Nissan Qashqai
BUYING GUIDE The popular Qashqai has long been a family SUV to be reckoned with, and a used one makes a practical, good-value choice In production 2014-present Price from £6000 Our favourite 1.3 DIG-T 140 Acenta Premium ‘The Qashqai strikes a good balan
THE ORIGINAL NISSAN QASHQAI was so successful that it achieved semi-iconic status and spawned a whole generation of immensely popular family SUVS, making this secondgeneration car’s task even harder. But when we first drove the Mk2 version, it was clear that Nissan had improved it beyond measure; it was more spacious, more efficient, nicer to be in and much better to drive. It took our overall Car of the Year award in 2014 and has consistently been one of the best-selling cars in the UK ever since.
During that time, however, a number of new rivals have come along to challenge and dethrone the old king. To stay competitive, the Qashqai has had two major updates – one in 2017 that ushered in tweaked looks, an upgraded interior and retuned suspension, and another last year that featured improved engines and a revised infotainment system.
Initially, you had a choice of 113bhp 1.2-litre and 158bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines, or 109bhp 1.5-litre and 128bhp 1.6-litre diesels, with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a CVT automatic. There was also the option of four-wheel drive. The 2019 update brought a new 1.3-litre petrol engine in two states of tune (138bhp and 158bhp) to replace both the 1.2 and 1.6, plus the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to replace the CVT.
Of the trims, entry-level Visia models come with air conditioning and cruise control. Acenta trim (later known as Acenta Premium) adds 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers. Above that, N-connecta adds privacy glass, bigger wheels and keyless entry. Tekna models ride on bigger (19in) alloy wheels and come with part-leather seats and a panoramic glass roof. Meanwhile, Tekna+ from 2017 onwards gets you more luxurious nappa leather seats.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
On the road, the original 1.2 petrol engine was a bit short on puff, while the 1.6 was livelier but a little thirsty. The 1.5-litre diesel is gutsy and delivers plenty of poke from low revs. The
RIVALS Stylish inside, with a mostly comfy ride and a big boot.
1.6-litre diesel could be a little gravelly but provided a noticeable increase in available shove. On later cars, the lower-powered 1.3 petrol engine strikes a happy compromise between smoothness and economy.
The Qashqai also strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The steering is responsive, the body doesn’t lean too much in corners and there’s plenty of grip, yet it also rides bumps and potholes with real composure, particularly if you avoid the 19in wheels. It also does a really good job of shutting out wind and road noise.
Inside, there’s a neat-looking dashboard and a classy feel to the interior plastics. The 2017 facelift added upgraded materials on the doors and dash. Despite the infotainment update in 2017, the system still isn’t great; the low-res touchscreen reflects badly in sunlight and some of its control icons are too small to hit with confidence while driving.
86 August 2020