Test: Nissan Qashqai

A crossover. When the first generation of the Qashqai appeared in 2005, Nissan called the car that, and so did we. That original model is somewhere between the hatchbacks and the real SUVs of that time, hence ‘cross-over’, but the name was also chosen because the three-letter abbreviation had a bad aftertaste in those years. Apparently we have now outgrown that; Nissan now also uses both terms interchangeably. The Qashqai has remained more or less the same, at least as a concept. It is a medium-sized model by European standards, high on the legs but without excessive off-road pretensions. Moreover, the all-new Qashqai, the third generation, is barely bigger than the model that preceded it. In length and height it is only a handful of centimeters, but the car is clearly pulled tight. In particular, the nose, with wafer-thin headlights that can only exist thanks to LED technology, is striking. Further back it becomes a bit more conventional and more recognizable Qashqai, but in a sleeker, more modern and clearly more confident form.

partition

The tailgate of the Qashqai is now electrically operated in more expensive versions and offers access to a luggage compartment that is no less than 74 liters larger than before with 504 liters. The lower part is covered by two separate bottom plates, which can be mounted high or low. What is special is that you can mount one of those panels vertically to serve as a partition, which is often very useful in practice.

A lot has changed up front. All visible parts are new and the layout and design are a lot sleeker and more modern than before. The dashboard is almost completely made of ‘soft’ plastic and with the more expensive versions even covered with leather, which is also dark blue. Nice, but a consideration when choosing an exterior color.

At a detail level, the Qashqai interior still has something cheap about it here and there, partly due to the large pieces of plastic around the automatic transmission lever and the piano lacquer finish on all kinds of button clusters. Both screens, 9 inches in the middle and 12.3 inches behind the wheel in this version, look fine in terms of resolution. However, the layout and use of color make the whole look a bit messy and the clarity leaves much to be desired. The central touchscreen can be arranged to a large extent as desired, but does not work very intuitively. Also striking: the climate control blows very hard, even when the ventilation is in the lowest position. In any case, the system has some difficulty with the greenhouse that the Qashqai becomes due to the enormous glass roof, which lets in just a little too much light and heat.

Neutral & predictable

Nissan has put a lot of effort into saving weight with the new Qashqai. For example, many body parts are made of aluminum and the fuel filler flap and tailgate are made of a composite material that is also lighter than the usual steel. Now the car is still a bit heavier than its predecessor, but with these steps that remains within limits. On the road, the car has a fairly light-hearted character, but you should not expect an exciting driving experience. The Qashqai is neutral, predictable and does what you ask of it neatly. The suspension comfort is not sublime, but in our opinion that is largely due to the 20-inch wheels.

Nissan uses the 1.3-liter four-cylinder that was also screwed into the previous Qashqai, but the technicians have extensively examined the engine. In addition, the block in the Qashqai is always linked to a mild-hybrid assistant, whichever power variant or gearbox you choose.

jump

Anyone who wants to drive the Qashqai automatic transmission has to rely on the most powerful version, which produces 158 hp. The machine in question is called Xtronic and is a CVT that changes gears under a heavier load

simulates. That’s a good idea in theory, but in practice the powertrain isn’t quite as refined. From a standstill, the Qashqai often drives away with a small jump and on the way there is a jolt here and there. Not a disaster, but perhaps there is still something to be gained with some programming. The engine itself performs nicely, but can be heard in a shrill manner under heavy load.

The price list starts with this powertrain just under 40 grand.