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Weekend roadtest : Nissan Qashqai+2
publication date: Jul 31, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Built in Britain and taking on rivals from around the
world, the Nissan Qashqai has been an unqualified success in the
Crossover MPV sector.
Originally a five-seater, the addition of two extra seats in the Qashqai+2 has considerably widened its appeal and practicality.
It also allows the Qashqai to compete with larger and more expensive
MPVs which some find difficult to live with on a daily basis.Nissan has constantly refreshed the range and as a result it is one of the most in-demand MPVs you could choose. |  |
The Qashqai+2 is available with 1.5 and 2.0 diesel or 1.6 and 2.0 petrol
engines and in three trim levels with front or four-wheel-drive and I
tested the 2WD 2.0 Tekna which costs £23,145 and sits towards the top of
the range which begins at £17,000 and runs to about £26,000. The
five-seat Qashqai series is broadly the same but respective models work
out about £1,500 cheaper.
The powertrain is extremely smooth and quiet with a willing engine,
light clutch and neat precise gearchange which means it can not only
keep up with traffic flow without a problem but also delivers very
refined motorway cruising ability. It is also universally economical and
returns good fuel consumption without a driver having to consciously
change his or her driving style.
|  | The satisfactory smoothness of the major controls is duplicated in the
secondary switches around the column and on the fascia ahead of the
driver while the instruments are fairly big and very clear to read.
Heating and ventilation works well to fill the cabin with air at a
desired temperature and with the ability to keep it that way without
being deafened by a fan or find some areas were either too warm or too
cool. Powered windows help.
| The oddments room in the Qashqai+2 is good. In front you have a few
compartments, there are fascia and door recesses as well as console
compartments for small items and the rear seat passengers have door
bins, seat-back pockets and a deep rear window shelf.I particularly liked
the deeply shaped curving and comfortable seats infront.
The taller seating position means visibility is better and that’s very
desirable when parking or manoeuvring, although the deep rear sides mean
you have some blindspots when parking. Big wipers front and back and
strong lights mean weather conditions hold no problems for the Qashqai
driver.
Being able to see well means you can exploit road situations to overtake
with greater safety or to sooner prepare for hazards ahead.
| The third row of seats normally stowed under the luggage floor were
quick to lift into place or drop out of the way.
Climbing in or out posed no problems even if you sit slightly higher up
than a conventional car. Boot space at 450-550 litres was good, easy to
use and could be quickly increased if the second row was folded. |  |
The performance of the Qashqai is not going to set your underwear alight
but it is respectable, the economy is particularly good and it never
sounds as if it’s straining to deliver.
The roadholding is good, not exceptional, and handling is predictable, while it also feels agile for urban use.
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Its user-friendliness is probably its greatest attribute, both around
town and in the country, but you have to decide if you want two or
four-wheel-drive underneath.
That is an important consideration for
there is no denying the 2WD Qashqai is very good at what it does. ©Robin
Roberts |
| FAST FACTS Nissan Qashqai+2 | Price: £23,145 | | Mechanical: 4cy 2.0 140ps, 6sp | Insurance group: 11/ 21 | | Max speed: 120mph | 0-62mph: 10.5sec | | Combined mpg: 35.3mpg | CO2 emissions: 189gkm | | BIK rating: 26pc | Warranty: 3yrs/ 60k |
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