Nissan Qashqai (2007-) Review

On the road

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While not as good as a Focus or Golf, the Qashqai offers a more car-like driving experience than other high-riding cars, thanks to a low centre of gravity and independent suspension which strikes a good balance between ride comfort and reduced body roll. The electric power steering feels remarkably connected to the front wheels and provides a decent indication as to what's going on where tarmac meets rubber.

The manual gearbox has a decent movement to it, but isn't as smooth as the class leaders. The CVT, with its manual shift override function, promises a sporty drive, but fails to fully deliver as you too often find it hunting between ratios.

As standard, all Qashqais are front-wheel drive - All-Mode four-wheel drive is an option on only the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel models. The front-drive versions feel a little more sprightly and more precise through corners than the 4wd version, although you can feel the substantial weight of the car (from 1,297kg to 1,685kg depending on engine/transmission) beneath you as you change direction.

The optional 4wd system can be switched, via a chunky dial on the centre console, between front-wheel drive, a full 50:50 lock between front and rear axles, or an automatic mode which will adjust the torque distribution as required. Nissan recommends keeping the system in auto mode, so that power will be diverted automatically to the rear wheels if the road conditions dictate.

Nissan is keen to stress that even with 4wd the Qashqai is not a purpose-built off-roader in the manner of the X-Trail, merely that the 4wd option provides the 'added security of four-wheel drive in slippery conditions'. This means it'll be better than a Focus or Megane along a muddy track, but will baulk at the idea of tackling serious mud and rocks.

The diesel 2.0-litre is stronger than the 2.0-litre petrol; it has 147bhp and 236lb ft of torque at 2000rpm, which gives the front-drive version a 0-60mph time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. On the road, it feels strong, with plenty of mid-range pull to get you out of traffic nightmares in the city or to help you make a snatched overtaking manoeuvre on the open road. Four-wheel-drive versions will have their performance dented slightly, even if running in 2wd mode, because of the extra weight of the 4wd componentry.

The smaller 1.5-litre 105bhp diesel has 177lb-ft of torque at 2,000rpm - more than the 2.0-litre petrol - so shouldn't be too much of a slouch on the road. This does 0-62mph in 12.2sec and has a top speed of 108mph.

The flagship petrol model's 2.0-litre 139bhp engine has 144lb-ft of torque. In 2wd manual form 0-62mph takes 10.1sec and a 119mph top speed is possible, but on the road it doesn't feel as lively as the figures suggest, with the engine running out of puff pretty quickly. There's little to be gained from revving the engine past 4,000rpm apart from an unpleasant increase in engine noise.

The entry 1.6-litre petrol musters 113bhp and 115lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-62mph time of 12 seconds and a 109bhp top speed, and it's actually a more pleasant drive, being plenty lively enough.