Nissan Qashqai Tekna 1.3 DIG-T 138bhp 2018 first drive

There are few greater success stories in the automotive industry than the Nissan Qashqai. Nissan might not have invented the compact SUV segment, but it’s certainly the one responsible for launching it into the stratosphere.

But as always with trailblazers, others follow – and in the case of compact SUVs, many, many others have followed – which means it’s imperative to hold your advantage.

So far, the Qashqai is still doing brilliantly. It’s on its second-generation, had a facelift last year and, year-to-date, is the fourth biggest selling car in the UK. Its closest SUV contenders, the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage, are in eighth and tenth place respectively.

A third-generation Qashqai is on its way in 2020, but in the meantime, the car maker has introduced another update to keep things fresh. This time it’s a new 1.3-litre petrol engine with 138bhp or 158bhp outputs, replacing the existing petrol engines, and promising reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

A seven-speed dual clutch transmission also makes it debut on the 158bhp version.

Despite the focus on refreshing petrol engines, Nissan is not giving up on diesel. A 1.5-litre 113bhp diesel launched in September and a 1.7-litre 158bhp diesel will arrive early next year. Qashqai’s sales mix is slightly biased towards petrol currently, but less so than the overall trend in the compact SUV segment.

The other update is an all-important new infotainment system, Nissan Connect which the car maker says offers “seamless and intuitive integration of driver and vehicle”. The current Qashqai’s system is one of the most outdated features compared to rivals, so this a crucial area for Nissan to address. 

The outgoing petrol Qashqai was well-received by Autocar with our only criticism being that the entry-level 1.2 113bhp didn’t have much pulling power below 1750rpm. The same claim doesn’t ring true here: in the new equivalent, the turbocharged 138bhp 1.3-litre, has a far smoother and quicker response at low revs and beyond than previously.

Before, the benchmark sprint was achieved in 11.3secs; now it’s 10.5secs. All in all, acceleration is more spirited and there’s ample pull for any desired overtaking maneouvres. The engine is also admirably quiet. 

Jumping into the higher-powered 158bhp Qashqai briefly, we noticed only a little difference between the two engines. The 158bhp is naturally more sprightly but when you consider the 138bhp unit’s flexible, willing performance, plus its £1500 cheaper list price, it’s the clear winner of the two unless you expect to carry a full load regularly.

That said, if you’re all about more power, there’s an unexpected similarity between the two 1.3-litre engines: they both offer the same CO2 emissions and fuel economy, 121g/km and 53.3mpg respectively on 17in wheels, meaning it will cost you little more in running costs. That rises to 130g/km and 49.6mpg if you have 18in or 19in wheels.

The introduction of petrol engines has had no effect on the Qashqai’s excellent driving credentials. It has long been considered a driver’s car for the compact SUV segment, and it still is. Ride is excellent, though the Seat Ateca has the edge on handling and enjoyment behind the wheel. It’s just that little bit more lively.