Review: Nissan Qashqai
What is it?
When it comes to motoring success stories, the Nissan Qashqai is right up there. Often seen as the original family crossover, it’s a car which delivered just what family buyers needed – loads of space, a robust and well-made interior and a cheap-to-run range of engines which, when combined, made for one very compelling option overall.
In fact, more than three million Qashqais have rolled off the Sunderland production line, which goes to show just how popular this car has proven to be. However, the Qashqai doesn’t have the segment to itself anymore, with competitors coming up left, right and centre. It means this new third-generation car has a difficult job on its hands, so can it deliver? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
Though the outside design still makes this car very recognisable as a Qashqai, there’s a whole lot more going on underneath. This is no facelift, too, as Nissan has given this new model a brand new platform underneath which helps when it comes to integrating electrified powertrains. It’s why you can get the Qashqai with Nissan’s clever ‘e-Power’ hybrid system, though we’re focusing on the more ‘standard’ models here.
There’s boatloads of new technology elsewhere here, too, including a new infotainment system and a clever head-up display which makes viewing information such as your speed clear and easy.
What’s under the bonnet?
As mentioned, you can get the Qashqai with Nissan’s clever e-Power system, but the one we’re looking at today will most likely fit the job for a lot of drivers. It’s centred around a 1.3-litre engine – available with either 138bhp or 156bhp – and both get some mild-hybrid assistance to make them cleaner and more efficient.
We’re testing the more powerful version here, driving through an Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox – though a manual version is also available. Nissan claims that you could do 0-60mph in nine seconds, but efficiency is what it’s really focusing on. As a result, you could see up to 43.5mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 146g/km. If you need a little extra traction, then an all-wheel-drive version is also available.
What’s it like to drive?
The previous generation of Qashqai did well to impress when it came to driving experience and that’s something Nissan has looked to carry over to the new generation while making some tweaks and changes to sharpen things up further. It’s certainly a step forward over the car it replaces, as the new Qashqai handles like a much smaller car, rather than a high-riding crossover. It’s smooth and comfortable, though cars on larger alloy wheels – as is often the case – suffer from a slightly jagged ride quality. Unless you’re dead-set on bigger alloys, we’d recommend going for smaller ones to keep things comfy.
The 1.3-litre engine has enough performance for a car like this and while that 0-60mph time might not be the strongest, the Qashqai still feels quick enough for daily driving. The CVT automatic can be a little noisy at times, mind you.
How does it look?
It’s a great visual move forward with the new Qashqai, while still keeping the look and feel of the much-loved predecessor. The previous-generation car was hardly a bad-looking car, either, so you can understand why things haven’t been changed up too much. It’s got a fresher design, this new version, with a more futuristic presence on the road.
We like the two-tone colour scheme available on many cars, while the wraparound LED lights at the front and rear give the Qashqai a slightly sci-fi flavour.
What’s it like inside?
It’s inside where the older Qashqai always impressed and this new version looks to do the same. Things are positive right away; you get 50 litres of extra boot space in the new Qashqai over the older one – there are now 504 litres available in total – while the rear doors open at near-right angles to help with getting car seats in and out.
The touchscreen is a marked improvement, too, while the overall quality is considerably upped. More premium-feeling materials have been used throughout but it’s all still very hard-wearing and robustly put together, which is just what you want from a family-focused car like this.
What’s the spec like?
Entry-level cars don’t get a touchscreen or even alloy wheels, so we reckon a lot of drivers will go for Qashqai models from Acenta Premium and above. In fact, it’s Acenta Premium which offers more than enough equipment for most, adding in that much-needed infotainment system and alloy wheels, alongside keyless entry and climate control.
You get a full suite of driver assistance systems as standard, too, including blind-spot warning, intelligent rear automatic braking and forward collision warning. Nissan has always been at the cutting edge of safety equipment and that’s very noticeable in this technology-packed Qashqai.
Verdict
The Qashqai has become a go-to model for drivers after a practical and good-value new car, with the older car’s reputation ensuring its continued popularity among buyers. This new version certainly had a hill to climb but thanks to plenty of improvements across the board and a sharper exterior design, it feels like it has pulled things out of the bag.
While some might fancy the added hybrid assistance of the e-Power, it feels like this 1.3-litre mild-hybrid version will no doubt go down a treat with drivers who want an easy-to-live with a crossover that won’t cost the earth to run.
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