Conquering crossover

The Nissan Qashqai has become a very familiar sight on the UK’s roads. The arrival of a second‑generation model is big news. With low emissions and a high-specification, Richard Gooding finds that the latest version offers an impressive array of talents for the fleet buyer

The Qashqai has been hugely successful for Nissan. Launched in 2006 to replace both the conventional Almera family hatchback and Primera saloon, it was styled, engineered and built in the UK. Over 1.24 million first-generation Qashqais found homes, giving Nissan a strong foothold in the SUV or ‘crossover’ (a family-hatchback sized SUV) market. The latest model was introduced in late 2013 and has, so far, proved equally successful. The new Qashqai was the sixth best-selling car in the UK during 2014 and has frequently appeared in the top 10 best-sellers list in 2015, too. 

Sharper styling
The second-generation Qashqai enjoys much sharper styling than its predecessor. It looks good, with much sportier looks than before. More traditionally SUV-like this time around, the new model incorporates the latest Nissan styling details including a chrome ‘V’-trimmed nose and creased surface detailing. The range starts with the £18,265 Visia DIG-T 115 petrol model, rising to the only four-wheel drive model available, the £28,500 Tekna dCi 130. Our test car was the 1.5-litre diesel-engined £24,000 n-tec+. Improved equipment over the lower rung n-tec includes satin silver roof rails, panoramic sunroof, and ‘sunset’ privacy glass from the B-pillar back.

The new Nissan Qashqai features impressive technology. Standard kit includes auto lights and wipers; dual-zone climate control; cruise control; five-inch High Definition TFT Screen Combimeter; colour front, rear and side cameras; 360-degree ‘Around View’ monitor; keyless start; and a seven-inch Nissan Connect touchscreen navigation and system. The Japanese car manufacturer’s infotainment and nav system is comprehensive in its functions – dynamic re-routing lane guidance and Google Points of Interest all feature. DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and social media updates are all part of the package, too. The sound system works well, although other manufacturers’ systems still lead the way in ease of use.

We found the Traffic Sign Recognition worked very well, with limit warnings changing as soon as they do in the real world. The satellite navigation function also proved pleasingly accurate. A Smart Vision Pack (anti-dazzle mirror, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning systems), a Forward Emergency Braking system and parking sensors can also be specified. Nissan Chassis Control is available, too, with engine braking, ride control and other safety technology. Overall, with a generous rosta of standard kit, the Qashqai offers good value for money.

Upmarket feel
Build quality is excellent with soft-touch plastics featured in the cabin, lending an upmarket air. Indeed, so premium feeling is it over its predecessor, we’ve heard of drivers trading in many more prestige cars to drive a Qashqai. Impressive for a mass market car. Elsewhere, the interior ergonomics are good and the Qashqai is a car which it is very easy to feel comfortable in. The cabin is cocooning for an SUV, enveloping the driver. Accommodation is spacious and a practical 430-litre boot has adaptable luggage boards, meaning most shapes of load can be slotted in with little fuss.

On the move, the Qashqai dCi, like the Pulsar hatchback we tested in GreenFleet issue 80, is incredibly refined for a large car. On the motorway, only a whisper of wind noise on smooth surfaces can be heard. Even though the n-tec+ model wears 18-inch wheels, the ride is very comfortable and the Qashqai absorbs bumps very well, cushioning passengers from rough road surfaces. The 108bhp 1,461cc Renault-derived engine is a little unresponsive under 2,000rpm, but push it past that marker and it pulls strongly in the mid-range. Torque of 191b ft/260Nm helps the Qashqai perform well once past lower revs and the six-speed manual gearbox is positively-weighted and enjoyable to use. Nissan quotes an 11.9 second time to the benchmark 0-62mph dash and a top speed of 113mph. 

Nissan’s Pure Drive technology is standard and includes a stop/start system to save fuel as well as trim emissions. Over the course of a 375-mile test, we achieved a real‑world average of 51.1mpg. An interesting display in the combimeter panel ahead of the driver informs of the amount of CO2 has been saved since the car was built, while fuel economy values can be saved to form a long-term pattern. An ‘Eco Score’ display on the infotainment system meanwhile shows ‘Pull Away’, ‘Cruise’ and ‘Decelerating’ values for each journey, which again can be saved for comparison purposes. An ‘Eco Drive’ report can also be selected.

Impressive machine
Be in no doubt, the second-generation Qashqai is an impressive machine. Superbly refined, very comfortable, spacious and handsome-looking, it elevates the humdrum crossover above its family car roots. Improved quality means it can hold its head high against higher-priced machinery, while the marriage of the tried and tested 1.5-litre dCi engine as fitted here ensures decent economy. Impressibly low emissions for such a large vehicle mean VED-free motoring and should appeal to those company car drivers who want off-road looks without too much of a financial penalty. The new Nissan Qashqai conquers so many family car requirements with its impressive all-round ability, it’s very easy to recommend it..

Further information
www.nissan.co.uk