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Weekend roadtest: Nissan Qashqai +2 1.6 n-tec
publication date: Nov 7, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
 | | After being one of the most cautious and conservative
of car makers, Nissan is now one of the more creative and consumer led
businesses.
It has turned around its business plan and
introduced new models virtually overnight and their sales have been
transformed. For the UK it is very good news as the majority of its
best selling models are made here outside Newcastle.
One of the
latest and fashionable models is the cross-over Qashqai +2, the longer
wheelbase seven-seat version of the original Qashqai, which begins at
£14,200 for the five-seat standard model in two-wheel-drive and from
£15,600 for the +2. The top version will set you back almost £25,000.
This
is not a pure off-roader as it may appear, but infact is front wheel
drive with the roomier body of a mid-sized mpv in some versions
although all-wheel-drive derivatives are available as well using
Nissan’s extensive experience of ultimate control.
There’s a range
of popular engines and we tested the lowered powered 1.6 petrol but it
also comes with a 2.0 litre as well as diesel 1.5 and 2.0 litre units.
A comprehensive choice.
The 1.6 petrol is a very free-revving and
surprisingly smooth unit. It sounds busy but not noisy unless it is
really pushed through the gears.
Matched to the five-speed manual
box it has a sensible range of gears to move the Qashqai along from
rest, eagerly keeping up with traffic and permits safe overtaking and
composed motorway cruising.
The light and progressive clutch is a good match to the engine and its slick gearchange will be welcomed by many users.
The
power delivery is good and it turns out well when used by the driver
only, however, with two or more aboard the absolute power is lacking
and you become aware of its engine size.
It also means the overall
economy can vary enormously depending on the load and the way it is
driven to maintain progress as if it was occupied by the driver alone.
The
powertrain’s refinement is matched by that of the brakes and steering.
Slowing or stopping the Qashqai is very quick and assured and there is
no drama while manoeuvring in town or on open roads and it is
effortless yet precise.
Secondary controls are familiarly placed
around the wheel and column, coming to hand and finger very easily.
Instruments are straightforward, clear and easily read and backed up by
the usual warning lights.
Heating and ventilation is good, easy to
control, distributes evenly and proved consistent in control and
output. Powered windows back it up.
Oddments space is generally good
throughout the cabin and in this respect it’s a good family car. You
can also load the boot very easily and fully, adjust or reach things
from the rear doors and the seats fold out of the way very quickly.
Access
to the inside is good with wide opening doors and once in seats, the
room is good whether you are in the front or back seats, but there is
some compromise in the third row of the +2 version. It is a small price
to pay for their occasional use.
Comfort levels are good and the front seats have adequate adjustment range for most users to find a suitable setting.
The Qashqai soaks up the road bumps with little complaint and there are no real shocks for the suspension or occupants.
Handling
is safe and sure, not dramatic or daring, and you know exactly what is
happening beneath the driven front wheels and it holds no surprises. It
inspires confidence and is very easy to control.
The performance of
the Qashqai +2 is good, not exceptional, and it does it all very easily
but it can vary with load and how hard it is pushed. Economy is good if
driven within its normal parameters.
The visibility with the design
is generally clear, but the high waist can hide some things from view
when reversing. Lights and wipers were very good on the test vehicle.
The
Qashqai +2 does everything very well indeed and nothing badly. It
possesses a lot of practical features which will endure it to buyers
and the choice of powertrains and carrying capacity will please many as
well.
Its concept is now widely accepted as normal for a family
model and at the price of the Qashqai it means the whole package is a
strong attraction, particularly with the scrappage deals available. |  |
| FACTS & FIGURES | | Model:
| Nissan Qashqai +2 1.6 N-Tec | | Price: | £17,695 | Insurance group:
| 7E | Powertrain:
| 115bhp 4cyl 1.6, 5sp | Max speed:
| 108mph | 0-62mph:
| 12.9sec | Consumption:
| 40mpg | Running cost:
| 51ppm | C02/ tax:
| 165gkm/ 21pc | Retained value:
| 44pc | Warranty:
| 3ys/ 60k, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust | | | | ©Robin Roberts | | | |
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