Road test Nissan Qashqai 1.3 140 CV DCT: the SUV that became a Swiss Army knife

Every segment has always had a pioneer, one that sets a path other brands decide to follow in an attempt to reach the top. It is true that the SUV sector is so crowded today that it is hard to pinpoint its creator, but the Nissan Qashqai stands as one of its first inhabitants. The Japanese firm decided to venture into this new territory in 2007 with a first generation that caused a stir thanks to its laid-back styling and good value for money. But it was in 2013 that the second generation of the Nissan SUV took over and took on the task of its predecessor.

At Highmotor we wanted to get behind the wheel of the Nissan Qashqai equipped with the 140 CV 1.3 petrol engine and DCT automatic gearbox to better understand its success. Without a doubt, this SUV presents itself as a very strong option for anyone considering buying a vehicle capable of carrying the whole family in any situation, but is it really that perfect? Let’s find out.

A smooth styling without great flourishes

In this second generation of the Nissan Qashqai we find a vehicle faithful to its essence but with significant styling changes that have ensured it not only fits into today’s market, but also maintains a sales pace in full sail. Credit where credit is due. Whether or not you like the Japanese SUV, we must acknowledge that its styling works, as the large number of units on our roads attests.

The front end is dominated by a very Japanese design, in which sharp, crisp lines are wrapped around a black grille and chrome details. The front bumper flexes its muscles alongside a black splitter, which adds a certain dose of sportiness to the whole without going overboard. The side showcases the clear SUV DNA of the Qashqai with chrome roof rails and considerable ground clearance.

The rear sits under a spoiler that once again hints at sportiness, although we will later find out whether it is really present in the overall package. Horizontal taillights offer a cleaner, more futuristic design thanks to their elongated shapes. Finally, we find a fairly austere rear bumper apart from two chrome pieces that, fortunately and as a positive point for Nissan, do not try to mimic an exhaust outlet.

A comfortable cabin for all audiences

One of the aspects of the Nissan Qashqai that has won me over most is, without a doubt, its cabin. It combines high doses of comfort with technology and space, a formula that means I find few faults with the Japanese car in this area, but nevertheless we are going to analyse it and draw several conclusions.

When we open the door of the Nissan SUV in Tekna trim -one of the highest-we are greeted by two seats with a slight sporty cut, finished in a pleasant leather upholstery. They are plush and comfortable, hold the body well, and will make the hours spent on board the Qashqai a genuinely pleasant experience. At the same time, a steering wheel of modest dimensions acts as the helm alongside a button panel for controlling various functions, and the flattened lower section is something that doesn’t quite convince me.

Behind it sits an analogue instrument cluster which, although it eschews digitalisation, does not look dated. I cannot say the same of the infotainment system, which is represented by a 7-inch screen. It is true that it features agile, fluid software and even allows connection to our smartphone via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but the truth is that it feels somewhat outdated compared with the competition in terms of its look and finish.

The materials used to bring the Qashqai to life have surprised me in a good way, since we find various soft plastics and even certain areas trimmed in leather, meaning the hard plastic has been reserved for less frequently touched parts. The door grab handles, part of the centre console and the dashboard show finishes that have little or nothing to envy from its main rivals. The rear seats will comfortably accommodate two adults, although the middle seat is hampered by rather narrow width.

Last but not least, I must tell you about the boot of the Japanese SUV. In this second generation the Qashqai offers a not-to-be-sniffed-at 430 litres, more than enough capacity to carry our luggage on a trip and any other items we need in our day-to-day lives. In addition, this space is complemented by a wide loading aperture and dimensions that make storage easy.

A smooth ride geared towards comfort

Well, the most anticipated moment has arrived, the moment to tell you about what we experience when driving the Nissan Qashqai. Before getting into the details, let me introduce the one responsible for powering the car that accompanied me for a week: the DIG-T 1.3 four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 140 CV of power and 240 Nm of torque.

In this particular case, those figures were managed through the seven-speed dual-clutch DCT automatic gearbox. Without a doubt, this combination is one of the most accurate for those looking for a car capable of tackling long motorway journeys and handling urban environments with remarkable diligence.

The first thing that will surprise us about this engine is its smoothness and the linear, progressive delivery of power. It is a compliant powertrain, capable of moving the Japanese SUV without great effort, yet it does not seek to flaunt high performance, instead offering a smooth, relaxed ride seasoned with enough punch to get out of various situations with ease.

The 240 Nm of torque arrives at just 1,500 rpm, so we feel its force from the very first moments on the rev counter. On the other hand, the 140 CV appear in the upper part of the tachometer, at 5,000 rpm, so we have power across the entire rev range but in a calm manner. At the same time, the DCT automatic gearbox is quick and precise, making gear changes practically imperceptible and thus complementing the smooth ride characteristic of the Qashqai. The same feeling can be experienced when using sequential mode, which shows an impeccable ability to downshift and upshift, although the latter task is slightly slower.

Motorway driving is where the Nissan Qashqai feels most at home, as it proves to be a true scholar at devouring kilometres. Its suspension, which has a tuning that is neither too soft nor too hard, absorbs any road irregularity without fuss, although the 19-inch wheels -standard on the Tekna trim- cause the ride comfort to be slightly compromised. Sound insulation is also notable, a trait accentuated by the easy-going character of its engine. In this context, it is easy to see reflected on the instrument cluster an average consumption of 6.2 litres when we tackle this kind of terrain.

In the city, its rather soft steering, precise but not very communicative, proves to be the perfect ally for successfully negotiating any street and car park. Although it is true that its SUV dimensions -4.39 metres long, 1.80 wide and 1.59 tall- partly hinder the overall package when we want to take on the urban environment. In this setting, consumption starts to flirt with 9 litres, a figure I consider more than reasonable.

On open roads we can detect a somewhat clumsier character from the Qashqai, but it was not designed to tackle this type of journey either. Although the engine does have traits well suited to a hot hatchback, the Qashqai’s suspension and steering cause certain body roll in very tight bends.

Conclusion

Nowadays there are not many vehicles capable of meeting several needs at once, but the Nissan Qashqai is part of that select group. This is why I decided to name this test “the SUV that became a Swiss Army knife”. Without a doubt, the Japanese SUV allows us to get around the city with complete ease and, at the same time, travel with unprecedented comfort.

The 140 CV 1.3 engine can move the Qashqai with vigour and deliver more than reasonable consumption figures. The interior finishes impress in a good way, and its storage capacity also complements the whole very well. It is true that on twisty roads the Nissan SUV does not feel very at home, but it was not designed to tackle such roads either.

The biggest “but” I see in the Japanese SUV? It has already been on the market for six years, which means it looks somewhat dated compared with its main competitors. This is not reflected in its exterior design or in the technology it features, but in the cabin, where information is not displayed through the latest resources from the Japanese house.

The Nissan Qashqai equipped with this engine, the DCT gearbox and the Tekna trim has a starting price of 25,350 euros. In the case of our test unit, the figure rises to 32,100 euros -27,100 euros with financing-. Without a doubt, the Qashqai is one of the most balanced SUVs on the market and, thanks to a value for money that is hard to beat, we can place it near the top of the segment.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverNissan Qashqai19 versions · from 32,200 €