Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £14,200 to £23,800
Decent kit levels, agile drive.
Expensive, impaired economy, confused styling, limited versatility, doesn't offer much new.
An unconventional looking family hatch that's actually pretty conventional.
The Qashqai will hold five passengers, but those of a taller persuasion are best off in the front as the sloping roofline robs headroom in the back. Space inside is comparable to a Megane, although some people will prefer the Nissan's raised seating position. The rear wheel arch encroaches a long way into the back door aperture, which could hinder entry and egress for anyone less than 100% able bodied.
With three in the back, elbow room is at a premium and the central transmission tunnel robs much needed legroom for the middle person. Unless the front seats are moved at least halfway forward on their runners, rear passengers will be kneeing the backs of the front seats.
Oddments storage is limited to a chilled glovebox and some slim door pockets; a bottle of drink will fit in them, but not much else. Two cupholders sit between the front seats along with a deep armrest cubby capable of holding six CD cases. Some models benefit from a drawer under the front passenger seat to keep valuables away from prying eyes. Annoyingly, there's no easy-to-reach cubby to hold a mobile.
Wind noise is present at high motorway speeds, but engine noise only becomes noticeable at high revs.
The interior doesn't have any special seat swivelling/sliding/disappearing tricks. The seats simply fold - not quite flat - to making room for items up to 90cm in length; they do not tumble forwards, and versatility is thus rather limited. Boot space is 410 litres with the seats and parcel shelf in place, rising to 660 with the seats folded, and the load bay is on the shallow side.
The three trim levels, Visia, Acenta and Tekna, are offered with all four engines. Standard kit includes air conditioning, 16" alloys, electric windows and mirrors, and a single-CD four-speaker stereo system. A Bluetooth mobile hands-free kit is also fitted to all Qashqais to keep you legal on the move.
Moving up to Acenta level gives you auto lights and wipers, cruise control, dual climate control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, alarm and a six-CD autochanger with an extra pair of speakers. Top-spec Tekna models get black or brown leather trim, 17" alloys and a full-length sunroof.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Nissan QASHQAI
wrote on 23 09 2007
wrote on 22 09 2007
wrote on 08 04 2007
wrote on 18 01 2007