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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
6/10
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The Qashqai (pronounced Cash-Kye) is just one of 3 vehicles Nissan is using to replace the slow-selling Almera. Its SUV/hatchback crossover bodywork looks better in the metal than in pics though you won't fool anyone into thinking it's an SUV.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
8/10
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The 106bhp 1.5 dCi churns up plenty of pulling power (thanks to its 240Nm of torque) while the 1.6 petrol is willing but needs to be revved to make progress. The 140bhp 2.0 petrol is terribly lacklustre, especially with the CVT and 4X4, while the 2.0 diesel isn't offered here, sadly.
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Performance
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Score:
7/10
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
6/10
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The Qashqai is surprisingly good to drive, despite the tall bodywork the centre of gravity is quite low so it corners well and is reasonably communicative. The sophisticated suspension keeps the ride supple, too, but the gearchange is poor and it isn't quick.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
8/10
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The interior designers really understood the needs of their customers and made the Qashqai as painless to use as possible. Everything is places where you'd expect it works as it should (except for the notchy gearchange). Even the Bluetooth stereo can be deciphered without difficulty.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
7/10
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Despite the basic design of the rear bench (it's not a 3 separate seats like most MPVs) the Qashqai is still hugely impressive as a family car. Rear seat room is vast, as is the boot, while the cockpit area has lots of storage room for odds and ends.
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Safety
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Score:
8/10
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Every Qashqai will has 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, three-point belts and headrests on all seats, a bluetooth phone kit and foglights as standard on all models. ESP is a disappointing €800 extra, thuogh.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
7/10
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The Qashqai is great value at entry-level specification but is less impressive as you move up the range. The diesel isn't really worth the extra €2,700 and SVE models don't add enough to merit the additional €2,500 either. Running costs should be minimal, though, and resale values will be high.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
7/10 |
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Nissan usually builds its cars to last and the Qashqai is no exception. Interior quality is about what you'd expect from a Japanese car while many of the materials have an upmarket feel. It also helps that's it's attractively designed, too.
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Equipment
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Score:
7/10
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Every Qashqai has four electric windows, electric mirrors, air con, six airbags, remote locks, 16-inch alloys, bluetooth and a CD/MP3 player. SVE models add 17-inch alloy wheels, remote stereo controls and upmarket trim.
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Bad
No rocket
no ESP
lacks visual oomph
Good
Roomy
well equipped
safe
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