Competing in the C-segment, Qashqai has been a great success for Nissan since first introduced back in 2007 from when they claim to have invented the crossover blend of hatchback and SUV practicality, writes Trish Whelan.
The second generation was released in 2014 and the third and current one in 2021. Each iteration has held its value reputation as a practical and reliable family car.
The current model is longer, wider and somewhat taller than before and with a longer wheelbase. In looks, it is nicely curvy. Its competition includes Toyota’s RAV 4 and Hyundai’s Tucson.
The cabin is stylish and quite spacious with nice quality soft materials throughout. The slightly curved dash is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 9-inch instruments one, and thankfully real buttons for climate and volume controls instead of having to go through a screen. You can integrate your smartphone, avail of in-car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services which is an app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle. I always appreciate a Head-Up Display (HUD) in a press car and the Qashqai’s in the top spec one provides navigation, driver assistance and road info projected onto the windscreen.
You sit up high in the car so all round visibility is good. Seats were upholstered in a leather and cloth mix and the driver’s had 8-way power adjustments including lumbar control. They were comfortable and supportive so are great for long journeys. There’s good rear leg room for someone seated behind a 6ft person in front, and two USB connections for their devices. There’s a power tailgate and rear doors open wide to 90 degrees which gives easy access to the rear seats. Boot space has been increased by 50 litres to 479. The two-floor setup can be used to create a flat floor or used as a divider to keep items apart.
Qashqai is offered with two powertrains — a 1.3 mild hybrid petrol available on 2WD and 4WD modes and a 1.5 series petrol hybrid which they call e-Power and which was in my review car. The unique element of the system is that the three-cylinder petrol engine only charges the battery which in turn powers the 187hp electric motor to drive the wheels. This allows all the benefits of electric car driving such as instant torque and acceleration with a quieter and a more responsive drive. This results in improved fuel efficiency and lower C02 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.
There's a button for ‘one pedal’ driving which reduces the amount you use the brake. You learn how to adjust your braking using just the accelerator pedal.
Trims are SV, SV and SVE. The entry level has as standard 18-inch alloys, full LED headlamps and daytime running lights, auto headlights, blind spot monitoring, Hill Start Assist and Auto Hold, rear view camera, temporary spare wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Type A and B USBs, dual air conditioning, and a wide array of safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
SV adds 19-inch alloys, a Head Up Display, around view monitor and moving object detection which I found very useful when parking or reversing, front and rear parking sensors, and an array of advanced assist features. The very top SVE spec adds front massage seats, Nappa quilted leather seats, heated front seats/steering wheel and a BOSE sound system with 10 speakers.
The car feels solid with good build quality. I was able to get a very comfortable driving position. Big side mirrors and blind spot cover aid visibility while the front camera allows you see how close you are parked to a vehicle or wall or to another car, even when edging between parked cars. An excellent feature. Buyers can chose from numerous exterior colours including two-tone paint options.
The drive was punchy when overtaking or when joining a motorway. Very low road noise filtered into the cabin and everyone on board travelled in a high degree of comfort.
My best fuel economy showed at 6.0 L/100kms compared to the official figure of 5.3. Annual road tax is €180-€200.
A great option for a growing family.
Prices are from: €42,500-€51,900.
