The Nissan QASHQAI is still a well put together compact SUV.
Before everyone else got on the bandwagon, the QASHQAI was one of the first small SUVs out of the current crop of modern designs.
It’s neatly presented, well-equipped, lively and agile and is fitted with a 2.0 litre petrol and CVT drivetrain.
Exterior
The top model Nissan QASHQAI Ti is a smart looking thing with beautiful alloy wheels.
It’s a tight compact package with no protuberances.
Black plastic edge the side skirts, wheel arches and the front lip which, combined with the angular grille creates an appearance of an under bite.
There are nice lines and curves across the dashboard with a few silver and glossy black inserts insert create some interest.
The touchscreen is on the small side, and I’m not keen on the small buttons along its borders.
The centre console storage could be bigger but a little slot behind the cup holders makes up for this.
Interior space is average as is the legroom and you don’t have a squashed feeling contained inside the small SUV.
Most notably you get good visibility and storage space in the boot as an acutely sloping tailgate/windscreen is not a feature of the QASHQAI.
Features
The smooth leather seats are comfortable to sit on and nice to look at.
The QASHQAI could do with more padding on the doors. The outside has proximity keyless entry.
I’m not a fan of the steering wheel buttons; they’re blocky and small and are better presented in other makes.
Boot space is a decent size given the vehicle dimensions and the floor as two removable panels for increased storage.
- Heated, powered seats
- Electric park brake auto hold
- Push button ignition
- Panoramic roof
- Dual climate control
You get surprisingly good vigour from the aspirated 2.0L engine which isn’t made to work hard to move the small chassis.
While there is no added sport mode, cos of its small size, the Nissan QASHQAI is quite lively off the mark even without turbo.
Naturally it’s easy to manoeuvre and the CVT doesn’t get too much in the way of acceleration.
You feel quite at one with the vehicle, it handles well and a compliant ride however, steering may be a bit vague.
Safety
- Lane departure
- Blind spot detection (indicator inside door)
- Adaptive cruise control speed limiter
- Included features
- Unassisted engine performance
- Fuss free drive
Not So Good Bits
- Small storage spaces
- Button size on dash and wheel
Overall it’s a no fuss ride with no outstanding issues in a well-balanced and presented package.
It’s often hard to find a good balance of drive quality, attractive styling, safety, and features and the QASHQAI possesses all those qualities for an affordable price.
The Nissan QASHQAI Ti should be at the top of the list for buyers considering a smaller SUV.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Nissan QASHQAI Ti
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder petrol producing 106kW/200Nm
- Transmission: CVT
- Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: UK
- Price: from $37,990