Nissan QASHQAI Road Test

Nissan QASHQAI

The 1.6 petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual ‘box, while the others have an extra gear. Alternatively, the 2.0-litre petrol is available with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) for both 2- and 4WD versions, while the larger diesel can be linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, but only with 4WD.

Back to the test car and its 2.0 dCi, manual gearchange and 4WD capabilities. It takes 10.9 seconds for it to reach 62mph from standstill and the top speed is 118mph. Fuel consumption figures read as a very reasonable 32.5mpg for the urban cycle, 47.9mpg for the extra-urban and 40.9 for the combined. As a diesel, CO2 emissions are quite low, at 184g/km.

All QASHQAI s have ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Only the 2.0-litre engines have the added benefit of ESP, as standard but this is an option with the two smaller engines. The ESP system includes brake- and engine-torque control and the braking system features Hydraulic Fade Control (HFC).

Every QASHQAI arrives with ISOFIX anchors in the rear seats, pre-tensioners and load-limiters for the front seatbelts, along with airbags for the front occupants, side and curtain airbags. In the EuroNCAP safety tests, the QASHQAI is the only car ever, to score 36.83 out of a possible 37 points for Occupant Safety, gaining it 5-stars. Child Protection was rated at 4-stars and Pedestrian Safety at 2-stars.

There is something about this car that makes it so enjoyable to drive but it is very difficult to pin down exactly what it is. It could well be the easily-found, ideal driving position, the sensible gear ratios or maybe the handling and ride quality. Whatever it is, the QASHQAI has it and is bound to fill the trophy cabinet with an array of awards. So far, the QASHQAI has been voted ‘Best SUV’ by What Diesel Car? and also ‘Best small Family Car’ (£13,000-£14,500) in the What Car? Car of the Year awards. And Nissan has won an award for the TV advertising campaign.

Prices range from £13,499 for the 1.6 VISIA to £23,299 for the 2.0 dCi, in TEKNA trim with 4WD and automatic transmission, so there’s something to suit most budgets.

Nissan QASHQAI