Nissan Qashqai review: is it as good as everybody says?
The latest Nissan Qashqai builds on the strengths of that original model, offering more style, space and equipment, along with better fuel economy and sharper handling. It's so good that it won the Best Mainstream SUV title in the 2016 Telegraph Cars Awards, and among its best rivals are the Seat Ateca and Renault Kadjar.
Space 8/10
Roomy for four adults, and the boot is versatile
There’s enough space to keep four six-footers comfortable for hours, and a fifth person can squeeze in for shorter journeys. Meanwhile, Isofix mountings on the outer rear seats make it a doddle to fit child seats.
The boot is square and can easily swallow a couple of large suitcases, although others in the class have even more space back there. When the rear seats are folded flat, there is a step up to them on the cheapest version of the car, the Visia, but other Qashqais have adjustable floor panels that level things out.
As a bonus, these panels can be used to divide up the boot space so smaller items don’t slide around. Alternatively, if you put the panels in their highest setting there’s room to stow the parcel shelf underneath.
You’ll find a couple of cupholders between the front seats, along with a large storage bin to keep your valuables out of sight.
Shorter people may find the tailgate a bit of a stretch to reach when they want to close it.
Comfort 9/10
Most versions are quiet and comfortable
The Qashqai is great at soaking up bumps and potholes, as long as it’s not fitted with 19-inch wheels (the biggest available).
In addition, there are few cars available for this sort of money that are as quiet as the Qashqai. Not only is it brilliant at shutting out wind and road noise, but the 1.5-litre diesel engine stays smooth at all times.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine is also quiet, but the 1.6-litre diesel sounds a little gruff when you accelerate and it transmits some vibrations into the car.
People of all sizes should be able to find a comfortable driving position in the Qashqai because there’s a wide range of adjustment and the seat controls are precise in operation.
Dashboard layout 10/10
Well-ordered dash looks and feels classy
The dashboard is simple to use, whether you have the standard layout or the touchscreen system that’s reserved for more expensive Qashqais.
It has a premium feel, too, because the plastics look smart and are pleasant to touch, and all of the controls feel slick.
Easy to drive 6/10
Diesels make life easy. Sizeable blind spots don’t
Visibility is quite restricted; you sometimes have to crane your neck at junctions to look for approaching traffic, and it can be difficult to judge where the back of the car ends when reversing if you don’t have parking sensors.
More positively, both diesel engines make it easy to keep up with the flow of traffic on all types of road. The petrol engine is weaker, so it’s best avoided if you do a lot of motorway miles.
Surprisingly good given its tall body
The Qashqai is enjoyable and reassuring to drive because the steering is precise and there’s plenty of grip.
Unlike the previous Qashqai, it doesn’t lean over dramatically when you turn into a bend at speed.
The only thing that lets it down a bit is the manual gearbox; it has a long shift action that makes it feel like you’re reaching into the back of the car when you select one of the even-numbered gears.
Reliability 7/10
Nissan has a good record, but warranty could be better
Nissan Qashqai reliability record is fair to middling, with an above-average, if not exactly outstanding, showing in the 2016 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study. That put it above Mazda and Renault, but below Ford, Peugeot and Suzuki in the survey.
The Qashqai comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty as standard, which is about the minimum you could expect these days. Renault offers a longer warranty on its Kadjar.
Fuel economy 9/10
Particularly good if you choose the 1.5-litre diesel
The 1.5-litre diesel Qashqai returns an official average of 74.3mpg, which in the real world translates to between 50-55mpg. That’s comparable with some of the best family hatchbacks and better than rivals such as the Skoda Yeti.
The 1.6 diesel and 1.2 petrol aren’t quite so efficient, and you’ll find it harder to get near the official figure in the petrol than you do in the diesels, simply because of the way you have to work it harder in everyday driving. Typically, you can expect between 35-40mpg from petrol Qashqais.
Affordability 8/10
Most costs are reasonable and it holds its value very well
The Qashqai is priced a little higher than conventional family hatchbacks, such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. But it shouldn’t cost you any more in the long run because it will be worth far more when you come to sell it.
These strong resale values also make it reasonably cheap to lease or buy on finance, and insurance and road tax costs are competitive. It won’t be cheap to service, though.
Safety 8/10
Even the cheapest version should keep you and your loved ones safe
The Qashqai scored a maximum five stats in crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP.
As in most modern cars, there’s a stability control system that can reign in the engine’s power and brake individual wheels to help you stay in control in poor conditions. What’s more, the Qashqai gets the usual six airbags: four that protect those in the front, plus two that run the length of the car at window level.
Acenta Premium and Tekna models also come with a Smart Vision pack, which includes systems that warn if you’re straying out of your lane or in danger of having a collision, as well as front and rear parking sensors. This pack is a relatively affordable option on lesser models.
Standard spec 8/10
Most Qashqais come with lots of luxuries
The cheapest version of the Qashqai, the Visia, lets you make phone calls and play your iPod music through a Bluetooth connection, plus it comes with air-conditioning and cruise control.
Even so, it’s worth upgrading to the next version, the Acenta; this adds lots of desirable features, including alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers and a dual-zone climate control system that lets the driver and front passenger set different temperatures.
The N-Connecta model is also worth considering because it brings front and rear parking sensors, a 7-inch touchscreen with satnav and some additional safety kit, but range-topping N-Vision and Tekna Qashqais cost silly money.
The verdict 8/10
The Nissan Qashqai is a good family car. It’s as relaxing to drive as a VW Golf, and more practical. It also makes financial sense because it holds its value well and is available with more efficient diesel engines than a Skoda Yeti. However, the recently launched Seat Ateca and Renault Kadjar are also worth serious consideration.
