Driving Review: Nissan Qashqai 1,2
In 2007 a car was launched that had people confused about the name. Very confused. Say it with me, “Cash-Kai”. There you go. Easy hey? Now try and spell it. Got you! This ‘issue’ didn’t make one inch of a difference though, people still loved it and Nissan managed to sell over 2 million worldwide, 21 000 in South Africa alone.
The second generation Nissan Qashqai was launched in SA in November last year. WOW attended the launch but we were only able to drive the 1,5. Even though the more newsworthy engine, the 1,2, was the one we would have liked to get in to. Well, we just did.
There is an endless quest for lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions and so the result is Nissan’s all-new 1,2-litre direct injection turbocharged engine. It produces 85 kW of power and 190 N.m of torque at just 2 000 rpm.
This engine is smooth and quiet, but you need to work hard to keep up with traffic on the open road. It is after all a crossover powered by a rather small engine. If you are on the highway and want to overtake you need not only commit but you also need plenty of planning before any such maneouvre can take place.
But with this said, it is more than capable around town. In fact, it is everything you want from a town car. It is spacious but the dimensions are small enough to keep the car from being intimidating to drive. And of course it is undeniably more attractive than its predecessor.
The cabin is insulated from wind, road and engine noise and feels upmarket. The standard features list is more than impressive, think LED daytime running lights, electrically-adjustable door mirrors, 16-inch wheels, a 5-inch full-colour HD drive assist display which includes readouts as well as access to customisable vehicle settings, remote central locking, a fully-compatible audio system, a multi-function steering wheel, bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and air conditioning. And this is just on the entry trim level, the 1,2T Visia.
Step in to the other trim level available, the Acenta, and you will get 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, six speakers, dual-zone climate control and an extra two cup holders (the Visia has two already as well as four bottle holders – more than enough for all the kids and their friends).
The Nissan Qashqai 1,2T Visia, which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission costs R281 900 whereas the Acenta comes in at R310 100. Both are offered with a class leading six-year/150 000km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan. This is the perfect family car!
While the 1,2-litre is certainly an engine to consider, if you want a bit more oomph and plan on doing a lot of road tripping, I would suggest putting in an extra R20 000 and opting for the 1,5dCi Acenta, which produces 260 N.m of torque. However, it all really depends on where you plan to drive the car most of the time. Either way, you will end up with an excellent vehicle. There is a reason so many are sold…just ask a current Nissan Qashqai owner.