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Qashqai – time for Nissan change E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Nissan’s new Qashqai is billed as a car that’s different. It looks novel and its unusual name should make it stand out from the crowd. Drive the Qashqai and you’ll notice the difference as this car has SUV type looks with car-like driving ability and good economy. Michael Moroney drove the entry 1.5 litre turbo-diesel model, which is rated highly in the thrifty stakes.

The arrival of the Qashqai is the big news for Nissan this year. The new car is replacing the Almera to some extent but it’s different enough to mark a new direction for the Nissan range.
 
The Qashqai is considered a ‘crossover’ vehicle; something that resembles a family car and also has SUV looks to it. And the Qashqai achieves that well. It’s just the name that’s a bit odd; Qashqai pronounced Kash-Kai, is a name that takes its origins from a nomadic tribe of Iran.

I’ve driven two versions of the Qashqai in recent weeks. I had the top of the range 2.0 litre petrol version with an automatic gearbox for a few days followed by the thrifty 1.5 litre turbo-diesel model for a longer spell. My remarks in this article refer mainly to the diesel version because it offers more value, even though it’s a little more expensive than the 1.6 litre petrol powered entry model.

The diesel powered Qashqai comes with a Renault developed diesel engine that’s good on power relative to its size. Nissan carves 106bhp from the engine and like Renault its does this at a high 4,000 engine rpm. Renault gets the same output from the engine when fitted to the Megane, except that the Megane is a lighter car and so can deliver better pace. Engine torque is also impressive for a 1.5 litre unit, topping off at 240Nm at just 2,000 rpm.
The Qashqai is a good performer, coming in with a 0 to 100km/hr acceleration rating of 12.2 seconds. That’s not far behind the competition in the shape of the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf and don’t forget that the Qashqai weighs in some 100kg heavier.

The engine is well managed in a noise control way; at times it’s difficult to know that it’s a diesel. The economy figures are also impressive. The combined economy figures show that the Qashqai can reach over 5.4litres/100km (over 60mpg) with some steady driving. Add the 65 litre fuel tank and you can expect decent journeys without a fuel pitstop.
This compact diesel engine is rated well in terms of CO2 emissions, coming in well petrol all other engines in the Qashqai range at 145gr/kms. And that was my experience of the diesel powered Qashqai, a really thrifty performer.
For Nissan, the looks and performance of the Qashqai are its impressive features. It looks decidedly SUV but in compact sort of way. The overall vehicle stance is high, making entry easy, while giving it a solid and bigger look. It takes about the same road space as a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla, so its stance makes it look bigger rather than its size. The Qashqai has a solid feel to it and that’s an improvement for the Nissan badge.

Nissan fulfils the SUV effect by offering a four-wheel-drive version of the Qashqai. This is only available on the larger engine 2.0 litre petrol powered models. It can be matched to an automatic gearbox and combined result is power, off-road ability and ease of driving.

With a 200mm ground clearance level, it’s not a contender for heavy-duty 4x4 work, being just marginally closer to the ground by about 25mm (1 inch) than most of the other 4x4 competition. Bigger tyres on the 2.0 litre models help to lift the Qashqai marginally, while the standard entry models come with 215/65R16 tyres and alloy wheels.
Nissan is leaving the Electronic Stability Protection (ESP) system on the options list at €800 extra. I think it should be part of the standard package; its value has been well proven in vehicles such as the Qashqai with a relatively high ground clearance.
Nissan has an otherwise comprehensive safety package in the Qashqai. All models come with ABS, EBD and a brake assist system for ease of braking. There are six airbags, Isofix seats and front active headrests, but the ESP is missing.
Nissan has included a Bluetooth system as standard in the Qashqai. This allows you to easily access your mobile phone through the cars audio system. Set-up is relatively easy; it took me just minutes and the sound was clear.
The Qashqai comes on the market at €23,995 for the 1.6 litre petrol powered model. You pay €2,700 more for the diesel model that’s about 30 per cent more economical. The diesel engine price difference seems a little high.
Qashqai has something special to offer in terms of driving position, style and substance. This new Nissan entry has something different to offer and I mean more than the name. Prices are a shade high, but the Qashqai is different, different enough to encourage you to take a test drive. And you’ll like it.


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