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 The car in the Nissan range stands below the Nissan X-Trail and partially replaces the outdated Primera.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 for money, comfort, awesome audio system
Sound isolation, engine mount split, CD player not working properly
Year: 2008
Engine capacity, l: 2,0
Fuel Type: Petrol
Gearbox: Mechanical
Body type: SUV
Car description
Nissan Quashqai – great quality/price ratio. Fairly inexpensive, but providing enough comfort: heated seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, etc. Maybe for some it will seem like unnecessary stuff, but ones you try, believe me, you’ll find difficulty to resist such comfort :). With all the gadgets installed on the steering wheel you’re allowed to keep your eyes on the road. In addition, the interior is quite simple and unsophisticated, but easily manageable (no instructions will be needed). The seats are comfy too, but if you’re a tall person like me (1.90 m) your head could be easily hit on the car’s ceiling; however doing the right adjustment will help to avoid it. According to some people this Quashqai is not higher than VW Golf (I drove the latter for a couple of years), but I would dear to contradict such rumours. There’s a lot more space in the trunk, for the passengers and for the driver too, so comfort is incomparable. For music lovers sound quality of the audio system should leave an unforgettable impression – so far I haven’t experienced anything better. Another big advantage – large side mirrors allowing to park the car fearlessly either by the roadsides or curbs (this should be especially convenient for women). In cold winter time it won’t be difficult to start a car. I have front-wheel drive version with a 2-litre petrol engine and I can assure that it’s really efficient: in the city – 32 mpg; on the highway – ranges from 45 to 35 mpg. Now some disadvantages I’d like to mention. A lot of Quashqai owners encounter a problem – they get a split on one of the engine mounts. The chassis must be checked at least once a year (some faults are always found either in shock absorbers, bearings etc.). It‘s quite a cool vehicle and it‘s fun to drive. However, sound isolation could be better esp. driving at high rmp and with studded tires; poor rear visibility thus I suggest to buy parking system sensors – no prob with them. By the way, after some time I had to fix my broken CD player :(
Reliability, running costs
Once a year I visit an authorized service center, where air filter together with oil are changed and the chassis is checked. It’s def no point to buy a brand new vehicle from a dealer since it’s gonna lose its value soon.
Recommendations to buyers
If I had to choose again, I’d go this time for 4-wheel drive Quashqai.
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