Nissan QASHQAI+2 1.6 Acenta with Stop/Start Sytem 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Qashqai+2 has a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder, 16V petrol engine that produces 115 bhp of power with116 lb-ft of torque. This translates into a top speed of 112 mph, while 0-62 mph arrives in 12.9 seconds. The 1.5 litre diesel is competent but both this and the 1.6 litre petrol need to be pushed hard to achieve the best performance levels. The 1.6 litre diesel is more powerful and refined, making it more comfortable for everyday driving.

The strong suspension deals easily with bumpy and uneven surfaces, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride. There is a fair amount of body lean through corners but the steering offers plenty of feedback and feels very stable at higher speeds. The Qashqai is extremely refined and the 1.6 litre petrol engine is very quiet whilst wind and road noise are well-isolated even on faster roads.

The dashboard is clear and well-organised making operating the controls easy. The steering wheel adjusts for both height and reach, and the driver’s seat alters for height and offers good support and this ensures the driving position is both elevated and comfortable.

The Qashqai+2 has a well-crafted exterior but inside the cabin the plastics are a little cheap. All Qashqais are generously equipped. Entry-level Visia models come with alloy wheels, four electric windows, electric mirrors, a CD player and Bluetooth connectivity. Acenta trim offers climate control, a CD changer, parking sensors, cruise control, and automatic headlamps and wipers on top of this with a Stop/Start system available at an additional cost. High trim levels can be opted for but the Acenta is generally considered to offer the best value for money with its extensive range of basic features and luxuries.

The Qashqai+2 has seven seats but realistically only children will fit in the third row. The rear headroom does not match some rivals but the boot is large with 410 litres of space available with the seats up and 860 litres when the seats are down.

The car features impressive safety kit that includes six airbags, stability control and active front head restraints to reduce whiplash. However the curtain airbags do not extend to the third row of seats. The car comes with an immobiliser, visible VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) deadlocks and marked mechanical parts to deter thieves. Reliability should not be an issue as Nissan have an impeccable record in this department. The Qashqai finished in the top 40 in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey. It also has a three-year warranty for 60,000 miles - offering additional assurances.

Its fuel economy is good and its carbon dioxide emissions are amongst the lowest in the range - making it a great family option. Fuel economy totals 44.1 mpg whilst carbon emissions of 149 g/km place the car under tax band F. Insurance premiums are fairly reasonable under price bracket 17 whilst reliability is excellent and resale values are high.

In terms of value for money, the 1.6 dCi Visia is the best overall option as it offers a combination of performance, good specification and low running costs. This 1.6 litre petrol Acenta has inferior fuel economy and does not cope as easily with everyday driving but it is the better option for those who want a more luxurious selection of in-car kit.

This model is priced at £19,945, which is considerably cheaper than the Volvo XC60 but more expensive than the Peugeot 3008, making it a great option for families.