2019 Nissan Qashqai Review
All of a sudden, the Qashqai has entered its 5th year on the market – though keep in mind the model’s been around in Europe since 2014.
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Utility vehicles have been multiplying like rabbits on the market in recent years – this is news to no one by this point. From Nissan, we’ve seen two of them introduced in our market: the Qashqai and the Kicks. Not only that, the two models sit in the same category, that of subcompact SUVs.
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However, the Qashqai is slightly larger than the Kicks, plus it offers all-wheel drive. What it also is, is very, very popular among consumers. We take a look at why.
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Neutral
Neutral but effective - the Nissan Qashqai for sale is one of those vehicles that grow on you, in other words. It might not stoke the flames of passion, but what it offers is a respect-based partnership, let’s say.
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Format
This crossover is pleasing enough to look at but it’s no head-turner. On the other hand, it is fairly easy to recognize, thanks mainly to the V-shaped grille that is a Nissan signature.
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Perhaps the most distinctive element of this models is its size – as mentioned, it’s an in-betweenie. Which means it fits like a glove on the needs of those for whom the X-Trailis too big.
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Most significantly, the interior space available to occupants is roughly similar to that found inside larger models. It’s a little bit tighter in the second row, but it’s not a major loss. Where you do lose noticeably is in terms of cargo space: the Qashqai offers 1,730 litres of it. But 1,730 litres in the sub-compact-plus category is a lot. Really a lot. Neither the Honda HR-V, renowned for its interior roominess or the Subaru Crosstrek offer as much.
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Which sums up the basic definition of the Nissan Qashqai for sale: a small-format SUV but spacious enough for five.
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Versions
Three trims are offered for the 2019 Qashqai at Group 1 Nissan: S, SV and SL. The first two work with a front-wheel-drive configuration but with AWD available as an option, but the latter gets that as standard.
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Let’s be clear, the Qashqai is a recommendable product on its merits, but at that kind of price, well no. The sweet spot for this model, in my view, is an SV trim with all-wheel drive priced.
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Comprehensive list of equipment
That said, is spending that kind of dough on a smallish vehicle is no barrier for you, the list of stuff you get with the Qashqai is pretty long. There’s the power sunroof, for one, as well as anti-fog lights, heated steering wheel, navigation, voice recognition, auto-dimming rearview mirrors and 9-speaker Bose audio system. The last two of those goodies come standard with the Platinum package.
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Once again, it’s worth your time to list out your needs and priorities.
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Fuel economy over fun
To get the most pep out of that engine, you have to get aggressive with the accelerator. It’s a more pleasant experience when you’re working with the base model’s standard manual gearbox, and that’s because otherwise you’re dealing with a competent but soul-sapping CVT (continuously variable transmission).
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A bit more power would be nice, obviously, but remember that the main purpose of this vehicle is not to catapult you off the line. Fuel economy is the keyword here, and in that respect, as usual with a Nissan, it’s mission accomplished. The official numbers for the Qashqai are 9.1L/100 km (city) and 7.6L/100 km (highway). In our week of real-world driving, we wound up with an average of 8.3L/100 km.
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At the wheel
I used the word neutral earlier, and that’s because it perfectly sums up the drive this crossover delivers. The steering is a tad too assisted, the braking a bit spongy, the suspension on the soft side, etc. But again, as long as driving pleasure is not high on your priority list, you’ll be satisfied with what you get from the Qashqai because what you get is reassuring and competent.
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As bonus, the interior is actually comfortable.
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In terms of safety, the product offering varies from trim to trim, but the most important element that stuck out for me was the vehicle’s performance in an obstacle avoidance test carried out by a Swedish testing firm.
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In the video published by the firm, you get a great view of the vehicle as it weaves from left to right without any fuss or muss. According to the testers, the Qashqai was best in class in this test.
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For any consumer that’s a rock-solid argument in its favour, in our view.
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Article sourced from: https://www.auto123.com/
