Nissan: Qashqai continues to make strong points
CROSSOVER It is the most successful Nissan model in Europe. In its third generation, the Qashqai has broken through the three million mark. Across Europe, Nissan holds a market share of 3.7 percent. The Qashqai played a decisive role in this: its sales increased in 2017 (+1.2 percent), with 265,520 vehicles handed over to European customers. Production in Sunderland, UK, reached a record [...]
Nissan has a market share of 3.7 percent across Europe. The Qashqai played a key role in this: its sales increased in 2017 (+1.2 percent), with 265,520 vehicles handed over to European customers. Production in Sunderland, UK, even reached a new all-time high of 346 856 units. This makes the Qashqai the most successful Nissan model in Europe. We drove it with the top gasoline engine under the hood.
Everyday suitability and attractiveness
What makes the Qashqai so successful is its character as an urban crossover that combines the everyday practicality and appeal of an SUV with the dimensions, driving characteristics and running costs of a compact car. The interior in particular has been upgraded for the third generation. The new steering wheel, for example, is flattened at the bottom to make it easier to get in and out.
Noticeable are the improvements in driving
Nissan has gone one better in comfort, steering and handling. New damper tuning, reduced spring rates and modified rubber components contribute to smoother body movements and improved damping, while the stiffer anti-roll bar optimizes handling characteristics. The fact that it has become quieter inside the vehicle is also due to the optimized sound insulation material in the doors and behind the rear wheel arches. This makes the first-class sound system from Bose twice as much fun.
Relaxed driving with 6-speed manual transmission
The 163 hp of the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine in our test vehicle moved the 4×2 efficiently yet with sufficient power through the day. With the precisely controlled 6-speed manual transmission, the gears were smoothly engaged in no time. The Qashqai spoils the driver with straightforwardness and comfort at a high level. Prices start at 22,990 francs (Visa model with 115 hp).
