We review the Nissan Qashqai 360 from price to economy and all its features
Extraordinary success ... Nissan Qashqai
FAMILY car buyers invariably have to compromise.
They want a vehicle to be fashionable and look good – but what they need is a car that is practical to meet the demands of a young family.
What Nissan delivered with the original Qashqai was a no-compromise car that didn’t look like a hatchback – it was more interesting, more roomy – but which cost a similar price. Bingo.
It even came with the option of four-wheel drive for families in rural areas and provided the option of seven seats in the +2 version.
But Nissan have not sat back and basked in the Qashqai’s big sales.
A minor facelift in 2011 smartened up the headlights and grille to give even more visual appeal and now they’ve brought out a 360 version to continue the momentum.
But the attraction of the Qashqai 360 remains the same basic formula – big on space and practicality, with ultra-economical engines and that high-up seating position that mum, dad and the kids like.
Qashqais also come equipped with Bluetooth, satnav, air con, glove box cooler and 360° monitor that gives you a screen view all around the car – perfect for parking.
I tested the 1.6litre diesel – the best engine – which delivers a useful mix of reasonable performance and the now-vital fuel economy figure of just over 60mpg. And it’s tax-friendly at 119g CO2 emissions.
There are also 1.5 and 2litre turbo diesels, plus a 1.6litre turbo petrol.
The Qashqai’s handling is very similar to a hatchback, though not quite as agile on cornering. But it’s still a relaxing and comfortable drive.
Prices for the Qashqai Visia 1.6 petrol are from £16,595 – haggle and you’ll get a few hundred off – with the 360 starting at £19,945 and going up to £27,095 for the seven-seat 4x4 +2 model.
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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A USED NISSAN QASHQAI MK1 (2007-2013)
The Qashqai has performed well in reliability and quality surveys, including those by JD Power and Warranty Direct. Nissan is also generally well-rated in the UK — behind the other Japanese manufacturers, but ahead of most of the rest.
Diesels used mainly for short low-speed journeys have suffered sooting-up of their particulate filters.
There have been problems with rear shock absorbers, and reports of other small niggles including leaking windscreens, weedy air con and trim defects. Additionally we have seen some geabox issues with the CVT and in 2.0 dCi diesels.
Nissan has been forced into recalls for front suspension and steering faults - that could lead to a loss of vehicle control.
There have also been issues with seizing air conditioning compressors, stalling engines, leaks from particulate filters and fuel filter hose and electric power steering failures - a fairly lengthy list.
Make sure any Qashqai you’re considering has had these jobs done.