“The
Qashqai ‘crossover’
has been
a success story for Nissan, com-
bining a reputation for building
very good 4x4s with the real-life
practicalities of a hatchback family
car — but with SUV looks...”
THE MASTERSTROKE WAS LETTING CUSTOMERS CHOOSE either two-wheel drive only
or full-time 4x4 models. Seventy-five per cent opt for the two-wheel drive versions
— showing where the real market is. Clearly customers like the Qashqai's
SUV styling when allied to front-wheel drive performance and running costs.
By adding two extra seats to the Qashqai (badged honestly as the Qashqai '+2'),
with more leg and headroom throughout courtesy of the extended body, the new
Qashqai+2 will appeal to families for whom having seven seats is an important
requirement. The extra space comes from the +2's longer wheelbase —
extended over the standard version by 135mm. The overall length is up by 210mm
to 4,525mm; the roof height at the rear is increased by 40mm to 1,645mm and
this results in 16mm more front seat headroom, 10mm more for the middle row
and 23mm more kneeroom for the middle row seats as well.
Even if you don't really need the additional pair of seats, then the added load
area space is another legitimate reason to buy one. Be aware that the rearmost
row of two seats offers only very limited legroom and is best treated as occasional
seating. But fold them flat (thankfully without having to remove the headrests)
and the load space swells to 550 litres. Fold both the rear and centre row seats
flat and the maximum load space increases to 1,520 litres.
So, with two- and four-wheel drive models on offer, and with the option of 2.0-litre
petrol and diesel engines as well as auto/CVT transmission options, the Qashqai
range as a whole is a now a formidable contender for sales in a very competitive
market.
Having driven at last week's press launch most combinations of the Qashqai+2
— and bearing in mind the 13p advantage petrol currently enjoys
over diesel fuel, and the extra purchase cost of a diesel unit over a petrol-engined
model — my view is that for the vast majority of families the 2.0-litre
138bhp petrol model with two-wheel drive is the best option. I would also go
for the middle level of specification — Acenta — which is expected
to take 50 per cent of sales. This model, fitted with a six-speed manual 'box,
costs £18,749 — very well priced for the flexibility and running costs
it offers.
Being high-geared with a six-speed manual transmission, the responsive and smooth
petrol engine returned a real-life 38.1mpg — commendably better than the
official 33.6mpg combined figure. CO2 emissions are 197g/km giving a VED road
tax bill of £210 until next March and £260 from April 2009.
For comparative purposes you need to know that a 2.0-litre, two-wheel drive
diesel version costing £20,149 in Acenta specification, will return 42.2mpg
(actually 43.2mpg on test). VED is £170, rising to £205 next April.
Fitted as standard across the range are a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass,
roof bars and electronic stability programme. The only real gripe is that very
limited legroom for third-row passengers. Adding to the Qashqai+2's appeal is
the SUV styling, family hatchback running costs, refinement, the comfortable
ride, good grip, nicely weighted steering and, of course, the added two seat
accommodation that can alternatively provide more load space. — David
Miles
Nissan Qashqai+2 Acenta 2.0 | £18,749
Maximum speed: 118mph | 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
Overall test MPG: 38.1mpg | Power: 138bhp | Torque: 144lb ft
CO2 197g/km | VED Band F £210 | Insurance group 8
“The
Qashqai ‘crossover’
has been