Nissan Qashqai Tekna Road test by Nick Fletcher W


HEN IT WAS LAUNCHED BACK IN 2007, THE NISSAN QASHQAI WAS A PIONEER OF THE FAMILY


SUV, SETTING A NEW STYLE OF HIGH- RIDING AND RUGGED-LOOKING MODELS WITH WIDE APPEAL AND BOOMING SALES. Many SUV rivals have entered


the fray since, but the Qashqai has continued to evolve and latest versions can still compete with the best of them. Priced from £19,995, the Qashqai offers petrol and diesel engines with varying power outputs and manual and auto gearboxes My test model was the 1.5 litre 113 hp diesel in upper-spec Tekna trim and priced at £29,950 - its plus-points include very good fuel economy of 52.9 mpg and low emissions of just 112 g/km. Top speed is 114 mph and


the 0-60 mph time is 13.0 seconds. Out and about, this two-wheel-drive Qashqai is very pleasing, with smooth power flow and a slick auto-change gearbox. The suspension set-up is slightly softer than in rivals such as the Skoda Karoq and gives a supple comfortable ride. The steering is also adjustable for normal and sport modes. The Qashqai’s sleek styling and eye-


catching front grille help make it quite distinctive and an upgraded cabin with soft-touch materials give a classy ambience. The dashboard is well laid out for easy use with clear dials and switches. and the driving position is excellent with good all-round visibility. Seating is comfortable and well- supported and there is plenty of rear seat space even for taller adults. The rear seats split-fold for load


versatility but unlike some rivals, do not slide forward. Boot space is not largest in class at 403 litres but can be expanded to a substantial 1,598 litres by dropping the rear seats flat, and there is also a useful variable-height boot floor to aid loading. Equipment level on this Tekna model is extensive and includes front, rear and side-view cameras, cruise control with speed limiter, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, premium sound system, sat-nav, park-assist, touch-screen infotainment centre, digital radio, Bluetooth, and connectivity features. Safety kit includes driver alert, blind- spot and moving object warning, auto-emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and front and rear parking sensors. The Qashqai may be the original SUV pioneer but in latest form it still cuts a dash in this image-conscious market sector. Visit Vospers Plymouth to book your test drive.


Marsh Mills, Plymouth, PL6 8AY Tel: 01752 636404


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164