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Is the UK's second-most-popular car still the brand's shining beacon? Let's find out

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You will struggle to find a bigger British automotive success story than the Nissan Qashqai.

In 2022, it was Britain’s best-selling car. A year later, it came a close second to the Ford Puma. Nissan claims that the Qashqai has been such a hit in the UK that you’re always within 500 metres of one. 

All cars get LED headlights. Aerodynamic ducts are real, and they’re big enough to make a Honda Civic Type R blush.

The Japanese crossover was a game-changer and is credited with almost single-handedly saving Nissan’s European operations. It revolutionised the crossover class, because it offered buyers the looks of an off-roader without needing all the heavy hardware to make it capable over the rough stuff – and people responded in numbers. 

The Qashqai might be one of Nissan’s greatest successes, but it's also an important car for the UK car industry, having been manufactured in Sunderland since its inception. 

Considering the number of car makers that have ditched their production facilities in the UK, it's heartening that the Qashqai continues to be made here.

The latest version majors on style and interior technology to bring it closer into line with the Nissan Ariya electric SUV. 

So is the Qashqai still the segment leader? Let’s find out. 

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The Nissan Qashqai range at a glance

Nissan’s popular crossover is offered with a mix of four-cylinder mild-hybrid and three-cylinder full-hybrid powertrains.

The range opens with the DiG-T 140 mild hybrid, with 138bhp and a 0-62mph time of 10.2sec. The DiG-T 158 mild hybrid offers 155bhp and a 0-62mph time of 9.5sec. Full-hybrid e-Power models increase power to 187bhp and hit 0-62mph in 7.9sec.

VERSIONPOWER
DiG-T 140 MILD HYBRID138bhp
DiG-T 155 MILD HYBRID155bhp
190 E-POWER187bhp

DESIGN & STYLING

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Nissan Qashqai rear three quarter dynamic

Adopting a more aggressive and sharper appearance, thanks to its front grille design, the Qashqai certainly has a distinctive look compared to rivals. Nissan says the overall design was inspired by Japanese samurai helmets. 

Greater presence is given to the front end, thanks to redesigned headlights, while the daytime running lights represent horns – another reference to the samurai helmets. 

The Qashqai maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor, riding on the same updated version of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-C platform. 

Most versions get a torsion-beam axle for rear suspension, but four-wheel-drive models (as well as those on 20in alloy wheels) have a multi-link rear axle instead. 

The Qashqai is offered with a completely electrified range of powertrains. There’s a choice of two 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines, at 138bhp and 155bhp, both of which get mild-hybrid assistance.

Both versions come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with a CVT being optional on the higher-power version. The 155bhp engine can also be had with 4WD.

The mild-hybrid system is only 12V, rather than 48V, and it can contribute only just over 4lb ft of torque for the car when accelerating, so its value lies more in smoothing out stop/start and powering accessories when the engine is off than in supplying any meaningful torque fill.

Topping the engine line-up is Nissan’s e-Power full hybrid, added to allow Nissan to plug the gap as more and more manufacturers start to offer their own full-hybrid models. That means a rich variety of powertrain configurations is emerging. 

It's an unusual system that only uses the 1.5-litre engine to charge a battery, while the wheels are exclusively driven by a 187bhp electric motor, which should bring some EV-like driving sensations to a car that is still dependably petrol-powered.

INTERIOR

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Nissan Qashqai interior

The Qashqai feels well screwed together inside. Higher-spec models like the N-Design and Tekna+ get Alcantara-upholstered elements, such as on the dashboard, door cappings, centre console storage lid and seat bolsters, which gives the cabin a more upmarket feel. 

Sure, some materials feel less premium, such as the synthetic leather on the seats – and the new patterned trim between the dashboard and glovebox feels pretty cheap. There are some scratchy plastics low down, too, but overall refinement is good. 

Blocky heater unit is a model of easy usability. Infotainment screen above is also good on that score.

Nissan’s focus for the facelifted Qashqai has been on technology. The software that underpins the car’s digital interfaces has been overhauled to improve graphics and response times.  

The infotainment system gets Google built in, which means the Qashqai comes as standard with Google Maps and Google Assistant, a voice-controlled hands-free system activated when the driver says “Hey Google”.

