Nissan Qashqai

Our verdict as huge-selling SUV gets updated

NISSAN will talk about Qashqai sales figures until it’s blue in the face. This car is a tremendous success story – it was a decade ago bosses took the controversial decision to move away from family hatchbacks to build a crossover instead, and since then 2.3 million have been bought in Europe. The Qashqai is also the UK’S third best-selling car so far this year.

It’s tough at the top, though. Almost every mainstream maker has cottoned on to the profitability of the mid-sized crossover, which is why the Qashqai now trails newer rivals such as the SEAT Ateca and Peugeot 3008 (tested on Page 48), plus the Renault Kadjar, in the Auto Express pecking order.

Nissan has added a raft of updates for 2017, aimed at breathing new life into its biggest money-spinner, and we’re driving it for the first time to see if they can bring it back into contention. The new Qashqai gets the more distinctive ‘V-motion’ front end design adapted from the new Micra, as well as reshaped daytime running lights, fresh colours and aero-optimised 19-inch alloys.

The visual tweaks are more extensive than we’ve seen from many brands recently, but the Qashqai is still recognisable as Nissan’s middleweight SUV. Further airflow enhancement comes from neat underbody ‘vortex generators’ that are meant to aid stability, reduce drag and cut wind noise.

Inside, the focus has been on improving perceived quality rather than loading the car with new tech. More tactile materials and extra leather on the doors, dash and centre console help lift the ambience. Most touch points feel pleasant and fairly upmarket, and the new steering wheel is smarter and nicer to hold. The cabin is clearly improved, although the unexciting design lacks the outright wow factor of the Peugeot or ergonomic excellence of the SEAT.

The new Tekna+ flagship trim tested here has premium car touches such as 3D-effect quilted leather and an eight-speaker Bose stereo. Electric heated seats, a panoramic roof, adaptive LED lights and Nissan’s 360-degree parking camera are also fitted, while extra safety kit includes rear-cross traffic alert and pedestrian detection for the autonomous braking system.

It’s a pity the updated Qashqai doesn’t yet get the ‘PROPILOT’ semi-autonomous driving system. It’s available to order on Japanese models, but the tech hasn’t been

“Inside, the focus has been on improving perceived quality rather than loading it with new technology”