Practicality 4.3/ 5

Volkswagen Tiguan vs rivals

RENAULT claims a 527-litre boot for the Kadjar, which is 88 litres behind the Tiguan. However, the VW’S figure is with the rear bench upright; place it at a more comfortable angle, and there’s little to separate the two. The Renault also benefits from reasonable underfloor storage, although the Qashqai is better still. The load area is well shaped, but if you want to carry a spare wheel, a space-saver costs £95.

Fold the seats and there’s a 1,620-litre capacity, although the VW is a fraction ahead, on 1,755 litres. Rear space is similar to the Nissan and VW’S, but the transmission tunnel eats into the room. Cabin storage is well thought-out, with a decent glovebox, two-level centre armrest bin and a 12V socket in the rear.

Road tests

THE second-generation Nissan Qashqai has been the UK’S best-selling crossover ever since it launched in 2014, so it’s the car the Tiguan has to beat if it’s going to be a sales success. As we’ve seen, it uses the same running gear as the Kadjar, and it’s the well equipped 1.6 dci Tekna version we try here. It costs £27,160, which slots it between our Tiguan and Kadjar test models on price.

Styling 3.9/ 5

BIG sales numbers mean the Nissan Qashqai is a common sight on UK roads, so it’s a good job it has a distinctive look. While the overall silhouette is standard crossover fare, Nissan has added some neat detailing to help it stand out.

Up front, the V-shaped bars that flank the Nissan emblem are a signature design cue that’s seen across the company’s range, while the bright LED daytime running lights feature a unique design to distinguish the Qashqai from the seven-seat X-trail. But the multibulb design looks a little dated when compared with the sharp C-shaped lights on the Renault. At least they’re complemented by full LED headlamps on Tekna models; these are a £1,350 option on the VW.

Further back, curves sweep up from the nose and over the front wings, while the black wheelarch extensions and door sills give the Qashqai a slimmer look than the chunky Tiguan. The Nissan’s side repeaters are integrated into the wing mirrors, while the chrome-trimmed window line runs to the back of the car, where it kicks up towards the tailgate. Tekna models feature silver roof rails and 19-inch polished alloy wheels, which add a bit of style to the exterior, plus the wraparound taillights are another familiar Nissan design cue.

Inside, the Qashqai has a different layout to the Kadjar, although there are some obvious signs of parts sharing in places. For example, the basic shell of the climate controls is the same, it’s just that the buttons have been assigned different functions to set the cars apart. In reality, this is only an issue when the models are lined up side-by-side, and in everyday driving it’s not a concern.

The rest of the dash features Nissan’s standard multimedia system, while conventional dials flank a colour trip computer, although as in the VW, it looks a bit dated compared with the Kadjar’s TFT rev counter.

Elsewhere, Tekna models come with full leather and heated front seats, and the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable, too. Build quality is firstrate, and LED ambient lighting around the centre console adds a classy touch to the cabin, but there are some hard plastics on show, especially on the doors and around the centre console.

Driving 3.8/ 5

AS the Qashqai and Kadjar are closely related, it will come as no surprise that they deliver similar performance, both in a straight line and through corners. Nissan’s 128bhp 1.6-litre diesel is used in both cars here, although the Qashqai was the fastest model on test; it covered 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds, which was a tenth faster than the Tiguan, and well ahead of the traction control-limited Renault.

The Qashqai was only slightly behind the Tiguan through the gears, which is impressive considering the car’s lower power and torque figures, while its in-gear times were faster. As with the Renault, the Nissan’s box is smooth, but doesn’t quite have the same positive action as the VW’S. Still, at least the engine is more responsive from as low as 1,500rpm.

Nissan’s Trace Control system enhances the Qashqai’s handling by applying the brake to the inside front wheel in corners, while the combination of 19-inch wheels and low-profile tyres means the Nissan feels sportier to drive than the Tiguan. There isn’t much body roll in bends, and like the Kadjar, the ride is reasonably comfortable considering the wheel and tyre combination, although the car is a little firmer than the Renault at all speeds.

Ownership 4.1/ 5

THE Qashqai earned a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating in 2014, and it comes with six airbags as standard, plus Isofix child seat mounts in the rear. Go for the top-spec Tekna model, and you benefit from the full suite of safety kit available on the Nissan.

Safety Shield adds speed limit recognition, auto dipping main beam, lane and blind spot assist, autonomous emergency braking and driver alert. Plus, the 360-degree camera system and standard front and rear parking sensors mean the car assists you in just about every situation. To put that into perspective, the Tiguan only offers 360-degree cameras, side monitoring and adaptive cruise as optional extras that total almost £1,500.

If only Nissan’s garages performed as well as its cars. The network ranked only 29th out of 31 in our most recent Driver Power dealer survey; one place ahead of VW’S but well behind Renault’s in 12th. The Qashqai has fallen out of favour with owners, too, dropping to 131st in the Driver Power 2016 Top 150.

Running costs 4.4/ 5

AGAIN, the Qashqai and Kadjar are closely matched on running costs, and the Nissan’s slightly higher price explains its marginally higher company car bills.

There’s a similar level of kit to the Renault, so again you’re getting more for your money than with the pricier Tiguan. As well as the extra safety kit, you benefit from LED headlights, tyre pressure monitors, a heated windscreen, full leather and keyless entry and starting. The only options on the Tekna are panoramic glass (£400) and Alcantara sports seats (£495).

Residuals of 44 per cent are reasonable for a car that’s sold in high volumes, and put the Qashqai just ahead of the Renault for resale value, although the VW is predicted to hold its price slightly better.

Nissan is offering a three-year servicing deal for £299 if you buy a Qashqai on contract, which is good value compared with VW’S £288 two-year package.