Nissan Qashqai | Test Drive | Auto Class Magazine

Nissan Qashqai | Test Drive

23 March 2020 Redazione News, Tested

BEST SELLER

Words by Marco Mancino / Photos by Gian Romero

Finally, after an immemorial time, a Nissan key is back in my hands. No, it’s not that of the GT-R and I don’t mind too much, since I am rebuilding my house and I would not want to squander my bank account at the petrol pump (laughs, ed). It is a model that makes much more substantial figures, which updates the second generation of the best-selling SUV of a Japanese brand that keeps making big money not yet feel the need to substantially renew its price list. The Qashqai, which underwent small but substantial aesthetic changes in mid-2017, continues to sell thanks to the fact that it offers everything is needed by most motorists who in a car identify the need to move from one place to another. Since allowing human beings to shorten distances on the map is the way car manufacturers pay their bills, it is inevitable that every effort should be made to make everything more comfortable, simpler and less expensive.

The updated Qashqai remains faithful to that crossover image that makes it attractive even for those who are looking for a particularly small SUV. The one of my test costs twice as much as the entry level, but I challenge anyone to find flaws in here – exact, maybe apart from the price, because as a matter of facts exceeding the € 40,000 threshold mark means entering an area patrolled by the well-known German triptych. My long-term experience lasted 2 years, starting in the first half of December 2019 and ending in late January 2020 (laughs again, ed). What amazed me is that after a few kilometers spent driving it was as if the entire car had been literally shaped around me and my needs. Where externally the changes are mainly concentrated in the new and more aggressive front, it is the cockpit that offers greater care for the assemblies, a multimedia system that continues to do its duty, aesthetically obsolete but precise satellite navigator and the new and beautiful seats, not only very comfortable even over long distances, but capable of adding a wow factor once you open the door.

On a mechanical level, our 1.7cc 4-cylinder represents the top of the range, especially with the richest Tekna spec, in this case combined with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, a 6-speed CVT that can still be practical even away from the urban centers, ideal situation for this type of solution. Horses here are 150, but the 340 Nm of torque available at 1,750 makes the Nissan crossover agile in any situation, offering great visibility on all sides and showing how elastic and fuel friendly this engine is. The average fuel consumption I got during my three weeks of testing was 16.7 km/l.

You may be surprised by the lack of the paddles behind the wheel – some CVT still have ‘em – but this is one of the many aspects that makes the Qashqai what it is, a car with no frills but a lot of substance, a commercial success devoted to the intention to offer what you really need in everyday life, without getting lost in superfluous trappings. Do you understand why the streets are literally invaded, right? The load compartment is remarkable, especially with the rear seats are folded down; alternatively, 5 people can be comfortably accommodated even for long journeys, enjoying the great brightness of the cabin offered by the huge panoramic glass roof. Finally, its ground clearance makes it possible to face rough roads and gives a better view all around when driving in the city. As said at the beginning, the Qashqai is a complete car, most likely the best in terms of usability, but to better spend your money it is useful to understand which is the ideal version according to your needs. With just 22 thousand Euros you get the basic model driven by a 1.3 cc petrol engine. Just add a little more than a thousand Euros (€ 23,565) for the 115-hp 1.5 diesel, the best in terms of price/quality, or spend at least € 30,175 for the more powerful 150-horsepower 1.7cc, the only one that can be equipped with an all-wheel drive transmission.