Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 Visia 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £18,195
Tax Band: I
Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 36.2
CO2: 184
0-62 Mph: 10.1 secs
BHP: 138 BHP
Range: 518 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The Nissan Qashqai is one of the forerunners in the crossover category, and the innovative styling still looks fresh even after a number of competitors have also been released into the class. The space is ideal for those who will regularly be carrying people in the back of the car, and it also has plenty of load space in the rear which can be supplemented by folding the seats forward.

PROS:  The Nissan Qashqai is a roomy crossover that offers plenty of space, and the level of trim included here has all the kit you will need, along with the extra power from the 2.0 litre engine.

CONS:  Fuel efficiency is not as good as some of the smaller engines, and with this level of trim there are still some nice features that aren't included as standard.

Behind the Wheel

The big tyres combined with the softer suspension means that the ride is very comfortable, but this does detract from the feeling given to the driver, and also means that there is some lean through the corners. The steering is accurate and feels weighty enough for the driver, and it is perfectly adequate in terms of grip, even though the lean can be a little unpleasant over long journeys on country roads. The driving position is much improved by the higher position of the vehicle, and there is plenty of adjustment in the seat, but the rear pillars do mean that backwards visibility is a little restricted.

The benefit of the 2.0 litre engine is that it does give a significant increase in the power and speed of the car, and the acceleration from 0-62mph is a snappy 10.1 seconds. With a top speed of 121mph, motorway driving is also well within the comfort zone of the Qashqai.

Looks & Equipment

The large wheel arches and plastic exterior around the bottom of the car do give the Qashqai the appearance of a car that is sporty and designed for off road use, although it is not necessarily the case. The attractive grille and large headlight group makes for a distinctive front end, and the tail is also very tidy, with the rear lights split on the body and the boot door, meaning the door is larger and more practical. Inside the car is functional, and the chunky controls are also easy enough to use.

Even the most basic level of trim comes with a hands free kit and Bluetooth connectivity, and the stereo CD player also has an auxiliary input for ipod and MP3 players. Alloy wheels are included as standard, and there is also air conditioning and climate control to ensure that the cabin remains comfortable.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

In terms of the practicality of the Qashqai, it provides a very favourable amount of space, with even taller people finding plenty of legroom in the front and back of the car. The spacious boot and flexibility of the folding seats means that the carry space in the back is very good, and the car is comfortable enough for regular use or long journeys. Nissan have an excellent reputation for making reliable cars, and the Qashqai is certainly living up to this reputation.

In terms of the safety equipment included with the Qashqai, it has a good range of airbags including the curtain airbag to look after passengers in the rear. It is also supplied with traction control, ABS and ESP to ensure that the car stays on the road even in the worst conditions.

Value for Money

The list price for this edition of the Qashqai is £18,195, and this is quite competitive when compared with some of the rivals. There are cheaper and more economical versions of the Qashqai available, but the 2.0 litre engine does have the added practicality of a more powerful engine.

One of the most disappointing aspects of this Qashqai is that the fuel performance can only deliver an average 36.2mpg, and the insurance group is also fairly meaning that premiums are likely to be higher than with family cars. Fortunately, the resale values of large practical crossovers like the Qashqai are quite good, and the three year warranty and three year roadside breakdown assistance is quite good for cars in this class.

Nissan QASHQAI 2.0 Visia 5dr Car Review - by 
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