There is credibility to Nissan’s claims of improvement: the infotainment screen is very responsive with no latency issue – adjusting the zoom on Google Maps was quick and easy. Its operation is also made easier by its layout, with shortcut buttons on the right-hand side of the screen making it easier to move between functions. 

Pleasingly, Nissan has retained conventional buttons and rotary dials for the climate controls, which means adjusting the temperature or fan speed is a seamless process. 

Parking is made easier by the Qashqai’s upgraded Around View Monitor, which features a 3D function to see the car from above when parking. A feature called Invisible Hood View allows drivers to position the front wheels as if looking at them from behind, allowing you to see directly underneath the car when manoeuvring in tight car parks, for example. 

The Qashqai complies with EU GSR2 safety regulations, which requires speed limit recognition and driver monitoring systems. The speed limit monitoring can be a little overzealous at times; thankfully, it’s easy to deactivate. Once you’ve customised your preferences for the overspeed warning, lane keep assist and others in a menu the first time you drive the car, you can simply load that configuration with two clicks of a steering wheel button.

There’s a theme of common sense to the cabin, and this is shown by the number of sockets and charging ports dotted around the front of the interior. There’s a handy wireless charger underneath the climate controls (which can make your device quite hot), and multiple USB-C ports hidden out of the way in the central storage compartment. 

Rear space is best described as adequate rather than abundant. Leg room is average for the class, but to give the Qashqai some credit, head room is more generous. And if you opt for a trim with a panoramic roof, this does make the cabin feel more spacious and airy. 

Boot capacity has dropped for the latest version to 479 litres, down from 504 litres for the previous model. It is beaten quite soundly by the Kia Sportage's 587 litres, although that is a bigger car.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

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Nissan Qashqai engine

Nissan’s electrified range of engines is a clear example of bridging the gap between conventional ICE engines and electric powertrains.

If there wasn’t the occasional thrum of the e-Power Hybrid’s three-cylinder petrol engine coming from the front end under load, the Qashqai could easily be mistaken for having a pure-electric system much of the time. 

Adaptive cruise control can easily frustrate as it doesn’t anticipate like a good driver would, but the Nissan’s is well calibrated and cleverly handles changing speed limits.

The e-Power accelerated in a smooth and brisk manner than is befitting of a family crossover. And because the electric motors do most of the driving, you get strong regenerative braking too – although it's rather aggressive when you turn e-Pedal mode on. 

The engine is quiet at cruising speeds, but makes itself known when with more abrupt throttle inputs. It has a tendency to spin up rather ferociously which means that under load, the revs seem to soar and then linger at the top end of the range for no particular reason. 

Overall, though, the e-Power set-up feels like the best resolved and least compromised powertrain you can have in the Qashqai. 

All other variants of Qashqai are let down by a choice of disappointing gearboxes. The six-speed manual feels spongy, with a high bite point. 

To make matters worse, engine revs drop very slowly when the clutch is disengaged, which makes it more difficult than it needs to be to change gear quickly and smoothly. The action of the gearchange could be better defined, too. It’s light, with a mildly notchy but longish throw.

The X-tronic CVT, meanwhile, masks the engine’s off-boost torpor but suffers from an irritating surge in acceleration at more than a quarter throttle that’s disproportionate with your inputs. It also feels poorly integrated with the start/stop system, sending a judder through the driveline each time the engine cuts in and out. 

While Nissan claims to have tuned the variable-compression petrol engine to better match vehicle speed – a response to criticism of the jarring ‘rubber band’ effect of a CVT gearbox – it still produces a fairly monotonous and uninspiring melody. The best course is to be light with the right foot and let it tick away quietly.

Consequently, the Qashqai feels like a car that might be better suited to an automatic gearbox, which could camouflage some of the flat spots in the power delivery. 

RIDE & HANDLING

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Nissan Qashqai front conerning urban

The Qashqai has never been a dynamic or engaging crossover to drive – and even in its latest form, things haven’t changed much in this regard. At least Nissan has focused on ride comfort, though. 

For a reasonably priced crossover, it's unlikely to benefit from the most sophisticated suspension. How well the Qashqai irons out road imperfections therefore depends on the wheels on which it rides. 

The steering weights up in fast corners, but not in a natural, predictable way. Under continuous hard cornering, the system does settle on one weight, but it varies with speed. More consistency would be better.

