Nissan Qashqai: Everything you want from a family SUV?

By Ané Theron

 

While the popular Qashqai is due for an update soon, there are still many reasons to get your hands on a good quality, pre-loved current model. If you're a family man or woman, even more so. Let's take a look at what the entry-level Qashqai offers.

 

1. It comes extensively specced with safety equipment

If you're a parent, then safety is probably a big concern for you. The least expensive model in the line-up, the  Qashqai 1.2T Visia, R351 900, has ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill-start assist, traction and stability control, and six airbags. Daytime driving lights as well as fog lamps (front and rear) are standard, as are time-delay headlamps and privacy glass. There are ISOFIX mountings on the rear seats for the kiddie-seats too.

2. There are comfort and convenience features aplenty

The driver also has satellite buttons on the steering wheel to his disposal, so his eyes can stay firmly glued to the road ahead. All models have Bluetooth/radio/audio streaming functionality, USB port and a trip computer. Cruise control is also standard, and there's a sunglass holder to keep your sunnies scratch-free. The rear-view mirror is of the electro-chromatic variety, meaning you won't be dazzled by the bright headlamps of vehicles behind you. The driver's seat also offers lumbar adjustment and there's dual zone climate control so both front passengers can be equally satisfied with the cabin temperature. There's always that one occupant who's too hot while the other one freezes...

3. The second row is roomy, and the boot is spacious too

The Qashqai boasts decent legroom for the rear passengers, and the boot is a generous 430 litres which can be increased to up to 1585 litres with the second row folded completely flat.  The second row can also be split 60:40 in order to transport longer items. You never know when you'll have to fit Junior's tuba into the car for a concert.

4. Did someone say ultra-low fuel consumption?

While it's really the 1.5-litre turbodiesel derivatives that are the true stars of the fuel economy show (yes, 4.2 litres per 100 km is not just the manufacturer's figure, but a reality), the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol Qashqai  (with 85kW and 190Nm) is not too far behind with 6-7.5 litres. This means you'll get over a thousand kays on a single tank if you don't drive like a hooligan in a hurry. (Read our road test of the flagship Nissan Qashqai 1.5DCI Tekna here.)

5. Nissans are reliable, and a decent warranty and service plan helps to seal the deal

The Qashqai is sold with a 3-year / 90 000 km service plan, a 6-year / 150 000 km mechanical warranty and 6 years / 150 000 km of roadside assistance, should you get into any kind of real trouble that requires a tow or a roadside fix. Nissans are also backed by an extensive dealer network, and parts availability is never an issue. Parts pricing is also affordable.