Winners and losers in the SUV race
Nissan may not have its troubles to seek, but the Japanese manufacturer still makes the motoring headlines, says Carmel Stewart
The qash qaih as been a winner for Nissan from the off.
Built in Sunderland alongside the Juke and the all-electric Leaf, it was first launched to critical acclaim here in 2007 and shot straight to the top of the charts where it has remained ever since – and this despite the fact that the competition has increased every year with more and moreto the list of suv/ crossovers now available.
For the record, a crossover is an industry invention which allows manufacturers to combine two aspects of different cars, in this case off-road styling and hatchback dynamics. Really it is a description which allows car designers to do what they please with no fear of their creation dropping into a sector less black hole.
No danger of that happening to the Qashqai which is snapped up across Europe as soon as it rolls off the assembly line. And, although the X-trail is not now going to be built in Sunderland, production of the Qashqai is apparently secure – for now.
Since its launch, the Qashqai has had a few facelifts, revamps, tucks and trims to keep it up-to-date and interesting.
The latest addition is an all-new 1.3litre petrol engine to replace the current 1.2litre and 1.6ltre units. Capable of generating 138bhp or 158bhp, it comes with either a sophisticated all-new, seven-speed dual clutch transmission–available with the higher output only-or a very neat and tidy six-speed manual, available with both.
It has been developed through a multi-way partnership between the Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Alliance and daimler–a partnership severely tested by the arrest of its chairman, Carlos Ghosn, in Japan for ‘financial misconduct’.
However, this new engine warrants a clear tick in the ‘success’ box, as it should, given that during its development it underwent some 40,000 hours of tests and simulations and more than 186,000 miles of validation driving in some of the world’s most extreme conditions.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will vary slightly depending on wheel size and driving style. Under the new, more stringent, WLTP test regime, the overall average CO2 has been measured at 121g/km and average fuel consumption at 41.4mpg.
On the road, the frontwheel-drive Qashqai remains a delight with plenty of interior space, a high driving position and good all-round visibility. Luggage space at 403 litres is more than adequate for family requirements and ups to 1,598 with the rear seat back folded down.
Roadholding is solid and handling as composed as ever. The new engine proved efficient and flexible, delivering power smoothly and quietly across the range with no fuss, making this a perfect family vehicle.
Prices start at £19,995 for the entry-level Visia trim. The Tekna tested upped the starting price to £26,895 but added a host of goodies which more than sweetened the deal. These include very snazzy 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, Tom Tom navigation, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, front and rear sensors, sports seats (power adjustable for the driver), and an excellent 360 degree all-round colour camera among many others.
Regardless of the challenges currently faced by the automotive industry, it is good to know that theuk is continuing to produce excellent, award-winning vehicles.