tiny if all seven seats are in use, but becomes a very useful load bay if the two rear-most sears are stowed away flat into the load floor.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

The Qashqai offers advantages over many small hatches, such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, thanks to its SUV-alike styling. It’s also proved to be good at hanging on to its value as a used car thanks to its enduring popularity. There’s no reason to think the revised Qashqai will not continue this trend. Running costs are much the same as for a small hatch and the 1.5 turbodiesel returns 55.3mpg combined economy, or 57.6 in Pure Drive spec. The 1.6 petrol manages 42.2mpg, while the 2.0-litre petrol offers 37.1mpg. Go for the 2.0-litre turbodiesel and you can expect 44.1mpg and 167g/km carbon dioxide emissions. Insurance and servicing are eminently affordable and the revised Qashqai retains the same trim levels and equipment line-up as before. So, there’s Visia, Acenta and Tekna trims, with air conditioning, CD stereo and alloy wheels for all. The Acenta adds cruise and climate controls, while the Tekna gains leather seats and a rear reversing camera that is included with the satellite navigation that comes with top spec Qashqais.

Submitted: 22/04/2010 08:36:37

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