Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCi 115 Tekna

Ten Second Review

These days, the Nissan Qashqai is sleeker, feels more expensive inside and offers some of the most sophisticated electronic safety technology in the mid-sized Crossover segment. Improvements to the 1.5-litre dCi diesel that most customers choose have enhanced its appeal. Plus as before, there's also a 1.6-litre diesel and two petrol engines, front or all wheel drive and manual or Xtronic automatic transmissions. There's a reason why this Nissan is sunch a hugely popular contender in yhe mid-sized SUV segment.

Background

Some automotive success stories are easy to predict. We all knew that the Audi R8 was a winner as soon as we drove it. Likewise, the Fiat 500 couldn't possibly fail once it made it to the showrooms virtually unchanged from the fantastic Trepiuno show car. But the Nissan Qashqai? That this unprepossessing vehicle should rack up some huge sales came right out of left field. Its predecessor, the Almera, could have been a synonym for mediocrity. Nissan played a really smart move though. They tore up the established supermini/family hatch/family saloon rulebook and started flooding the market with crossovers and SUVs. Some, like the Murano and the Pathfinder, never gelled with the public. Others, such as the X-Trail and the Juke, hit the targets. Then there was the Qashqai, which in 2007 found itself challenging the biggest-selling hatchbacks in the sales charts. A second generation version was launched in 2013 and this car has since been tweaked and upgraded to keep it competitive against an army of mid-sized Crossover rivals.

Driving Experience

On the face of things, not much has changed on this Qashqai in recent years in terms of its drive dynamics, though Nissan insists that under the skin, modifications to the suspension, damping and steering systems have resulted in a more refined on-the-road experience, plus refinement's better too. As before, buyers can choose between front and four-wheel drive versions. The front-wheel drive cars get a cheaper torsion beam rear suspension set-up, while those with All-Mode 4x4 get a more sophisticated independent rear suspension. The calibration has been performed in Europe to suit European tastes. Whether you choose front or rear wheel drive, the Qashqai benefits from Active Trace Control which monitors the behaviour and trajectory of the car, and applies subtle braking to deliver a function similar to a Limited Slip Differential, providing the best traction and the least understeer. There's also a dual mode steering system which changes the weighting of the electrically-assisted rack when you select the Sport setting. As ever, buyers get the choice of two downsized petrol engines and two turbodiesels. The petrol units comprise an 115 PS 1.2-litre DIG-T powerplant that drives through a six-speed manual box or a 1.6-litre 163PS DIG-T engine. Most customers will doubtless be drawn to the diesels, with the 1.5-litre unit easily the most popular. In recent times, it's been upgraded from 110 to 115PS and while torque remains rated at 260Nm, the powerplant now features a new overboost function for easier overtaking. The alternative diesel continues to be the minority-interest 1.6-litre 130hp dCi unit, which is the one you'll need in the unlikely event that you want your Qashqai with 4WD. This engine is also sold with the Xtronic transmission, a stepped CVT gearbox.

Design and Build

The package of styling updates that Nissan introduced for Qashqai buyers in 2017 smartened this second generation design up considerably and included a completely revised front end incorporating the latest Nissan 'V-motion' grille. The headlamps were also revised with a classier version of the 'boomerang' Daytime Running Light signature. At the rear, the car's instantly recognisable 'boomerang' light motif is extended across the whole lamp, and includes a contemporary 3D lens effect to enhance the signature shape. If you haven't tried a Qashqai since this second generation version was launched in 2014, you'll notioce quite a few changes in the cabin too, where an improved layout, higher-quality materials and more advanced technology feature. The 'NissanConnect' infotainment system features a more intuitive user interface and there's a smarter D-shaped multi-function steering wheel with premium satin-chrome inserts. It features a four-way controller for the combimeter display, for easier use and less 'eyes off the road' time. The range-topping Tekna+ grade includes supportive seats trimmed in high-quality soft nappa leather and a popular option for music fans is a BOSE seven-speaker premium sound system. Practicality is as good as ever, with reasonable space in the back and decent headroom thanks to a relatively low seat height in the back. Boot space is 430-litres and load space flexibility is enhanced by a dual-floor system designed to provide a flexible and versatile load space.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £19,500 and stretch to almost £34,000 for the range-topping all-wheel drive version. The trim walk-up shouldn't spark too many surprises either, starting with 'Visia' grade and finishing with a plush 'Tekna+' variant at the top of the range. Even the entry-level model gets a decent bash at the equipment list, being furnished with cruise control, a stereo with USB and Bluetooth, heated body-coloured mirrors, air conditioning, stop/start and hill start assist. It also gets the usual safety features like ESP stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and front, side and curtain airbags. Safety-wise, there's an 'Intelligent Emergency Braking' system that features Pedestrian Recognition, plus 'Rear Cross Traffic Alert', to mitigate the risk of low-speed impacts when reversing out of a parking space, is now available on Qashqai for the first time. The car continues to be offered with Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, Intelligent Park Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning. And buyers will now be offered the option of 'ProPILOT' autonomous drive capability. Controlling the steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane on highways, this will provide consumers with more control of their vehicle and a more confident drive, plus greater freedom when they want it, whether during heavy traffic congestion or high-speed cruising.

Cost of Ownership

The 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol engine manages 129g/km and 50.4mpg while the more powerful 1.6-litre DIG-T petrol unit also records 50.4mpg with emissions rated at 132g/km. The 1.5-litre dCi diesel is the engine to choose if you feel that fuel station pasties and chocolate bars are sabotaging your fitness regime. This gets 74.3 miles per gallon and 100g/km on 16 or 17-inch wheels - and the 1.6-litre diesel isn't that much worse. Here you get 119g/km and 61.4mpg if you go for a manual front-wheel drive version, with an equivalent four-wheel drive car registering 129g/km and 57.6mpg. As well as fitting stop/start systems, reducing engine frictional losses, optimising gear ratios and reducing weight where possible, Nissan has also devoted a great deal of attention to the Qashqai's aerodynamics. With a drag co-efficient of 0.32, it cleaves the air very well for a relatively high vehicle. From the elements on show such as the roof spoiler with winglets, to those hidden away like the flat floor design, there's some clever thinking at work here. Another innovation is the Active Grille Shutter system. This closes off airflow through the radiator when not needed. The grille shutter automatically shuts at speeds over 20mph and only opens if sensors detect that the engine needs cooling.

By Jonathan Crouch

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