Nissan Qashqai Crossover full 9 point review

  • Performance

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol gives a useful 113bhp, while the 1.5-litre turbodiesel gives 104bhp and a lot more pulling power. Both need to be worked hard, but cope okay with the car's bulk. There's also a 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit, and a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. The bigger engines come with the option of four-wheel drive. A six-speed CVT auto is available on two-wheel and four-wheel drive, 2.0-litre petrol engine. The four-wheel drive 2.0-litre diesel can come with a six speed auto.

  • Ride & Handling

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad With the Qashqai's lofty stance and high ground clearance, it's not surprising that body lean can be felt in corners. However, the Nissan feels far from untidy in a bend. There's plenty of grip and the weighty steering is very direct. The Qashqai rides very well, too, with bumps smoothed out well at any speed.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Qashqai's soundproofing is very effective at keeping external noises from the cabin. There's quite a lot of wind noise from oversized mirrors, but the forgiving suspension doesn't clatter over larger bumps. The smaller engines make themselves heard, though, especially the diesel. This is because they need to work hard to shift the Qashqai's heavy body.

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Qashqai's list prices are competitive when compared to those of similar rivals. However, while resale values are reasonable, they can't match those of the VW Golf. The 1.5 dCi version is the most frugal, but it only returns 52.3mpg where some diesel-powered competitors can top 60mpg.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Once, the Nissan felt like a cut above the rest, but now its hard black plastics look a little dated. That said, the fit and finish are superb, and all the switchgear works with a nicely weighted action. Nissan has a great reliability record, and the Qashqai was 11th overall in the 2009 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Qashqai carries all the basics to keep you safe in an accident - front, side and curtain airbags are all provided. Stability control is a cost option on entry-level models, though, and it's a pricey one in comparison with its competitors. Deadlocks, a visible VIN and marked parts will put thieves off.

  • Behind The Wheel

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The driver gets a height-adjustable seat and a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach, giving fine levels of comfort. The seats give excellent support, too. The controls are logically placed and the high seating position offers a commanding view. However, visibility isn't great at the rear quarters of the car due to the rear pillars.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There's plenty of head- and legroom in the front, meaning that comfort is excellent for this class of car. Like most small family cars, the Qashqai is best suited to carrying four, and although the Nissan isn't the biggest, there's room for five if those in the back snuggle up. The shallow window line means there is not as much headroom for rear passengers as the Golf, but the boot is big for the class, and it's well shaped, too.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin All Qashqais come well stocked. Entry-level Visia cars come with air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a CD player, four powered windows and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone kit. Step up to Acenta trim for climate control, a CD autochanger, parking sensors, cruise control, and automatic headlamps and wipers. Range-topping Tekna models have full leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof.

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