91 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


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