The Nissan Qashqai is a compact SUV. This is the first Nissan model developed at the Nissan European Design Center in London. Nissan says the Qashqai is for the buyer who wants a dynamic passenger car design with increased mileage features but doesn’t want a rough SUV. The car in the Nissan range stands below the Nissan X-Trail and partially replaces the outdated Primera. The Qashqai is 4310 mm long and 1610 mm high, so the car stands between compact minivans - the Seat Altea, Renault Scenic and compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander. The upper part of the Qashqai design has a dynamic design, wide wings, a rear side tapered window - much like the larger Nissan Murano. The lower part is framed by the bright wheel arches and higher ground clearance characteristic of SUVs. The new Qashqai uses the same platform as the X-Trail, but isn’t as functional or off-road as the latter. Part of the practicality is sacrificed thanks to the attractive price - the Qashqai seats do not bend on a flat surface, and the suspension works loudly. However, the car has an AWD / 4WD system and is rated five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests. Nissan plans for the Qashqai to compete with cars such as the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V.
Good value and quality ratio, high suspension, good standard equipment, fuel-efficient car
Poor traction, week sound isolation, cheap plastic details, anti-rust coating should be applied
Year: 2007
Engine capacity, l: 1,5
Fuel Type: Diesel
Gearbox: Mechanical
Body type: SUV
Car description
I’ve been driving this car for more than a year. It was bought with 180.000 mileage indicated on the odometer. It was once inspected in the workshop and everything seemed to be fine except for the fact that in 2009 the engine was replaced due to some kind of defect. Now, what I had to do was just to change filters, oil and a car battery. No more problems occurred although it was driven on bumpy, gravel roads lots of times. Lately, it has started making too much rattle; I guess it’s about time to check the suspension. All in all, it’s a comfy car with a high suspension very suitable for our roads; it also has quite good standard equipment and other useful functions like hands-free system, autopilot, and park system sensors. As long as you don’t have that all, it seems you don’t need, but once you start using it your traveling becomes easier. An interior plastic is not made of high quality material. Large side mirrors make it a lot simpler to park a car, also if properly adjusted – help to avoid a blind spot. Nevertheless, it has poor sound isolation. Standard audio system is just awesome. The trunk is a lot more spacious than in Volkswagen Golf. Some people tend to compare these two vehicles, but, to my mind, there’s no point of doing it. Once you get a chance to have a ride with it, believe me, you won’t have any thoughts to switch it with any other lower car. Therefore, my next car will be only a land-rover. Oh, I forgot to mention that this car tends to rust. After one winter some rust spots appeared on the arches, so it’s highly recommended to spend extra money on anti-rust coating.
Performance
It has a 1.5 DCi engine, which is very economical with 160 HP. Fuel consumption in the city – 40 mpg, on the highway – 80 mpg, so the average – 70 mpg. I didn’t take a risk to use cheap poor quality fuel as it has sensitive injectors. There’s lack of traction, especially when there’re more then 2 passengers traveling. I’d never buy this Quashquai because the engine is too small for such vehicle.
Reliability, running costs
Maintenance costs are low; car parts for this model aren’t expensive even if you go for original ones. I’d say id hasn’t got any major disadvantages. As I heard, usually Quashquai owners have to change small suspension parts that don’t cost much. Car depreciation is possible, but it’s a great option for people who want a simple car with a little more traction and high chassis. However, you shouldn’t expect much luxury for such price. I think it’s def worth paying attention to because it has earned a five-star safety rating out of five during the safety performance at the “Euro NCAP” therefore it could be considered as really safe. If I had to go for the same car again, I’d choose a 2.0-litre engine.
Recommendations to buyers
Definitely check its history records in a car breakdown service, also check if there’s any rust and have a ride on different roads so that to make sure if there aren’t any unpleasant additional noise.
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