Highlights
- Excellent levels of practicality
- Sharp design
- Very well-equipped
- Enjoyable driving experience
Introduction
When a car has been Europe’s best-selling crossover, it's inevitable there will be challenges to hang on to that crown.
The Qashqai came from left field and became a bestseller in the crossover market, with many brands subsequently following the Nissan creation.
In the UK in the first quarter of 2022, it was the third best-selling car, rising to top spot in the month of April.
The latest Tekna+ model will have plenty to do with that, featuring upgrades to the engine, suspension, and a number of technological changes, as well as being available in both two and four-wheel drive.
Technology and Safety
The central 9-inch screen houses the now familiar NissanConnect set services, the app which monitors how the vehicle performs.
It allows connectivity for smartphones and WiFi and connected services, together with navigation and infotainment. In addition, there are USB A and C ports.
It also features 12.3-inch TFT multi-information screen offers a choice of configurable layouts to display navigation, entertainment, traffic or vehicle information, all controlled from a dial switch on.
On the road, the Clio is a very able performer and offers a good driving experience with uprated suspension and decent handling. The ride is firm but still comfortable, which is important for a family car, and it only seems unsettled on the very worst roads.
All Qashqai models are packed with safety kit including stability control and a full complement of airbags, including the latest central airbag, which deploys from between the two front seats to prevent the front row occupants from making contact in the event of a side-impact.
Plus, the ProPILOT driver assistance on this model delivers significant driver assistance, like monitoring fatigue, adjusting speed in heavy traffic and using radar to automatically move the car forward or hammer on the brakes in an emergency situation.
Driving Experience
The new 1.3-litre DIG-T petrol engine is available with 138bhp and 156bhp driven here and, combined with mild hybrid technology, delivers more power, better economy, and lower emissions.
The system extends torque, idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop with the auto version driven here, with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km).
It offers lively performance, hitting 60mph, in 9.2 seconds.
Not startlingly rapid, but quick enough for most needs, and delivering good economy of a claimed, but pretty accurate 43.8mpg. Such is the efficiency of petrol engines these days, that they're delivering near diesel-like economy.
Design and Practicality
Designed in the UK, the latest Qashqai has developed a bolder, more muscular and modern look, although still instantly recognisable as a Qashqai.
It's longer, slightly taller, and still sits high off the ground to give a commanding driving position. It now features a bigger V-design grille which is flanked by slim full headlights, glass roof, privacy glass and roof bar and the option of 19 or 20-inch diamond-cut alloy.
The Tekna+ model is packed with high-end kit, including patterned leather seats, comforting ambient lighting and high-end soft touch finish.
Nissan says attention has been paid to the ergonomic and aesthetic quality of the switchgear and buttons with high quality, tactile feel giving users a sense of confidence and refinement. They certainly feel robust and logically placed.
The interior is roomier than its predecessor, with extra legroom in the rear and better head and legroom in the front seats.
It really goes without saying that the Qashqai is a practical beast, pretty much having built its reputation on that premise.
Bill Mccarthy
This model offers a powered hands-free tailgate which opens up to capacity, which has increased by 50 litres.
The split-folding rear seats offer 16 combinations to accommodate loads of all different shapes and sizes, with a capacity of 436 to a maximum of 1,379 litres.
There are also various other cubbyholes, side pockets, and cupholders for extra practicality.
Summary
Popular due to its high driving position and excellent performance, the Nissan Qashqai has a lot of going for it. Tekna+ trim adds a welcome touch of luxury thanks to the hi-tech NissanConnect infotainment system and vast number of driver assistance systems.
