Nissan’s expanded Qashqai range is still one of our top picks

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is “What is the best car?” This is a loaded question and my response is usually the same; “Depends on what sort of car you are looking for...” If they're talking sports cars and the like, my list is long and often surprising, but when they're being a little more sensible, I too am more level-headed.

The Compact SUV and SUV market is the only market in South Africa that has shown positive growth over the last 12 months, despite an increase in new car prices. I attribute this largely to the recent offerings from the manufacturers, which in all honesty, have been very, very good. There are just so many well-rounded vehicles to choose from, that I understand the reason for the question.

Nissan's Qashqai impressed us when we first drove it, with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor and a CVT gearbox. While the 'box may not have been all that great, the impression remained. That's why we revelled in the chance to try out the 1.2 turbo-petrol version with a manual gearbox. 2016 saw Nissan augment their fleet with the addition of the 1.2T Acenta Xtronic auto and a range topping 1.6T with a manual gearbox. While we climbed onboard the cross between the two (1.2 and manual), we kept in mind how the competition has improved and wanted to see if the Qashqai still has what it takes to go up against the competition.

Exterior

It's comforting to see that the Nissan Qashqai hasn't dated as fast as we thought it would. This shape has been around a little while and while some of the opposition is already looking a little tired, the combination of creases and curves in the Qashqai's sheet metal is standing up surprisingly well.

The proportions are great, and they imply that the SUV is larger that its dimensions propose, with ample ground clearance and a tall side profile. LED lighting in the form of DRLs up front and attractive, angular taillights highlight either end of the form in a sporty fashion. With the new X-Trail adopting similar design cues, the Qashqai may still have a good few years in it yet before requiring a facelift.

The large black 19-inch wheels with their machined faces offset the dark wheel arch and side trimmings. The design is fresh and inventive without looking like it’s trying too hard. Despite the low profile 225/45 tyres, the ride is still supple enough. You will know that you are on a set of firmer tyres, but nothing that becomes unbearably uncomfortable.

Interior

The interior of the Qashqai has always been one of its strong points. The perceived quality of all the panels is astoundingly high and once you've spent some time behind the wheel, you realise that it is, in fact, bolted together extremely well. The 1.2T is not going to give you leather as standard but the supple cloth seats are still stylish and comfortable, encouraging you to take a journey that is longer than necessary.

The clean and elegant profile of the dashboard draw your eyes to the center console and in the 1.2T you will have to suffice with a CD / radio and no infotainment system, but a USB port and AUX input, along with Bluetooth connectivity, means that you can still enjoy your own entertainment. The neat, logical layout of the fascia sees the automatic climate controls fall easily to hand and audio controls, along with cruise control and telephony can be activated and manipulated via the multifunction steering wheel. As a result, you're actually getting a lot of the convenience of the larger models, in what is essentially, the entry level Qashqai.

Noise levels are very low and cabin insulation is top-notch, not a rattle or squeak to be found. You will hear a little of the engine rumble at higher RPM and sadly, that is a reality as the little motor does need to be worked occasionally.

Engine

It’s been said before and it warrants saying again; in this day and age, one cannot judge a car by its displacement. Despite small capacity motors, specific power levels are higher than ever. Some of the most interesting cars I’ve driven have tiny, sub-2-litre power plants and the same goes for the engine fitted to the 1.2T Acenta Qashqai. With economy and safety in mind, manufacturers are pushing for lightweight but solid construction. A lighter car is a more efficient car and allows a smaller motor to be fitted. Turbocharging and direct injection combined allows for higher power outputs without any unnecessary reliability concerns.

The 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine develops 85kW at 4500rpm along with 190Nm peaking at 2000rpm. Nissan quotes consumption figures of 6.2l/100km on average and while we didn’t manage to hit those numbers, the overall fuel consumption was respectable enough for us to call the Qashqai ‘Efficient’.

My major gripe with the motor is the stark contrast between that 2000rpm torque peak and anything under that, where the Qashqai feels positively limp. This necessitates a change in ones driving habits, either riding the clutch off the line or using a little more revs than you’re accustomed too. Over that 2000rpm threshold, then all is well, but under it, it genuinely feels underpowered for the size. A minor criticism.

Where the CVT gearbox was the niggle in the 1.5 dCi, in the 1.2T Acenta, it’s the motor off-boost. It doesn’t stop it from being a great car, after all, aren’t the most interesting cars flawed ever so slightly? It’s a small quirk that shouldn’t detract from the fact that the Qashqai is still one of my top-rated SUVs on the market today.

The Nissan Qashqai 1.2T Acenta retails for R345 900 and is sold with a 6-year and 150 000km warranty with a service plan covering 3-years and 90 000km with intervals every 1-year or 15 000km.