Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 Tekna CVT 4WD 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £25,695
Tax Band: J
Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 35.3
CO2: 189
0-62 Mph: 11.3 secs
BHP: N/A BHP
Range: 505 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The Qashqai is one of the original crossover vehicles that began the trend for vehicles that sit between the standard car and the 4x4, and it is still one of the best on the market. This version comes with four-wheel drive and a whole host of extras, and the cool design and reassuring driving experience means that it is a lot friendlier to traditional car drivers than full-on 4x4s.

PROS:  The Nissan Qashqai offers a good blend of space and driveability, and also has a high level of equipment in the Tekna level of trim. Performance isn’t too shabby either.

CONS:  The fuel efficiency isn’t up to much, there is plenty of body roll when it comes to cornering, and it can be noisy at speed.

Behind the Wheel

One of the best things about the Qashqai 2.0 Tekna CVT 4WD is that it has a very comfortable ride, with the thick tyres and soft suspension ironing out bumps and potholes. The issue with this is that there can be a fair bit of body roll when cornering fairly quickly, and this isn’t ideal. The steering is responsive and the engine responds nicely to the accelerator. The high driving position means that forward visibility is very good, and there is plenty of adjustment in the seat and the steering wheel, but rear visibility is slightly limited.

The engine performance is also very good, with acceleration from 0-62mph only taking 11.3 seconds, and the top speed of 113mph also means that it is comfortable at speed. There is a fair bit of wind noise when driving on the motorway, but on the whole the Qashqai is a very refined vehicle.

Looks & Equipment

The Qashqai 2.0 Tekna CVT 4WD is a fairly attractive crossover that mixes some of the best features of cars and 4x4s, and the large headlight clusters and bulging bonnet do give it a beefy front end. The plastic trim around the bottom of the car is also good for keeping scuffs and dirt away from the paintwork and the back end is tidy and practical. Inside the car, the cabin does have a feeling of quality, and the chunky controls and bright dials make the dashboard easy to use.

The Tekna level of trim is among the most luxurious available, with leather seats, climate control, all-round electric windows and cruise control all available as standard. A number of driver aids help to make the experience easy on the driver, and satellite navigation and a hands free phone kit make it more practical for those who may have to work on the move.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

One of the best things about buying a Nissan is that it has a superb reputation for building reliable cars, and the Qashqai has been adding to that reputation since the model was introduced. It is also a very safe car, and has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. This is largely because of the range of airbags for those in the front and rear of the car, and the driver aids which help to keep the car on the road and under the driver’s control, even in bad weather.

The Qashqai 2.0 Tekna CVT 4WD is certainly practical, which is one of the main reasons that many people will look at the crossover market. There is ample space in the front and the back of the car, with five adults easily accommodated in the cabin. Boot space is also superb, with the rear door large and wide enough, and the rear seats also folding forward for a larger load space.

Value for Money

It is quite hard to recommend the Qashqai 2.0 Tekna CVT 4WD simply because the list price of £25,345 is an awful lot of money for a Qashqai.

The running costs aren’t too cheap either, with the 2.0 litre engine only able to deliver an average 35.3mpg. Insurance costs are fairly reasonable, and the vehicle also holds its value very well. As with all Nissans, the Qashqai is supplied with a three year warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.

Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 Tekna CVT 4WD 5dr Car Review - by 
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Small 4x4 Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Small 4x4 cars that you can then compare to the Nissan Qashqai. Here are some popular Nissan Qashqai alternatives:

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