• New Qashqai tops the original of the species

    by  • August 13, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

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    2014 Nissan Qashqai exterior front right static

    The new Nissan Qashqai is a good looking crossover SUV

    Nissan has gone to the moon and back for the new Nissan Qashqai.

    Ok, that may be a slight overstatement, but the Japanese car company has based the seats in the new model crossover on Nasa research. The driver lumbar support in said vehicle was ‘Nasa inspired’.

    The Qashqai was the car that started the crossover, or compact, SUV revolution and the new model is bigger than the outgoing one, with a distinct American look to it. It’s not too dissimilar, in black, to the imposing looking FBI cars you see in the movies.

    It’s big and chunky and our top of the range SVE model had a very plush light coloured leather upholstery. As you’d expect, there’s great legroom back and front. Headroom is good too.

    Our test car had a beautiful panoramic sunroof and heated seats, both standard on the SVE trim.

    With a low transmission tunnel, three adults would fit comfortably in the back. There’s also a pull down armrest, if there are just two rear passengers.

    The driving position in this car is lovely – nice and high and really comfortable.

    The cabin has a premium feel to it – from soft touch finishes to glossy surrounds on the impressive looking 7in colour touch screen infotainment unit.

    2014 Nissan Qashqai interior cockpit

    The cabin in the Nissan Qashqai has a hardwearing but luxurious feel to it

    There is a plethora of remote controls on the steering wheel, making it complicated looking at first glance. It’s actually quite simple though – just volume control, and easy to use speed limiter and cruise control.

    There are also lots of storage cubbies – with good size door bins which hold bottles upright.

    The glove compartment is a decent size, and there’s a deep, covered armrest storage box between the front seats, with a media shelf. It houses the 12V/USB/Aux ports.

    The infotainment system in this car is great, with easy to use radio, CD, Bluetooth phone and music streaming. Audio quality is good.

    The car has a good, easy to follow SatNav – the directions also pop up in the centre console in front of you. This space can also be used for a digital speed readout, which I love.

    An excellent 360 degree camera, standard on the SVE trim, gives a bird’s eye view of your car – particularly handy when you’re reversing or trying to get into a tight spot.

    The boot in the Qashqai is big, with a clever boot divider, meaning smaller items don’t fly around unsecured. The rear seats also fold flat – giving extra cargo space – and the tonneau cover, or parcel shelf, can be stored underneath the floor of the boot.

    Our route in this car took us through city streets, up the mountains, on the motorway, and on country roads.

    2014 Nissan Qashqai interior boot rear seats folded

    The rear seats in the Nissan Qashqai lie flat when folded, increasing the boot space

    Drivability in this six-speed manual 1.5l diesel is very good and it was really planted to the ground, with not much body roll. Suspension was also excellent – you don’t feel the bumps at all.

    Steering is precise, but there’s not much feedback.

    Despite its size, the Qashqai is lovely in the city, smooth and easy to drive, and the 360 camera makes parking a doddle.

    You’re in no doubt that you’re driving a big car though and if the camera isn’t a priority I’d recommend at least opting for parking sensors as the pillars at the front and the back of the car are quite chunky and the rear window itself is small, all of which impair vision when reversing.

    The Qashqai is fast enough at the lights, acceleration isn’t crazy but it’s enough to get you away swiftly at busy urban roundabouts.

    The electric parking brake releases itself as you pull away and hill starts aren’t a problem, thanks to Hill Start Assist, which is standard.

    Acceleration was also good on the motorway and the car was quite fun on the mountains.

    Our test car was also fitted with Lane Departure Warning, which beeps when you cross over the white line without indicating. It was a pain on narrow local roads though but can be turned off.

    Overall, I liked the new Qashqai. It looks well, boasts a spacious, quality interior, and, perhaps most importantly, it drives well.

    The new Nissan Qashqai is available now, with prices starting from €24,495. Prices for the top of the range SVE model I was driving start from €29,595.

    Tech Spec
    Engine: 1.5 DCi 110PS manual
    Acceleration: 0-100kph in 11.9seconds
    Maximum Speed: 182kph
    CO2 emissions: 99g/km
    Combined fuel economy: 3.8l/100km
    Annual road tax: €180

    Visit the Nissan Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

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    New Nissan Qashqai from €24,495