Despite the oddball name and its inevitable links to ‘cash-cow’, the UK-built and immensely popular Nissan crossover model warrants genuinely more attention than it receives. Whereas the smaller Juke has grabbed sales and critical acclaim, mostly due to its radical appearance, the Qashqai was an early gamechanger for Nissan, which in 2006, when the first generation appeared, was predominated by an array of 4x4 models.
Although hard to believe, because the car has been upgraded on a regular basis, the current model is still just the second generation in thirteen years, which is a sure signpost towards an old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. A main staple at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, if anything the Qashqai has matured into a comfortable, competent and capacious family car…which is not to suggest that it was not so before but, like a comfortable pair of shoes, it has become a preferred choice, even though it is not as noticeable as it once was.
Truth is, powered in the case of this test car by the first-class 1.3-litre (1,332cc) DiG-T turbo-petrol engine, the Qashqai proves to be both zesty and frugal to live with. The engine drives its front alloy wheels through a slick 6-speed manual gearbox and develops a cool 138bhp, allied to a strident 177lbs ft of torque, from a lowly 1,600rpm, that lends its capabilities perfectly to towing the family caravan, or trailer. It cracks the 0-60mph benchmark in a respectable 10.9s, before topping-out at a reported 120mph, while returning 49.4mpg, a figure I can confirm, while it emits a modest 130g/km CO2 (all figures from the latest WLTP official test results).
With its five-door body just shy of 4.4m long, sitting on a wheelbase of 2.65m, one of its key attributes is bags of interior space, including a 401-litres boot. Split-folding rear seats provide added flexibility (expanding the boot volume to 1,569-litres) in a roomy cabin. The driver’s seat features a wide range of adjustability, together with the range of the steering wheel, which makes obtaining a truly comfortable, verging on luxurious driving position possible. Well-padded, part-leather seats (electrically operated for the driver’s convenience) provide support in all the important areas and there is abundant legroom in the rear too.
In popular Tekna trim, the equipment level is more than adequate. Apart from the anticipated levels of mobile-phone and music connectivity, the panoramic sunroof (with electric blind) floods the interior with light, if you wish it to. The LED headlights provide a superior spread of illumination at night-time. Dual-zone climate control creates a pleasant environment regardless of weather conditions, while sat-nav helps you to reach your destination as unflustered as possible. Throw-in a good handling chassis that blends smooth ride, with excellent agility and you start to understand Qashqai’s sense of purpose.
