Qashqai should be top of the 2012 shopping list
There are those who despite our current economic woes will be thinking about a new 2012 reg car. I have been driving a car that despite, as they say, "all of the above", has managed to sell a substantial number of its model - the Nissan Qashqai.
Sometimes manufacturers are very lucky and manage to fall upon a design and formula that really works very well indeed and as a result buyers flock to buy the car. So it is with the Nissan Qashqai!
Nissan's previously outdated model line-up is rapidly being transformed with the arrival of cars such as the revolutionary new Nissan Leaf electric car (it's a gem - I've driven it!), the new Micra, and of course the uniquely styled Juke.
Anyway back to this week's road test, the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel dci. For those who have somehow managed not to notice the Qashqai on our roads, the Qashqai is a five door car with a body style that looks somewhat like a small 4x4 or SUV. There are 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engines and a 1.5 and 2.0 dci. There are three specification levels XE, SV, and SVE. The majority of Qashqai models sold are 2wd, but a 4wd version is available powered by the 1.6 dci unit. This Nissan's real competitors are the likes of the VW Golf, Ford Focus and so on.
First Impressions
I like the chunky good looks and the sweeping lines. The car has a presence on the road and viewed from any angle it looks very well indeed set off by an attractive set of alloy wheels.
Naturally in keeping with it's image it does sit higher off the road than a conventional hatch and that to many is a big attraction.
Behind the wheel
The cabin is very impressive with an attractive design and quality to the fore.
Supportive seats with big side bolsters give an excellent driving position and reach and rake adjustable steering comes as standard. The driving position does give a commanding view of the road and the instrument layout is clearly and logically laid out.
All models get air conditioning, alloy wheels, four electric windows, central locking, a CD player a multi-function steering wheel and even a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit.
On the safety side, things are no less impressive with ABS, front, side and curtain airbags, and ISOFIX.
There is plenty of head and legroom both front and rear, but like most cars in this class the Qashqai sits four much more comfortably than five. A Qashqai+2 is also available, which has an extra row of rear folding rear seats.
The boot which is accessible via the large rear tailgate, which is ample, and of course the rear seats fold down to create even more space. I was impressed to see a spare wheel rather than that can of sealant many now supply.
Performance
The Renault sourced 1.5 dci engine is very good indeed. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and with bags of mid-range torque, performance is good.
Over my week's test it returned an impressive 6.5 litres per 100km giving it a range of over 800km between refuels. Road tax costs €225.00 per year.
Acceleration while not earth shattering is acceptable and it cruises happily all day at motorway speeds.
Road Behaviour
The suspension set-up is primarily for comfort and in that it certainly delivers. Road imperfections and bumps are all well dampened out and absorbed without a hint of drama. The handling is also good though you will get more bodyroll in corners than in a conventional hatchback due to it's higher stance. It also under-steers quite a bit on the limit.
Levels of refinement are high with wind, road and tyre noise all very well suppressed.
Verdict
Prices start at €22,795 for the 1.6 SE, the 1.5 dci XE costs €24,945 and the 1.5 dci SV costs €27,245.
The Qashqai delivers a very well rounded package and I can see why it has caught on so quickly. It is stylish, very compact and not too big like many SUV's and 4x4 type vehicles. There is a comprehensive specification list, it drives well, has a reasonable degree of versatility and is well priced. Build quality is top notch and it feels quite classy inside. Because of all of that it will appeal to many families and I have no doubt you will see many more Qashqais on the school run in the near future.
Bulls eye Nissan, I can give the Qashqai my highest recommendation.
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