At town speeds, you do get jostled around a little bit, with the dampers sometimes struggling to deal with small imperfections in one go, but overall this is a comfortable car.

Rounded, softer-edged lumps are bumps are dealt with confidently and the body is kept under control pretty well over longer-wave undulations.

But if you want comfort across the board, avoid higher-spec cars with 19in or 20in wheels fitted. The Qashqai, with 20in items fitted, doesn’t ride over potholes and sharper edges particularly well, and on rural back roads there’s a noticeable fidget to the ride. 

The steering is very light at smaller angles and weights up only marginally when you turn into a corner. Overall, it feels somewhat artificial and inconsistent, which generally discourages any enthusiasm at the wheel. 

Exercise more restraint and the Qashqai is easy to point down a road. And the upside to the light steering is that manoeuvring the car is hassle-free, with a turning circle of 11.1m. 

The tall driving position and long, flat bonnet mean that it’s also easy to see the edges and place the car in town.

Comfort and isolation

Rolling refinement is good thanks to the introduction of thickened glass for the windows.

The Qashqai is hushed in most conditions, with a bit of wind whistle when up to motorway speeds. With 20in wheels fitted, road roar isn’t too imposing. 

The seats are relatively comfortable. High-spec models have electrically adjustable seats, so it's easy to find a good driving position. Lumbar support is good but some additional lateral and thigh support would hold you in place more. The seat cushion is long which is good for taller drivers. 

The car’s ProPilot intelligent cruise control works quite well. It’s smooth when slowing down and tends to do so far enough in advance of traffic slowing ahead, although there are moments when it’s confused by cars in adjacent lanes. 

A welcome feature is that it will recognise changing speed limits but wait for the driver to confirm before changing the vehicle’s set speed. You can change gear without disabling the cruise control, too. On higher trims, it will steer for you to keep the car in lane if desired, and it does so pretty competently without encouraging you to mentally switch off.

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

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Nissan Qashqai front three quarter cornering

The Qashqai range starts at around £30k and comprises five specification levels: Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna, N-Design and Tekna+. 

Entry-level Visia trim was dropped with the facelift in favour of the upper-mid-level N-Design trim, which sits alongside Tekna, but gets bespoke 20in wheels, body-coloured wheel arches and Alcantara elements inside for a more sporty feel. 

Tekna trim starts out quite expensive and loses its value marginally quicker than the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga do.

N-Connecta trim gets you all the essentials, such as parking sensors and the nicer LED headlights; Tekna adds all the indulgences you might want, such as heated seats and a head-up display; and Tekna+ goes mad with massage seats and 20in wheels.

Buyers might want to bear in mind that Nissan cars in general, and Qashqais in particular, have sometimes fared quite poorly in UK reliability surveys, even if they are affected mostly by minor issues.

With the manual gearbox, the 156bhp Qashqai has a claimed economy of 44mpg. During our time with the car, an MPG in the mid-40s proved to be quite a realistic figure during mixed use.

VERDICT

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Nissan Qashqai front three quarter verdict

The Qashqai steps things up a notch with an interior that's of good quality and comfort and keeps things simple as regards the usability of its cabin technology. A suite of mature, well-calibrated assisted driving features finishes the package.

It’s not quite as practical as the Skoda Karoq, but the Qashqai remains true to the safe, predictable and rational formula of the models released before it – and it comfortably sits beside more premium rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V and Audi Q3. 

Spec advice? Avoid the bottom and top trims, and go for the e-Power hybrid, which is more convincing than the mild hybrids.

Broadly speaking, it’s comfortable, quiet, manoeuvrable and easy to drive. It looks good, too, and comes with a good helping of standard equipment. Its latest update should appeal to families looking for a well-priced crossover. 

Sam Phillips

Sam Phillips
Title: Staff Writer

Sam joined the Autocar team in summer 2024 and has been a contributor since 2021. He is tasked with writing used reviews and fiirst drives as well as updating top 10s and evergreen content on the Autocar website. 

He previously led sister-title Move Electric, which covers the entire spectrum of electric vehicles, from cars to boats – and even trucks. He is an expert in electric cars, new car news, microbility and classic cars. 

Sam graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2021 with a BA in Journalism. In his final year he produced an in-depth feature on the automotive industry’s transition to electric cars and interviewed a number of leading experts to assess our readiness for the impending ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

Nissan Qashqai First drives